You just figured out how to update your Facebook Fan page, and now the new buzz is that every business needs a Google + Account for optimal search engine results.  So how do you create an account?

Follow this step-by-step tutorial and you will be posting on your new Google + business page in around 20 minutes.

Either search for ‘Google + Business’ and find the Start now page, or keep things simple and click this link to go to the Google + Website.

If you have a Gmail account, click Sign In, if you don’t, click Create an account and fill in the account details.

If you already have a google account (gmail) it will pull your name and date of birth.  Verify and click Upgrade.

Anyone in your Google contact list will pop up here and you can add them to your Circles.  There are different circles such as friends, family and acquaintances.  Select which circle you want to add your contacts, or if you are rushed, you can add people to your circles later.

Click ‘Continue’

You will be prompted to follow “Interesting People”, you can select people to follow or just click ‘Continue’.

If you didn’t add any people a pop-up will appear that says “You might be lonely”, you can add people now or click “Continue Anyway”.

You can add an image on the next page … just follow the prompts.  If you have one on your computer click ‘Upload an image’ or if your computer is equipped with a camera, click ‘Snap a photo’. This is optional!

Add some info about yourself: Your job, your position and the school you attended, you can leave these fields blank.  Click finish.

Now that you have completed the personal information, you can start building your Business Page.

Select your category, for this tutorial we are setting up a local business, so Click Local Business or Place.

You will be prompted to enter your country and phone number.

Since you haven’t added this to Google + yet, you will get the following message:
No results matching phone number:(555)555-5555
Canada

No matches located
Add your business to Google

So click the link ‘Add your business to Google’.

Fill in your business information and address.  Preview it on the Google map to make sure you entered your address correctly. Select the business category, there aren’t many so try and find yours, otherwise click ‘other’ at the bottom of the list.
This page will be publicly visible so select what age range it is suitable for.
Select I agree to the Page Terms and click ‘Create’.
You can select a profile photo from your computer or create one.
Your page will now be created.  You can update the page, add photos, videos etc.

When you are done, click the drop down arrow in the upper right (next to your profile image) and then click Logout.
To sign back in to Google +, click this link: https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=oz&continue=https://plus.google.com/?gpsrc%3Dgpmp0%26gpcaz%3D69fa6bbd&hl=en (Bookmark it for future reference as it is rather long to type in!)

Enter your Google account and Password.  You will arrive at your personal Google + page, to update your business page, click the drop down arrow next to your profile photo in the upper right corner, then click on your business listing.  This opens up your Google + Business page.

Click the images on the left side to update your profile, create an event etc. Don’t forget to share your page!