Google is undoubtedly one of the most important tools any small business can utilize. With the release of Google+ in 2011 and its growth and change over the past months, it is important to recognize the power Google optimization has and why your agency should be utilizing it.

Check out these top 5 reasons to jump on the Google+ bandwagon.

1. SEO Rankings The correlation between +1’s or (likes) on your website and content posts to your Google+ business page are being monitored by Google. The more +1’s and shared content the more trusted your business page and the higher probability of movement in search engine results.

2. Business Page– Google+ has a similar business page model to Facebook. You can create a page and manage it using a personal account. The pros of creating a business account include increasing SEO, as mentioned above, but also connecting with industry leaders, clients, and local businesses and it gives an outlet for positive reviews and interaction.

3. Networking– Google+ is a great place to network. It is a more professional outlet than Facebook and focuses on connections rather than friends. The circles feature allows you to group the people and companies you follow, which allows for targeted marketing messages. (Ex. For a post about great restaurants, allow only your local restaurant circle to see that content).

4. Sharing Content– With most social media outlets for business, the goal is to share interesting content and engage potential clients. Google+ is no different; your agency blog is great content to share as well as pertinent insurance news stories, other industry related content and fun information about your community and agency! Having a fundraiser? Post about it!

5. Local Listing – If you manage a listing under the old Google Places do not worry. Google Places and Google+ Local are set to merge; currently the timeline for this merge is hazy, however. The best thing an agency can do is make sure that the correct and consistent information is listed and there are no duplicate listings. How do you do this?

• Create a personal Google+ account using a Gmail address
• Go to  https://www.google.com/+/business/
• Log in using the Google+ Gmail account and search for your business
• Claim your listing
• Make sure that you have filled out all information you can and your Name, Address and Local Phone Number are consistent with your website.

There are some great resources out there to help you along the way. The idea of another social media outlet may make some agency owners grumble, but there isn’t a single one that has the power to improve your business and bottom line like Google+.