Businesses who have been eager to have an official presence on Google+ now can have their chance — Google has launched Google Pages. It is rolling out over the next two days. Businesses can create the pages using the Create A Page tool, found here.

Not the Same as a Facebook Page

Brands that have been expecting to port their content and admin strategies that they use for Facebook pages to Google Pages, will find more than a few hiccups. Google+ does not see the two as equivalent.

Google's Pages are open to a wider array of entities than just businesses, as they are limited on Facebook. "Circles" are harder to incorporate into a Google Page, compared to Facebook’s fans. There are also more privacy and user controls on Pages. Pages are for anything, whereas profiles are for people," is how Google VP Bradley Horowitz explains it to Ad Age. "None of these pages can interact with you unless you invite them into your life."

Tied to Search

Google is, however, linking Google+ as closely to search as possible, which should benefit a Page, AdAge also points out.

The Drive for Discounts

Given these differences, it will be interesting to see if consumers flock to a brand’s Google Page for the same reasons it does to a Facebook page – namely, for product discounts. Nielsen recently reported that, on a global basis, online consumers of all ages reported that receiving discounts and special offers was their top reason for liking or following brands. Only respondents under the age of 20 and 55-59-year-olds were less likely to follow for this reason, reporting they primarily engage with brands via social media based on friends’ recommendations.