How To Set Up A Google+ Band Page

Finally Google+ now makes it possible to set up an artist, band or brand page. This isn't as cool as it could be, since the customization possibilities are still limited, but it's still way better than the personal pages that everyone had to have prior to November 7th.

Here's what you do to get started (thanks to Mashable for the list):


1. Sign in to your Google account and then head to http://www.google.com/+/business/. 

2. Pick a Category.
You now have to select which category you fit into. This one might be a little difficult in that so many categories can fit. As you'll see in number 3, each main category has subcategories that conceivably could work if you're into the many areas of music that exist.

3. Add Info
Enter your band or business name and website info, then select the subcategory that suits you best. These sub-categories are dependent on the main category you choose. If you're a band, you can use "Music Band" under the Entertainment category. On the other hand, you might want to be classified under "Celebrity", "Arts and Entertainment" or "Music" under the Product or Brand category. It's too early to know if this selection will make any difference at all in your traffic.

On the same page, select who can view your Google+ profile. The default is any Google user, or you can restrict this to 18 and older or 21 and older.


4. Add A Tagline and Photo
You have only 10 words to summarize your business, then you can add an image. Describing what you do in 10 words is actually a pretty good test of nailing the true essence of who you are and what you do.

5. Get the Word Out
At this point, Google offers you the ability to tell your personal Google+ circles about your new business page.

6. You're done! 
On your new welcome page, Google generates a link to your Plus page (which is a string of random characters instead of a vanity URL). You can also get a Google+ button for your site. It's now up to you to start adding people to circles (different to personal pages, the defaults include "team members," "customers," and "VIPs") and get posting.

Now I must say that I've tried a few times today to create a page for one of my blogs without success. I kept on getting an error that never said what was actually wrong with the data that I entered. That said, most people haven't had trouble creating their own brand, band or business page, so go to it. Now is the best time.

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