Three tips for developing a Google Plus profile

When it comes to social media marketing for real estate, Google+ is actually superior to more widespread social networks such as Twitter and YouTube, according the Real Estate Marketing Insider (REMI).

In fact, Google+ is now the second largest social network in terms of active users, passing Twitter and ranking only second to Facebook. Google+ has 500 million users, of which 235 million are active, according to Google.

REMI recently published a “Top 3” feature examining the Google+ social network and its potential for Realtors®.

Getting off the ground with a new social network can be tricky. REMI has created these top three tips to help Realtors® get started:

1. Cross-promote. Realtors® can get a following going on a new social network just by advertising it on parallel social networks. Often, Facebook friends and Twitter followers also maintain Google+ accounts, which may lead to other acquaintances on the new profile.
2. Join Google Authorship right away. Google Authorship is the most important advantage over Facebook that Google+ has, in that the content that a Realtor® publishes on Google+ can belong exclusively to the Realtor®. This is important for search engine optimization and to prevent other Realtors® from stealing copy. Trulia, Zillow, and Facebook’s networks all require that Realtors® give up some copyrights. In this context, Google+ is a huge step forward for Realtors®.
3. Add to Circles freely and use them wisely. One other great feature of Google+ is that users can add to Circles without getting approval. This means a Realtor’s® feed can reach a consumer base that may or may not actively want to “friend” the Realtor® or the firm. It also makes for tidy organization of content by type, interest, or any other kind of sorting criteria. A savvy Realtor® can use this feature to direct their content effectively and to the right audience.

Facebook continues to be at the top of social networking popularity, with 693 million active monthly users, or 51 percent of the world’s total Internet users. The social network says it has approximately one billion total users.