So naturally, when a friend from Omaha sent me an invite, I cliked 'yes.'
I just need to check it out, see what all the fuss is about, I mused.
Eight months later, I'm still not sure why I joined. I have around 20 friends I've separated into three circles. I shared a recipe for baked tortilla chips.
Now what?
If you're trying to build a platform or an audience or showcase your work, you - as a writer - need to use your Google + to your advantage.
How?
Improve your profile so you up your searchability level on Google.
When I logged in to my profile today, I noticed I really don't have much listed. No contact info, nothing that shows I'm a journalist and editor. So how I can I use Google + to bump up my information when people are searching for Nebraska journalists?
- Create a strong tagline, but make it brief. Think of it as a poem, not a novel. I don't have one listed. How can you expect people to know about you, as an author, without basic information? Looks like I need to add it to my profile.
- Add a business photograph. People need a visual cue. I had previously added my author's headshot. Good move!
- List your link. More than likely, a writer has a website or blog established. Why aren't you linking to it? It will generate additional traffic and pull in more readers. It's a no-brainer, that unfortunately, I had not added to my profile. But I will now!
- Be visible. On your "About" page, be sure to check "profile discovery" and "visible." I had not made my profile visible, but I have since remedied that situation.
And isn't that what authors want: to make a connection with people reading and purchasing their work?
by LuAnn Schindler. Read more of LuAnn's work at her website or connect with the social media junkie on Google + (or Facebook or Twitter or LinkedIn).
