According to Google “business is about people,” so what is better that using Google's own product, Google Plus, to connect with future clients who are going to look for photographers through Google's search engine!

So why should I use it ?

Your images just look better. It is the best social network site that I have used so far that allows your pictures to look as they are supposed to look without any changes. As a photographer that is very compelling.

Other than the amazing image quality of Google Plus, here are some additional reasons to consider Google Plus for your business:

1- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Once your page is up and running and you are keeping it updated, Google will be better in determining the relevancy of your website and thus allow you to reach your target audience . In other words, having Google Plus connected to your website improves your ranking on Google search results provided that you are updating both your website and Google Plus with relevant content.

2- Location

It is a great way to show up on Google maps when your potential clients are looking for a photographer in a specific geographical location. For example, most of my potential clients begin their research on Google before hiring me to compare prices and to survey the market. Having my website and my studio address pop up on Google search results on the map section puts my business ahead of other photographers in my market who do not show on the map.

3- Connect with Customers

According to US Today in 2013 , Google Plus attract around 500+ million users. The New York Times reported in 2014 that Google Plus is no longer the ghost town. That makes Google Plus the up and coming platform to connect with your clients. Every client who has an Gmail automatically has a Google Plus page. In addition, Google Plus helps photographers update their clients base/ fans/ followers with pictures and recent news from your business. The Google Plus platform is based on following rather than friends making it easier to connect with customers.

4- Reviews

It is a great platform to ask for reviews. Your reviews show up every time a potential client searches for a photographer in your area. The higher your reviews the better the chance of your business/ website getting featured on the top list presented on the Google search engine map (if client searches using a desktop or Google Maps app).

As a wedding photographer, I integrate reviews ( I call it raves! ) in my website and it has been a great way for my potential clients to see what my previous clients have to say about my work. Having Google Plus will be a great tool to collect authenticated reviews and then showcase it to my website.

So How Do I utilize this amazing product from Google ?

1- Create your business page on Google Plus. Here is a link with details steps to set up your brand.

2- Make sure you verify your Google Plus page. Google will send you a code in the mail that you need to input to make sure your business is verified and your address is correct.

3- Link your website to your Google Plus. This way you potential clients can see your website mapped geographically. According to Google, linking your website to your Google Plus page will “ provides Google with information that we can use to help determine the relevancy of your site to a user query on Google search.”

How do I link it ? Link

4- Set up your unique brand and make sure you follow relevant brands and other companies in the similar market. Be an active user and do not spam! Remember Google is very smart!

5- Post consistently! "Slow and steady win the game" in social media so make sure you have a post once every hour, day, week, month...just be consistent!