3 Ways to Integrate Google Plus Into Your Blog
Initial Hesitation and Adoption of Google Plus
Eventually, I yielded and began using Google Plus. This decision wasn't made enthusiastically; typically, I prefer to observe new online trends before committing, anticipating that many will ultimately disappear like so much of the internet's history.
Upon its release, Google Plus immediately evoked memories of previous Google ventures that didn't achieve lasting success. Projects like Google Wave, the Google Video Player, and Google Notebook came to mind – a pattern of discontinued services.
Early Concerns and Shifting Perspectives
Consequently, my initial reaction to Google Plus mirrored my usual skepticism. However, this perspective has demonstrably altered over time.
The initial apprehension I felt has diminished as I've continued to use the platform. A change in perception occurred as I became more familiar with its features.
Google Plus, despite its initial resemblance to past projects, has proven to be a different experience. Its evolution has challenged my preconceived notions.
Leveraging Google Plus for Your Blog
Recently, a detailed examination of Google Plus has revealed its increasing integration across the internet, exceeding the awareness of many. Consequently, adapting to this evolving landscape is becoming essential. Embracing this shift is arguably a pragmatic approach.
We have previously explored aspects of Google Plus on this platform. Bakari previously detailed the integration of Google Plus within the Blogger ecosystem.
Similar to our guides for Twitter and Facebook, this article will outline the methods available for integrating Google Plus with your blog. Begin by establishing a dedicated Google+ page for your website within your Google Plus account. This is achieved by selecting "Create a Google+ Page" from the right-hand navigation menu.
Establishing a Google+ page is a fundamental step in building your blog or website’s presence within the social networking environment.
Carefully consider your page’s tagline. It should accurately reflect the core themes and topics covered by your blog or website to enhance discoverability. Select a visually appealing, branded photograph for your page to create a positive first impression. With these elements in place, you’ll be well-positioned to engage with your audience by sharing posts, initiating discussions, and fostering a community.
The About section is of significant importance. Ensure the top ribbon features a compelling selection of images that accurately represent the content available on your site.
Provide a concise, impactful, and well-crafted introduction. Include relevant contact information to project a professional image, and prominently display a link to your website.
Having established a link from your Google+ page to your website, the next step involves integrating Google+ tools to facilitate reciprocal linking.
Integrating a Google Plus Badge into Your Blog
Initially, the primary step involves generating a badge that establishes a direct link from your website or blog to your newly established Google Plus page. This process is initiated directly from the Google Plus page created for your site.
Within the left-hand navigation panel, select the "Get Started" link. Then, scroll down to the "Connect Your Website" section and click "Get the Badge" to begin badge creation.
Google simplifies this task with a streamlined Wizard. Simply input the URL associated with your new Google Plus page.
Subsequently, scroll down to customize the appearance of your direct-link badge. While current options are somewhat limited, a prominent G+ image is well-suited for sidebars.
You have the option to display your site's name on the badge or utilize a simple button design. The following stage requires you to select and copy the "head" code.
This code must then be pasted within the <head> tags of your website’s HTML. For Wordpress users, this is typically achieved by editing the header.php file.
Following this, copy the href link portion of the code and insert it into the body of your page at the desired location for the badge’s display.
For instance, it can be integrated into your site’s main template to ensure visibility above all content on every page, as demonstrated below.
Integrating the +1 Button into Your Website
The subsequent step involves incorporating the +1 button onto each article page, enabling visitors to easily share your content. Navigate to the same "Get Started" page within Google Plus as previously used, and scroll down to locate the link dedicated to adding the +1 button to your site.
A blue button labeled "Go to Google+" will be visible, accompanied by a link reading "Get the Code". Select this "Get the Code" link. This directs you to a streamlined Wizard designed for effortless button configuration.
Specify your preferred icon size and the desired width for the text/icon display. The corresponding code will then appear in the field provided at the bottom of the page. Similar to the previous process, insert the <script> code segment into your website's header.
Subsequently, place the "g:plusone" code line within the page's HTML where you wish the button to be displayed. With these steps completed, users can now click the button to +1 your page.
If you are utilizing Wordpress, ensure you modify the single.php file, or the specific PHP page responsible for rendering individual post content. This ensures the +1 button functions correctly on each article.
This completes the integration process. You have now adopted a potentially impactful feature for your website. Increased site traffic may result from this implementation.
Initially, I anticipated a longer period before acknowledging this, but I now believe Google Plus has the potential for longevity. It could even emerge as a significant competitor to Facebook's dominance. Only time will tell.
Was the integration of Google Plus into your blog straightforward? What are your impressions of Google Pages for websites? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
