Google+ might be the newest kid on the social media block, but it already has a steady and devoted following. And with Google's ever-increasing popularity, there has never been a better time to join the ranks of businesses that are using it. If you are already investing time, money and effort several in other social media sites, you might be hesitant to add another one to the list. However, that would be a bad and potentially costly idea. Here are 5 reasons why Google+ is definitely no minus.

Reason #1 - Google+ Posts Can Equal High-Ranking ResultsQuick messages and text updates can come and go, and be easily lost or forgotten in the daily social media shuffle. And while that may be okay for personal pages, it's bad for businesses. With Google+, your posts can turn into high-ranking Google search results. These posts can provide vital online visibility for your business and improve your PageRank and engagement levels.

Reason #2 - Circles Make Selective Updating Easy

When you add someone to your circles and they add you back, it creates an effective way to target them. You can place individuals and businesses in as many specific circles as you choose. Now you can send messages to just your employees, or make special offers to only your top customers. Just create your update and choose the circle or circles you want. Fast and simple.

Reason #3 - Integration with the Rest of the Google FamilyEven if your business doesn't use Google+ yet, chances are good that you are using other Google products. Gmail, YouTube, Google Adwords and Google Docs are all part of the Google package. By using Google+, you'll save time and effort by being able to connect all of these accounts and avoid multiple log-ins to separate ones. Google makes moving from one account to another quick and painless.

Reason #4 - It's Better for Businesses

While every social media site gives a business the opportunity to communicate with customers, they are not all created equal. Most of them are used for specific purposes-exchanging links, friendly socializing and professional networking-that are not business oriented. Google+ businesses pages are geared towards exactly that: business pages. The people who come to find you will be deliberately seeking you out. Google+ has no brand distinction, which means there will be no reason to avoid your page. Google+ also makes it easy to merge with them, another time-saving advantage.

Reason #5 - Direct Interaction with Customers

Some social media sites don't have an effective way for a business to communicate with customers. Interaction is limited or dependent on other conditions like someone writing to you first. Google+ allows you to have full direct communication as soon as they follow your page. This allows you to relate to them as individual followers. You can have meaningful exchanges on a variety of levels instead of having a one-size-fits-all post on a wall. By personalizing your interaction with followers, you add a special touch that will remind them about your business and keep them coming back.

About the Author

Scott Morgan is a board certified Austin divorce lawyer who regularly blogs on the subject of divorce and family law, as well as how to market a law practice. You can read his blog at http://austindivorcespecialist.com/blog/.

Thanks for reading. Jason.
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