Google opens signups to test business version of Google+

Businesses should hold off on creating a profile on Google’s new social service Google+ and instead wait for an upcoming business version of the service, according to Google+ Ads Lead Christian Oestlien.

Business owners can hypothetically create a listing on Google+ using a consumer e-mail address. Business details are then filled into profile details, like first and last name, location and interests. But, as Oestlien explained in a video (embedded below) Wednesday, any profile that doesn’t represent an actual person could risk being removed by Google. Facebook has the same policy regarding businesses that create a personal profile on its service.

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Oestlien said Google plans to roll out an optimized version of Google+ for businesses and organizations. The business-focused version will include things like rich analytics and the ability to connect that identity to other parts of Google that businesses might use on a daily basis, like AdWords, he said.

The company is testing the business-optimized version of Google+ to select vendors over the next few months, according to Oestlien. Anyone who represents a “non-user entity” (e.g. business, organization, place, team, etc.) and would like to apply for consideration in our limited program can sign up by filling out the Google+ Entity Profile Application.

“We have been watching Google+ take shape over the last week and we’ve seen some really great companies get involved. But frankly we know our product as it stands is not optimally suited to their needs. In fact, it was kind of an awkward moment for us when we asked Ford for his (or was it her?) gender!” Oestlien wrote in a Google+ update.

Judging by the buzz from our earlier coverage of Google+ for paid Google Apps accounts, business owners are probably frothing at the mouth to check out what Google is putting together. However, it’s probably worth noting that all business profiles will get deleted once testing has concluded — meaning you won’t get to port your profile over once the business-focused Google+ officially launches.

Via Search Engine Land