Google launched Google+ Pages today, giving brands the ability to create Google+ accounts. Designed to help businesses connect with the public, the service rolled out to consumers and a limited number of marketers this summer
Brands using Pages so far include Anderson Cooper 360, H&M, Burberry, Macy's, Toyota, Pepsi, and The Muppets.
“So far, Google+ has focused on connecting people with other people,” said Vic Gundrota, Google's SVP of engineering, in a blog post. “But we want to make sure you can build relationships with all the things you care about — from local businesses to global brands.”
Consumers can add brands to their Google+ circles directly from a Google search. They can do so either through Google+ pages in search results or a new feature called “Direct Connect,” which requires consumers to add a “+” in front of their search term.