The document provides guidance on setting up and using social media profiles for businesses on Twitter, Google+, and Google Places. It outlines best practices for creating profiles, including using the business name and including website links. The document also recommends strategies for posting regularly and using hashtags on Twitter as well as customizing profiles and circles on Google+ to engage users and improve search engine rankings.

1. Twitter
Google+
Google Places
For Business

2. Twitter
Why Use Twitter?
● Twitter accounts and Twitter posts rank high in search
engines.
● Twitter has over 200 million users, with 1/3 of them
residing in the United States.
● With an easy "Facebook Posts to Twitter," step, it can
be relatively easy to maintain a Twitter account and take
advantage of search engine optimization.
Can you afford to "skip" Twitter?
● Recent reports show that 70-80% of Twitter accounts
are abandoned.
● Many people use Twitter only to follow news or
celebrities.

3. Twitter - User Name
Setting Your User Name
● User names CAN be changed, however it is
not recommended to do so with an
established account.
● No more than 15 characters. For example:
LakeviewFontana
● This is also known as your Twitter handle:
@LakeviewFontana
● This is your Twitter URL: Twitter.
com/LakeviewFontana

4. Twitter - Your Name
Profile Name (or YOUR name)
1. Always use your business name instead
of your personal name – much greater
recognition. For example: Lakeview at Fontana
2. This is the name that is used when you
follow someone and they receive an email that
you are following them. Oftentimes a new
follower won't know you by your personal
name, but they will remember your business
name.

5. Twitter - Description
● Use http:// (your website) in your 160
character description to make it an active
hyperlink within Twitter search
● Review design options, but remember that
few will return once they visit the first time, if
at all.

6. Promoting Your Twitter Page
Link Facebook Posts to Automatically Post to
Twitter
● Go to Facebook.com/Twitter and follow this
simple wizard to link your Facebook posts to
your Twitter account.
○ When posting on Facebook, make sure the most relevant
part of the post appears in the first 140 characters.
● Place a Twitter icon with active hyperlink on
your email signature and website.
● Place your user name on printed materials (for
example, @innsights)

7. Using Hashtags
If you are going to post directly on Twitter,
make use of hash tags:
By putting the "#" symbol in front of a keyword
at the end of your post, when others search for
this term on twitter, your post will show in the
search results.

8. Posting Strategy
● Post on Facebook 4-5 times per week.These posts will
also post on Twitter.
● Review your Twitter account once weekly to re-follow
your new followers, follow new people/businesses, and
check for "mentions" and "re-tweets."

9. Why Google+
● It is powered by search engine giant Google.
● Google is highlighting Google+ content in
search results
● Google+ has over 85 million users and
growing.
● It offers video chats (called hangouts),
something no other social media account
offers.

10. Google+ Set Up
1. Choose an accessible Gmail account. You
can set up additional administrators later.
2. To create your business page, visit www.plus.
google.com/pages/create
3. Fill out all the sections with images and top
focus keywords you want to rank for in
search.
4. Follow the wizard. It prompts you to promote
your page, but it is recommended that you
customize your page further and start sharing
a few updates before you begin telling the

11. Online Tutorial
Select Category
Customize profile
● tagline and logo
● use engaging photos for scrapbook
● Include active hyperlinks within descriptions
● Remember to include your website in the
field provided
Go to profile, edit profile and add links in the
right column. (partners, chamber, affiliates,
etc.)

12. Manage Settings
From your Google Home page, in the upper
right hand corner, click on the word "settings".
From there you can:
● Manage your general settings and
notifications
● Designate additional managers for your
page.

13. Promoting Your Google+ Page
On your home page, click on "Get Started" on
the left column. From here you can:
● Get a badge for your website.
● Find the link (URL) for your page
● Add +1 Button
Find people to follow
Set up circles

14. Google Places and Local Search
Google Places is essential for any local business
with an address.
A Google Places listing will rank as a local listing
in Google search results - ABOVE organic
results.
A Google Places listing automatically feeds your
business on Google Maps.
Essential marketing tip: Find your listing on
Google Mapes. Use this URL to encourage all of
your customers to leave reviews here. The more
reviews you have, the higher you'll place within

15. To list on Google Places
● Set up your listing at google.com/places.
● Follow the wizard.
● Verification from Google will be required
either in the form of a phone call to your
business or a letter sent by mail.

16. Bing, Yahoo, AOL
Other search engines also have local listings,
just like Google:
Bing: http://www.BingBusinessPortal.com
Yahoo: http://listings.local.yahoo.com/account/

17. Top 11 Business Directories (Free)
1. SuperPages.com
2. YellowBook.com
3. CitySearch.com
4. WCities.com
5. InsiderPages.com
6. MerchantCircle.com
7. Manta.com
8. DMOZ.org
9. HotFrog.com
10. ZoomInfo.com
11. AboutUs.org

18. For a copy of this slide show, visit:
www.SlideShare.net/INNsights