Google+

A Google+ custom URL is a short web URL address for your G+ profile or page. You use a Google+ custom URL instead of the long numerical default Google + URL.

For example, my Google+ page’s URL was:

https://plus.google.com/b/113833578867558431388/113833578867558431388/

and is now:

https://plus.google.com/+Metronycom/

You can get a Google+ custom URL if your profile:

• has ten or more followers
• is at least 30 days old
• has a profile photo

In addition:
Local Google+ business pages must be a verified local business

Non-local Google+ pages must be linked to a website

Once you are eligible for a Google+ shortened URL, you will see a notification at the top of your Google+ page or Profile. You will be able to choose one of the custom URLs Google pre-assigns to your Google+ account.

Click the Get a custom URL button to get started.
OR
Click on the the About tab on your Profile, click the “Get” link located under your Google+ URL.

From you see the URL(s) you’ve been approved for. If you see more than one option, select the one you like best. You may also be asked to add a few numbers or letters to make the custom URL unique to you.
Check the box to agree to the Terms of Service.
Click Change URL.
You may be asked to verify your account by your mobile phone number.

Once approved, this URL will be linked to your Google+ page or Profile, so be sure everything is exactly the way you want it.

Once your URL is set, you cannot change it. You can only change the capitalization or accents on the URL.

You can use a Google+ custom URL to quickly access areas of their Google+ Profile or Page by adding key words to the end of the URL. Some examples are:

https://plus.google.com/+Metronycom/about

google.com/+customURL/posts
google.com/+customURL/about
google.com/+customURL/photos
google.com/+customURL/videos
google.com/+customURL/plusones

Did you know you can format text in your Google+ post? You can spruce up your text with bold text, italics and/or strikethroughs to single words, or phrases. You only need to enclose the word or words with a pair special characters.

Use these special characters to format your Google Plus posts:

To get Bold text put an asterisk before the words or phrase like this: *bold text on GooglePlus*

If you want to make the text italicized just enclose the word or phrase in underscores: _italicized text on GooglePlus_

To strikethrough text put a dash before and after the word or phrase -strikethrough text on GooglePlus-

Do NOT leave any leading or trailing spaces between the asterisk, underscores or dashses or else the font decoration wont work. And don’t forget to use #hashtags!

Click here to see an example of a Google+ posts with font formatting:

Google+ has the concept of “circles” to help you organize your followers. Circles are similar to Pinterest boards in that both can be used to direct messages to a certain group of followers. Twitter does not have the same concept.

We can create Google+ circles and gain followers who have similar interests. If you want to use your Google+ account to learn more about fundraising and connect with other people who share that interest, create a community centered around raising money. Creating a circle on GooglePlus and name it “fundraising”. Next, search the words “fundraising”, “fundraising ideas”, “fundraisers”. When you find a person who has shared fundraising information, add them to your circle. Consider expanding your presence by making very specific circles.

Here are a few examples:

• Fundraising ideas
• Fundraising books
• Legal issues for nonprofits

Like any other social network be sure to post topics from many sources that are interesting to the community. Limit posts about you and your brand to 2 or 3 out of every ten posts!