How to get a Google+1 button on your blog

The Google+1 button is an important addition to your website and blog. The Google+1 button is like the Facebook “Like” button, except it gets into Google searches. And Google reaches millions. “Asked which search engine they use most often, 83% of search users say Google.  The next most cited search engine is Yahoo, mentioned by just 6% of search users.”  (Pew Internet Research)

Here’s how you can get that important little Google+1 button:

Blogger: Go to “Design” in Blogger and click on “Layout” and then click on the “Edit” in the left hand corner of the “Blog Posts” rectangle. Another menu pops up. Scroll down and you’ll see a box you can check next to “Show Share Buttons.” Click and save. Now every blog post will carry the share buttons including the Google+1 button.

Wordpress or website: There is a code for the Google+1 button you can pick up from the Google Developers site. Choose the size and language and then copy the code it gives you. You can then paste it your HTML code box or in the footer. There are also plug-ins for Wordpress to do this for you. It’s suggested you add one to every page of your blog or website.

Joanne Elliott of Social Sprite Media Services brings this column to NWCU every week. If you're a creative seeking advice on spreading the good news about your work, we're here to help!

Does your blog have its own Facebook page?

Many creatives like to create many things and so have one blog for their poetry, another for photography, etc.

If you do have separate blogs for each creative outlet you might want to create a Facebook Page for each…especially if you want to sell both or only one.

Here are some other reasons you might do this:

If your blog name is better known than your name. People may be looking for your blog name on Facebook and if it doesn’t have a page to connect with they may get discouraged.

TIP: It is also a good idea to have links to your social media profiles on your blog so you can be found. Make sure they are in a prominent place like the top left right or not too far down on the side column.

To delineate your various brands. With separate Facebook pages it is easier to focus on your various brands or personas.

To broaden your reach. Having a blog is great, but just like any other creative endeavor you want to share with others you need to market it. Social media is the perfect way to get the word out about your work. And with a Facebook page specifically for your blog you can better focus on your target audience.

To gain insights. Facebook pages have the Insights feature which gives you stats on the demographics of your fans, engagement, etc. It’s a great tool to help you market your work.

Joanne Elliott of Social Sprite Media Services brings this column to NWCU every week. If you're a creative seeking advice on spreading the good news about your work, we're here to help!