APIs Make Google+ Easier to Manage for Brands

Michael Garrity — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:15:00 GMT

Did you forget about Google+? I almost did, and I write about this stuff for a living, so you’re totally forgiven if the social network fell off your radar sometime in the last few months.

However, if you’re business has a Page on G+, or even if you’ve just considered it, the site has probably just become considerably more appealing, as it just released some new APIs with an eye on improving the Google+ management experience for brands.

Now, other social media management tools, such as HootSuite or Buddy Media, can connect directly to G+ pages. Previously, only a small selection of software partners had products that could be used seamlessly with the social network. These APIs are available to everyone with no restrictions in place, which adds incredible social management depth to Google+.

Brands on Google+ can now use third-party tools to schedule, monitor, and track posts as needed.

This new open API is meant to cater specifically to businesses, as it only lets third-party tools manage brand pages, not personal ones. Most likely, the social network is attempting to lure in more companies looking to expand their social presence, as that is a major part of what helped Facebook blossom and take over the Web a few years ago. Until this release, many complaints were lodged at G+ for its lack of tools that would help businesses grow their reach on the site, and for a long time, Google kept its APIs very protected; this news could usher in a significant growth period for the social network from a commercial prospective.

'Net Features : brand pages

APIs Make Google+ Easier to Manage for Brands