Google+ turns Pages towards business

Google+

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 aboutfrom 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.

Tom Brewster

Tom Brewster is currently an associate editor at Forbes and an award-winning journalist who covers cyber security, surveillance, and privacy. Starting his career at ITPro as a staff writer and working up to a senior staff writer role, Tom has been covering the tech industry for more than ten years and is considered one of the leading journalists in his specialism.

He is a proud alum of the University of Sheffield where he secured an undergraduate degree in English Literature before undertaking a certification from General Assembly in web development.