How to Create a Kick-Ass Google+ Brand Page

You business needs a Google+ brand page. You know it, your boss knows it, your fans know it. The big questions are 1)How do I create a Google+ brand page, and b)How do I make it awesome?

Setting up your Google+ brand page initially is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Sign in to your Google account, and go to http://www.google.com/+/business/. Click on “Create your Google+ Page”.

2. Next, pick your category. The choices:

• Local Business or Place – Suitable for hotels, restaurants, places, stores, services… This category works for pretty much any local business with a storefront, and requires a phone number so the business can be located on Google Places.
• Product or Brand – Apparel, cars, electronics, financial services.
• Company, Institution or Organization – Companies, organizations, institutions, non-profits…
• Arts, Entertainment or Sports – Movies, TV, music, books, sports, shows…
• Other – Use if your page doesn’t fit in another category.

3. Next, enter your page name, website URL, category, and other information.

4. Fill out your massive ten world profile (yes, you get ten whole words), and upload your logo.

5. Next, if you want, tell all your Google+ friends about your new brand page.

You’re done! Your new Google+ brand page is finished, go have a beer! Wait, it looks like hell, and you want to do more. Well, since you asked…

Google+ Direct Connect

It’d been nice to connect your website right to your Google+ brand page, right? From your brand page, click on “Get started” in the left column, then “Connect your website”.

Create a Kick-Ass Profile Banner

Want the cool five-image banner like all the cool kids? You can do five separate images like TIME Magazine, or a single image spliced into five bits like BMW. The choice is yours. To create a single spliced image like BMW, either do it yourself or use this Google+ banner cutter tool. Then click on the banner area of your brand page and upload the images.

Beef Up Your Profile

Often ignored, the About section of the Google+ brand page is important. Not only does it help users figure out who you are and what you are all about, but the links on the page are followed. Also, don’t forget to add links to all your social communities in the “Recommended links” sidebar. More followed links!

Those are the basics. Now all you have to do is interact with fans, post unique content as often as you can, and just have some fun.