Recently, Google has updated Google+ and is now allowing businesses to create their own brand pages on the social network. Creating a brand page for your business will help you connect directly with your customers and also help promote your company. Setting up a Google+ brand page is relatively simple and quick. Here is an easy step by step process that will help you set up your Google+ page for your company:

The first step is to go to http://www.google.com/+/business/ and select the type of business your Google+ page is for. Google has divided your options into 5 categories: a local business or place, a product or brand, a company, institution or organization, and arts, entertainment, or sports. They have also included an "other" category for those that do not fit into any of the other categories listed. You will need to provide a name for your brand's page and a sub-category that describes your business offerings. Google also gives you the option of including an URL for your company's website, and local businesses can add a location on their page as well. Once you fill out all of the necessary information, all you need to do is click "Create" and your business Google+ page is created.

The next step you want to do is to customize your profile. Google allows you to provide a short description to be the tag line for your Google+ business page. It may be wise to include some of your company's targeted keywords in this description if possible. The more details you add, the easier it will be for people to find your page thus increasing your visibility to potential visitors.

The last step would be to inform followers, friends, and current customers about your new Google+ business page. By adding a link from your company's website to your Google+ business page, will help you gain a following. You can also get your custom Google+ badge which is Google+'s version of Facebook's button that links a website to that business' Facebook page.

Once you have your Google+ business page setup, it is important to update it regularly with news and events concerning your business. You should also keep in mind that http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifunlike Facebook, many of the same features of personal Google+ accounts are available to business pages, like the ability to create "hangouts" and write posts. You can use such tools to better inform people in your circles about your brand. Blue Archer, a Pittsburgh web design company, can help you and your business set up a Google+ brand page, as well as any other social media pages.