{"id":586,"date":"2013-03-21T08:23:28","date_gmt":"2013-03-21T12:23:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.floristseo.com\/?p=586"},"modified":"2013-04-20T12:13:43","modified_gmt":"2013-04-20T16:13:43","slug":"google-cover-photos-profile-images-a-florists-opportunity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.florist20.com\/blog\/social-media\/google-cover-photos-profile-images-a-florists-opportunity","title":{"rendered":"Google+ Cover Photos & Profile Images \u2013 A Florist\u2019s Opportunity"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the world of small business today a dedicated web presence is a necessity for success. Using social media, having an interactive and informative website and providing your customers with an incentive to visit are all excellent tools to build you business and expand your online presence. Google+ has just made this easier for small businesses with their expanded template for cover photos and profile images.<\/p>\n

The new oversized cover photo comes in at a whopping 2120 x 1129 pixels, giving businesses ample space in which to make an impression on present and potential customers. This large photo takes up 95% of the viewable screen, giving you the business owner the opportunity to make a memorable first impression. Choosing the right photo \u2013 or photos \u2013 to place in this pivotal space can make or break your online presence.<\/p>\n

Many florists will naturally gravitate to a large photo of a beautifully completed floral arrangement. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this tactic, thinking outside the box can cause much stir and excitement, and having your brand trending online is the ultimate symbol of success. When considering a photo worthy of cover status, consider your goals.<\/p>\n

Are you a new business trying to attract customers? Are you an established business hoping to grow and expand into other areas? What services do you provide that set you apart from the florist down the street? These are all excellent questions you will need to answer in order to design the ultimate cover photo.<\/p>\n

For example, if a point of pride is your extensive delivery area, you could place photos of your delivery people on their appointed rounds. In the corner you could place a listing of the neighbourhoods or surrounding cities or counties in which you will deliver. This gives new visitors an immediate reason to order from you \u2013 you deliver three towns over, unlike your competitors.<\/p>\n

If you have established a gift basket line, use the cover photo to show off the wide variety of baskets that you have available. Baskets for new parents, romantic picnic baskets, sports themed birthday baskets \u2013 showing the gamut of baskets you provide will set you apart from the florist who only discusses their gift basket line in print. And of course, customers enjoy being able to see exactly what it is they are ordering.<\/p>\n

And it is not just photos that you can use. Your address, phone number, email address, listing of services and products and a clear call to action can help sell your shop to new customers \u2013 and reassure existing customers that they frequent the florist of choice in your area. The size of the new Google+ cover photo template makes it easier than ever before for you to advertise multiple advantages over your competitors.<\/p>\n

Do you have an unusual storefront? Highlight the architectural interest of your shop on your cover photo. Have a store mascot, such as a cat or dog? Use their precious furry face to give established customers an instant connection to their previous visits, and make new customers curious to stop in and meet the shop pet. And if you feature Fido or Fluffy wearing a collar of fresh roses, baby\u2019s breath and Sweet Williams in the photograph, that is even better.<\/p>\n

And finally, remember these tips as well for a successful cover photo experience:<\/p>\n