Since Facebook changed its algorithm and engagement began to drop, many businesses have been looking to other social media sites to increase interaction with potential audiences. Google+ has been a beneficiary of that Facebook drain. People are realizing that it can be easier to get the interaction they want via Google+, which has many opportunities for engagement that Facebook does not.
To really get the most out of your Google+ account, try these six unique strategies for increasing engagement.
1. Post at the Right Time
Just as there are times when it’s optimal to post on Facebook or Twitter, there are times when you can reach the greatest number of Google+ users as well. Try to share either between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Fridays. This is when usage hits its peak – during lunch hour the last day of the week or right before people head out to have fun on the weekends.
2. Experiment with Circles
Circles are an element unique to Google+ that allow you to separate your contacts by different groups. You can put people who you think fit together into these circles and then reach them with specialized information. It’s especially useful for businesses that want to pitch different things to different people. For instance, if you sell bracelets and rings, you may want to target those who have already bought bracelets with ring-related posts and vice versa.
3. Get a Google Rel=Author Tag
You know how much Google loves for you to use its many platforms? Well, incorporating the rel=author tag, essentially a byline that you carry around the web with you, will pay off with big dividends in Google+, driving people to your page and helping to establish you as an expert in your chosen field. That will drive up engagement as people search you out.
4. Try Out a GIF
GIFs can make you laugh, but they also serve another purpose: They’re highly engaging on Google+. They show that your company is tech-savvy and also has a sense of humor, and people love to comment on things that pique their interest. Google+ photos can automatically create GIFs, which makes this an even easier tool.
5. Use Images Every Time
Overall, people tend to engage more with posts that have images across all social media sites. Every time you post, include some type of image to keep people engaged. For example, the Google+ page for OilScams.org, an organization to educate oil and gas investors, includes photos with the news articles it posts as resources.
6. Don’t Just Host Hangouts, Attend Them
Of course, it’s not surprising that hosting a Google+ Hangout will increase engagement, because you get to interact with people who have sought you out. But it’s also a good idea to do Hangouts that aren’t for your company. See where the people in your circles are congregating and go hang with them. Examine what they’re asking and what their concerns are, and see how you can address them both on your web site and in your social media strategy.
