YouTube: Connect Google+ Profile Details

Most of us have seen the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup commercials. You know, the ones that describe how the marriage of chocolate and peanut butter just happened. Well, the same type of marriage occurred with Internet marketing, though it took nearly six years for the two sides to realize the potential of their partnership.

In 2006, Google acquire upstart video portal YouTube, in what was then a low-key transaction. Not much press was dedicated to the acquisition, as YouTube was just starting to gain momentum in the online video market. Six years later, YouTube has become the second most popular search engine, trailing only big brother Google. Any small business that utilizes YouTube in its video marketing campaign has a leg up on the competition. Google now returns searches that directly link to YouTube videos. The 2006 marriage has left Yahoo and Bing in the search engine dust

The New Marriage

Small business owners that have capitalized using video marketing in their online marketing strategy most likely embed videos in their organic websites and upload them to YouTube. However, savvy small business owners now work in a third platform for video marketing: social media. Facebook is home to a growing number of small business pages that include videos that inform customers-both potential and loyal-of pending promotions, new products and services, and how to instructional videos that build trust. After watching the meteoric rise of social media and video marketing, Google folded its business listing service, Google Places, into its new social media platform. Now, the two business partners involved in the 2006 marriage have renewed vows.

What This Means for You

Google introduced Google+ to challenge Facebook for social media supremacy. The search engine giant does not quietly sit on the sidelines, while another company gobbles up market share, regardless of the niche. While Facebook continues to ride the social media crest, Google has an ace in its back pocket: YouTube. Since YouTube allows users to enter its portal by inputting Google account information, it is much easier for Google to integrate Google+ features into YouTube and conversely, allow Google+ members access to the rich inventory of YouTube videos.

Google+ members can now use their full names to access YouTube features. Customers will have an easier time finding your small business photos when you use your Google+ full name. YouTube's commenting system will also improve, if members use their full names and not some fictitious identity.

All you have to do is navigate to the YouTube settings page, click the “Advanced” link that sits next to your email address, and then click the link “Begin using my full name on YouTube.” If you want to change your YouTube appearance, click the “Review my content” link. This allows you to review all of your YouTube posts to ascertain which, if any, of your posts you want associated with your full name. After you utilize the full name feature, your Google+ profile full name replaces your YouTube user name. Moreover, your channel title and photo changes as well.

Who Should Consider This Option

Most people assume using your Google+ full name on YouTube is a no brainer, especially for small business owners. Let’s look at why the full name option is a good fit for you.

First, the full name feature presents a uniform identity across YouTube, Google, and other Internet platforms. People who search for your business will find consistent information. Second, your YouTube account information is most likely outdated and your Google+ profile better represents your current interests and information. Third, using your full name will enable customers to find you on YouTube, which makes videos promoting your small business easier to share. Finally, using your full name seamlessly integrates Google+ social media products and applications with the small business videos you have uploaded to YouTube.

The Skinny

The full name feature may seem to appeal more to individual users than to small business. Do not allow that perception to dampen your enthusiasm for utilizing the full name feature for your small business. As you will recall, Google Places has changed to Google+ Local, the small business platform that combines social media features with a small business directory. This powerful combination provides small business owners with easy access to YouTube features. All you have to do is use your Google+ profile full name, and you will have the same identity on YouTube, Google+, and Google+ Local.