Google+ is the second largest social network online today. With over 343 million users, it’s one of the best places to find consumers. Simply going to the site and setting up a profile won’t instantly generate leads and customers though: you’ll have to work for them. Luckily, it’s not too difficult, and it could even be fun, if you know how to use Google’s newest tool – Google Hangouts.
To help you, here are four ways you can use the tool to connect with customers:
1. Conduct Live Expert Interviews in a Hangout
According to MarketingCharts, half of consumers spend 75 percent of their time researching before purchasing products and services. They want information about what they are about to spend money on, and they are doing it online. To bring people to your business, you need to give them information. Google Hangouts is the best portal to do this, and conducting interviews with experts on the products and services you sell will give your Hangout the credibility it needs to bring in and keep consumers interested in your brand.
2. Use a Hangout for Interactive Customer Support
Excellent customer service is the hallmark of a successful business. Many consumers fear buying online because if they have any technical issues, they believe they won’t receive the assistance they need. You can ease their fear by setting up a Google Hangout for your customers. With the use of webcams, you can see your customers and the products they purchased to better help them solve problems.
3. Teach with the Hangout’s Online Learning Capabilities
Do you have products that need installation or assembly? You may want to provide a live tutorial to your customers on a Hangout. By teaching customers how easy it is to use a product, you give them more of a reason to buy from you again-and recommend your brand to their friends.
4. Create a Community for Customers
Customers of a business often have similar interests. Identify those interests and create a community for people to join. Ask questions to start discussions, answer questions to develop rapport, and use video to engage community members. The more active your members are, the more they will spread the word about your thriving and growing community, which increases brand awareness.
Start a Hangout Today to Increase Brand Awareness
Google+ is growing every day. If you haven’t joined yet, it’s not too late to start reaping its online marketing benefits. Complete your Google+ profile, and create a Hangout based on one of the above ideas. Soon you’ll see how useful it is to your customers-and how influential it can be to achieving your business’ goals.