How important is it to have a Google+ page for your business? That is the question.

If you’re like most marketing-minded people, you may be wondering how having a Google+ page can benefit your company, if at all. Because, let’s face it, you probably already have a lot on your plate when it comes to managing your online presence, from your website to regular Facebook updates to Tweets to LinkedIn discussions and beyond.

So how necessary is it to add yet another form of social media communication to your ever-growing list?

My answer: Seeing as how Google remains the leader in terms of search engine market share with 82%,* I firmly believe it’s best to get on board with what they do. Being in Google’s good graces can only be beneficial from a marketing standpoint, as people prefer it as the #1 search engine. It’s often the first place people go when they want to buy something or find out more about a product or company. So it’s a good place for your business to be prominent.

I have a sneaking suspicion Google will ultimately reward companies who are willing to drink the metaphorical Google+ Kool-Aid, especially considering the amount of money Google has likely invested in developing a social media tool that competes with the likes of Facebook, Twitter and, of late, Pinterest (all of which are currently outperforming Google+ in terms of daily traffic).**

While I’m not sure that as of today (April 13, 2012), Google+ is the best tool for companies aiming to increase brand exposure and awareness; communicate with current and potential new customers; and, of course, sell things, it can still serve as a useful means of communication for your company. Plus, thanks to the +1 button, Google+ can also potentially help your SEO efforts. So setting aside a few minutes each day to post and keep your Google+ content updated can only help your business.

In conclusion, while Google continues to work out the kinks and come up with new ways for businesses to make the most of the relatively new Google+ social media platform, it is certainly worth getting a Google+ page set up so your business can establish a presence. And keeping your business’ Google+ page updated on a daily or even bi-weekly basis with fresh, useful and engaging content is probably a good idea as well. Google has invested a lot of money to make the new Google+ a success, and I have a strong feeling they will ultimately reward the companies that dive in.

Get Google+ for your business here.

Note: We at SoftRock Inc., a media company headquartered in Orlando, Florida, have embraced our Google+ page as an internal communication tool. See our Google+ page here.

*http://www.netmarketshare.com/search-engine-market-share.aspx?qprid=4

** According to data from March 2012, Pinterest is the third most popular social media platform in the United States. Facebook is at 7 billion total visits, Twitter is at 182 million visits, and Pinterest is next with 104 million and gaining quickly. Pinterest has surpassed Google+, which only has 61 million visits for the same time period. http://www.thestreet.com/story/11493766/1/pinterest-is-a-77-billion-company.html

Article written by S. Regan, Director of Search Marketing at SoftRock Inc.