Ever since the launch of Google+ we’ve heard rumors of a forthcoming Google+ “Page” – Google’s equivalent to a Facebook Fan Page.   Well, the Google+ Page has arrived.  And it is severely underwhelming.

In a column I wrote for Sun Media I questioned how successful G+ might actually become.  Granted Google created some unique features and integrates all of their free Google tools together under one roof – but I suggested that it would be far simpler for Facebook to add Google-esque features than it would be for Google to steal away Facebook members.  And this seems, in fact, to be the case.  G+ has been struggling to maintain its momentum ever since it exited beta and went live to the general public.

Out of all of my Facebook “friends” only a handful have bothered to join Google+ at all.  Those that did join couldn’t be bothered to post updates and have since drifted away - after all, why would you invest time and energy with Google+ if no one you know has bothered to join?

So, will the launch of Google+ Pages change Google’s social networking fortunes?  Will the hoards start joining Google+ now that they can follow their favorite businesses and sports teams?  Doubtful.  If I were already connected to you through Twitter or Facebook why would I bother to join a completely different social networking site to follow you?   Is there some amazing Google+ Page feature that makes G+ the envy of social networks?  In a word:  no.

The basic G+ Business Page layout is a direct knock-off of a Facebook Fan Page - right down to the banner of pictures across the top of the profile.

From a profile optimization standpoint the main profile picture size is quite small relative to what is available through Facebook (meaning you have much less space to communicate your brand); there is no ability to customize the page with different menu options; there are no analytics to measure visitors and engagement; no ad platform to promote your page; and no Public URL customization.  I would rank the G+ Page as slightly more engaging than a Twitter profile but much less engaging than a Facebook Page.

The one positive feature of the Google+ Page is that you can embed html links into your about page – leading prospective customers to specific areas of your website.

If you have a personal Google+ profile and are interested in creating a Business Page you can visit http://plus.google.com/pages/create.

Geoff Evans, Founder of Social Media Coach