Google+ turns Pages towards business

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Google has opened its social network to businesses by launching a Pages feature, similar to Facebook's offering.

Various companies have already created pages, including ones for Angry Birds and Pepsi.

"So far Google+ has focused on connecting people with other people. But we want to make sure you can build relationships with all the things you care about—from local businesses to global brands," said Vic Gundotra, senior vice president of engineering at Google, in a blog post.

"For businesses and brands, Google+ pages help you connect with the customers and fans who love you. Not only can they recommend you with a +1, or add you to a circle to listen long-term. They can actually spend time with your team, face-to-face-to-face."

Google has sought to make it simple for users to go straight to Google+ Pages from search with a new Direct Connect feature.

"Just go to Google and search for [+], followed by the page you're interested in (like +Angry Birds). We'll take you to their Google+ page, and if you want, we’ll add them to your circles," Gundotra added.

Google started deleting business profiles back in July as it sought to establish the site as consumer-facing to begin with. It promised a “business experience” would arrive in 2011 and Pages appears to be the answer.

Google+, announced in late June, only went into public beta in mid-September.

Many have speculated whether it can challenge the social networking giant that is Facebook. Last month, Google+ passed the 40 million user mark. Facebook has over 800 million users.

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