So you have Google Plus and aren't sure what to do with it? I don't think you are the only one. But you may not realize that Google Plus is now Google's primary tool for social networking and we may no longer be able to use Google Friend Connect. As of March 1st, it will no longer be available for non-Blogger sites. Yikes! So if you want to get a head start on what we all may have to do, follow these directions to add a Google Plus widget to your blog. You may also enjoy the new way to promote your blog and interact with your readers. You will also have a +1 button on your blog which will increase your ranking in Google search.
The first step is to create a Google+ Page for your blog. This is really easy and very similar to creating a personal page. There is a also a link from your Google+ homepage to create a page. You may want to consider taking a screenshot (PC: Prnt Scrn button will copy into your clipboard. MAC: Command+Shift+3) and using that as your profile photo so people easily recognize this as your blog G+ page. You will also have the opportunity to add links like Etsy, Twitter, Pinterest, etc. and a snappy description.
Congratulations on your new G+ page! Post a little something in your stream occasionally to keep people in your circle up to date on new posts and exciting news.
Before moving on to the next step, take note of your URL when you are on your profile page. The last set of numbers is going to be your page ID. For example: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/100848905971379046210/100848905971379046210/posts
Use the developer site "Link you Google+ page to your site" to create your widget. Put in the page ID that you saved in the last step. Then choose your badge type. I picked "standard badge". If you click on advanced options you can set the width and theme.
When you are happy with your widget, it's time to use the code at the bottom of the page. It will look something like this:
The following is for Blogger only but there may be similar HTML in Wordpress or other hosting sites. Go to your blogger account and click on Template > Edit HTML and then click Proceed > Expand Widget Tempates. You may want to click on Backup/Restore first to Download Full Template before changing your HTML.
Use the find option in your browser (PC: Ctrl+F MAC: Command+F) and search for </head. Copy and paste the first section of the widget code right above the head tag. Hit Preview to make sure your blog is okay and then click Save Template.
In Blogger, click on Layout and Add a Gadget. This is where you will paste the second part of your widget code. You can then move around the gadget in your sidebar to where you want. Hit Preview to make sure your blog is okay and then click Save Template.
Now you should see the widget on your blog. Readers can click on Add to Circles and +1! Look in my left sidebar to see mine. I would love it if you added me!
Do you like blog tutorials? Anything that you see on The Nearsighted Owl that you would like to learn how to do?
- Rachele
12 ♥ COMMENTS ♥:
Thanks! Anything I see here I want to learn? Hell, yeah! I REALLY want to learn how to add pics to my tabs. I'm still learning all this how-to stuff. Like I said..."I'm a work in progress." Great help.
I'm usually pretty good at this stuff, but school is slowing me down. Your post was super helpful. Thanks, Rachele! I stubbornly deleted GFC for a few days, but I added it back plus a G+ button.
Thanks Rachele, I am a techno-Learner (graduated from techno-Loser) very recently... Your help and insights about blog design etc. would be greatly appreciated. I learned heaps by following your tutorial.... Thanks buddy! grace
Great post! I am going to be coming back soon to refer to this and make one!
Do you have a personal G+ page? I made one when Google first rolled it out and I noticed that it automatically synced some of my blog pics onto my page. Do I need to create a separate blog page as well?
I do! You can find me under "Rachele Nearsighted Owl". I think you have to have a page for the +1 button to work.
Yay! Glad it helped someone :)
Awesome, I will keep doing them :)
Ugh, I know what you mean. Google frustrates me sometimes.
I will keep that in mind for future tutorials. Thank you!
I'm trying to add this widget to my blog but for some reason it's not working. I can't see it in my blog. Do you have any ideas why? :S
AWESOME! Thanks for this blog post!
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