T-2 Days and Counting: Google Reader History, Referring Traffic Toast and more

It’s T-2 Days and counting until Google Reader goes byebye and guess what.

Your time is getting limited!!

When Google Reader goes away, so goes away a huge chunk of the free traffic your site is currently enjoying.

Have you taken steps to prepare for this?  If not, time is *definitely* of the essence.

If you’re a site owner, consider implementing these 3 easy steps NOW.

Step 1.)  Take advantage of Google Plus.

Google+ is the up and coming social network from Google…and now that Google Reader is kinda sorta toasted beyond mortal recognition, it would help if your company’s site and resources were highlighted on Google+

You can create a Google+ Business page at

• www.google.com/+/business/

And get some grand Google+ Business tips at

• blog.kissmetrics.com/2013-google-plus-guide/
• 12most.com/2013/06/25/tips-for-new-google-plus-users/
• brandongaille.com/how-to-create-promote-and-optimize-a-google-plus-business-page/
• www.entrepreneur.com/topic/googleplus

Once GooglePlus is taken care of, turn your attention to:

Step 2.)  Take advantage of Facebook Business Pages

Facebook Business Pages are a very powerful staple in driving traffic back to your site and/or brand.  You can create great engaging interactive pages not only for your business, but for your passions as well (witness my 36K Fan Moose community at

• www.facebook.com/pages/I-Love-My-Husky-and-Malamute-Fan-Club/382298071868840

(yes, I call my northern breeds Mooses.  They’re moose-sized, see.   But I digress).

Facebook Business Page resources can be found at:

• www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-set-up-a-facebook-page-for-business/
• mashable.com/guidebook/facebook/
• thenextweb.com/facebook/2013/01/15/facebook-explains-how-to-optimize-your-business-page-for-its-new-graph-search-feature/

Step 3.)  Create a Press Release about your latest achievements to drive traffic after 7/1/13

Did you know that you can include links back to your site in all your  press releases…and these press releases will appear on authority sites as well?  You’re then increasing the number of quality backlinks to your business which, if you’re currently depending upon Google Reader for traffic, will come in mighty handy after July begins.

Tips for creating press releases are:

• www.copyblogger.com/killer-press-release/
• technori.com/2013/02/3103-startup-pr-if-you-write-a-great-press-release-media-coverage-will-come/
• www.entrepreneur.com/article/226011
• www.thecreativepenn.com/2013/02/05/perfect-press-releases-steven-lewis/

I recently released this press release:

• www.prweb.com/releases/google-reader/barbling/prweb10873021.htm

The key point here:

Notice how I’m the *first* consultant to create a press release about the traffic implications regarding Google Reader.

Can’t beat that!

We might not be able to halt Google Reader’s imminent death throes, but hey.  At least we can turn on a dime and rebound.

Make sure you do!

Grow strong,

Barbara Ling