Google Plus has been steadily gaining in numbers with the last stats revealing over 90 million users (January 2012). Even though those numbers pale in comparison to the social behemoth that is Facebook, that has resulted in significantly less noise than competing networks and those early birds who joined the race certainly got the worm. Chris Lang has come from what seems like relative obscurity to being a dominant figure on Google+ with over 20,000 followers in 6 months. With little presence on other social networks, I became fascinated at his massive progress with no dependence on other social followings. Despite a quiet presence on other networks, Lang has been very active with Google for a few years with early exposure breaking the news of Google becoming a social network on his blog in 2008. His blog evolved into something called “Google Friend Connect”, a way to understand what people wanted from social via Google. On the opening day of Google+, Chris Lang had already attracted 2000 followers and has gone on to gain 20,000 in the 6 months since the social network’s debut. This has helped him gain the attention of publishing company Sybex who released the hugely successful [...]
How to Promote Your Business With a Google Places Listing
Have you ever typed keywords into Google search before and got a results page with a map on the right side and the first seven websites on the list marked with red balloons from A-G? If you have, then you have found the “Golden Seven”—the seven top businesses Google have in their Google Places listing. Google Places is the Yellow Pages of Google, because more and more people are using Google to search for products and services located near where they are. Depending on your keywords (and the size of your screen), those seven tend to occupy more than the upper half of your screen. Every business wants to be one of the Golden Seven. Depending on the number of competitors in your area, having your business listed—and entered well—in Google Places can get you in, or close to, the Golden Seven. Notice Google already knows your location (reported by your browser) when you type your keywords, so it will present you with businesses close to your area. Here’s a sample search for “pizza delivery okanagan”: Notice there’s no “Golden Seven” and the only result with the red balloon (also seen on the map to the right) is actually fourth [...]
7 Secrets Many LinkedIn Experts Don’t Share
LinkedIn is the No. 17 most visited site on the web according to Alexa.com and because of that LinkedIn marketing has become very popular. It boosts over 135 million members worldwide, and grows by approximately 2 new users every second. It’s the most popular business social network and is an online clubhouse stacked with movers, shakers and a demographic full of purchasing power. It is currently used by 80 of the Fortune 100 companies and has well over 1 Million companies with LinkedIn company pages. These numbers clearly represent the dawn of a new era in professional networking, a growing phenomenon called LinkedIn marketing. LinkedIn has solidified its position as a very powerful tool for professionals to market their companies, their products and themselves. During my experience training, consulting and speaking on social media I have found several ways to leverage LinkedIn for businesses that boost profile traffic and facilitate high levels of engagement. The end goal is to build a more professional relationship with your connections that will evolve into successful partnerships and future opportunities. Are you in…or are you out? LinkedIn Marketing: The 7 Secrets to Success 1. Craft A Catchy Headline Your headline is your opening sales [...]
