Should I adopt Google Plus Custom URLs?

[RobertChapman]

Google Plus have just released Custom URLs, see here

So instead of the messy https://plus.google.com/b/012345679 you can have http://www.google.com/+{yourbrandname}.

This would be much better for memorizing.

But any opinions on added or future perceived SEO benefit?

[Hughescov]

I believe you have to have quite a significant amount of people who have added you to their circles and have +1 your content. Not sure on the exact figures, but unless your a big brand or big name it will hard to come by at the moment.

It would be beneficial in helping expand your brand name to a potentially bigger audience and creating a stronger authority.

[TheeDigital]

Our research seems to agree with Hugh, you have to have a huge Google+ audience to have a custom URL.  Also Google has stated that you might have to BUY custom url's to use them in the future.

To answer your question though is their any SEO benefit?  Not at the moment, however their are branding opportunities available by having your own custom URL.

[josh-riley]

Given how Google likes to be cagey with things an the fact that G+ is still evolving, right now we may not know the business impact, however, like anything, why wouldn't you want to claim your online brand if you have the opportunity? Or if the opportunity presents itself?

[RobertChapman]

Hi Shaun,

Already been offered the Custom URL, as you rightly point out it will be good for expanding our brand name.

I just wondered if anyone had evidence or input of any initial perceived or expected SEO benefit. eg. Strengthening of Brand Terms if you have G+ account with the same brand terms as your company pointing at your home page.

[RobertChapman]

Agreed!

Thanks for the feedback.

[zharriet]

I received my invite to the Google Plus Custom URL today. I'm adding it. (Well, the url choice wasn't what I wanted. Will be posting a question about changing it before I go for it.)

Here's some more information on it.

https://support.google.com/plus/answer/2676340?hl=en&topic=2400106