If you stay up to date with “net stuff” you’ll have heard about Google +, which is Google’s social media network. It’s a bit like Facebook. You may also have heard that you “must be on there” because it affects how easily people will find your business when they search.

Let’s explain why.

We’ll imagine I run a small business that sells widgets.

In the past

I’ve never been able to compete with the big boys like British Widgets PLC, or International Widgets Corp on Google search. Despite my best efforts, when you, as my friend, typed in “Widget suppliers” in Google, my site would be way down the list.

What’s changed?

I’ve now got a Google + account, and of course, you and I are friends on there. We talk about things we have in common, share photos and do all the other good stuff people do on social media.

Here comes the interesting part:

Now, when you type “Widget suppliers” into Google, the very clever search engine knows that you and I are friends. And it knows that I sell widgets. It puts those two facts together, and it places me at the top of the search for you!

The algorithm that works all this out is fiendishly complicated but the bottom line is this: The more people you are connected to via Google +, the more likely it is that you and your business hits the top of their searches.

So, they are right, you really need to be on Google + if your web presence is a significant driver of business.

More:

1/ How not to promote your business on Facebook

2/ Convert your Facebook profile to a business page

3/ 80% of Canary Islanders use Facebook or Twitter