Google has officially released Google pages for a select few companies, organizations and celebrities. These are what people originally called Google Busines pages, as companies wanted to create Google+ accounts for their business similar to Facebook fan pages. It has take Google quite some time to finally complete the addition, but it looks like it will help them compete better with Facebook.

Sign-up now for Google + Business Pages

When Google+ was originally completed they wanted to create people to people connections and give birth to the fledgling social network in a slow methodical way. Many people did not wait for Google pages and made Google+ profiles for their organization. Google eventually banned these accounts in a controversial decision that they later admitted was rather regrettable. With this new release businesses are able to create pages that are very similar to profiles that allow people the accept into their circles. Businesses are not able to send messages to any circle they choose. Google pages must be accepted into a circle by users to be able to post messages and engage in conversations. This will help prevent spammers from ruining legitimate channels of information.

Create your Business Page

Google pages is an excellent way for businesses to connect with potential consumers, or customers that they have dealt with in the past. This will be a strong tool to add to any organizations SEO campaign. Google+ is a hot topic that has a lot of buzz surrounding its development. The more interest that is created, the more popular the network will become. It is very beneficial for businesses to become established within their industry related circles while the network is still young. The longer a business has had a Google pages, the more credibility it will give them with consumers and possibly Google.

Google is moving towards an internet model that stresses authorship. They want to be able to associate content with a writer or business. The days of anonymous posts and articles is slowing falling behind us. Google pages is a great way to build an early foundation as a quality source of information within your industry. It is no secret that Google is now taking social interaction into account with their search results. Currently Facebook and Twitter are probably the main indicators for current events. But as Google+ gets larger they will most likely shift an emphasis onto their own service. Google would never do that right? I know Google has a reputation for being as clean as a puritan, but lets face it, business is business and promoting their own products will always be one of the most important goals for the company. They already engage in some pretty interesting tax procedures that allow them to pay a very small percentage on any international income. It is not hard to imagine Google plugging their own social network, at least not for me.

Today’s launch of Google+ Pages can help people transform their queries into meaningful connections, so we’re rolling out two ways to add pages to circles from Google search. The first is by including Google+ pages in search results, and the second is a new feature called Direct Connect.  @ Googleblog.blogspot

Adding Google pages to search results is going to do wonders for many businesses that create their pages quickly. Being the first company in your industry to start a Google page can allow you to rank for relevant keywords just from the Google+ profile. Especially when you take in consideration the fact that Google will probably have preferential treatment for their social network over others. The announcement today also made it clear that only a few companies were going to have the ability to create a Google page. They are still in the testing stages, but I have heard reports of people being able to create a page.

Pepsi Google Plus Page

Google really hopes this update to their social network will encourage more people to join. The pages are a nice addition, but they don’t really offer anything better than what Facebook is already providing. This could be the downfall of Google+ as many social networking addicts are reluctant to switch from a platform they are comfortable with. The ability to directly connect with other business pages in your industry is something nice that Facebook cannot provide, but it might not be enough to convince the majority of social media users to switch services.

Even if people are not interested in joining Google+ because it is just not necessary, it should be something all organizations do to promote their business or cause. Free online exposure that can potential rank well in the SERP’s is too good to ignore. The idea of having a “hangout” with my favorite coffee shop is a rather amusing thought, but with the development of Google pages that type of behavior could be right around the corner. I would suggest all businesses start working on their Google page today if they are currently able.

www.google.com/+/business