How to set up Google+ on a Google Apps account

Posted 28 October 2011

In Analytics, Apps, Social Media

Google+ finally comes to Google Apps

Business Google Apps users can finally take advantage of Google+, Google's social network. Since Google+ was opened up to the public in September 2011, users of the Google Apps productivity tools suite have been clamouring to get on Google+ with their Apps account. Here's a quick guide to help your administrator set up Google+ on your Apps account To join Google+ as an Apps user you first need to enable the service for your domain:

Go to https://www.google.com/a/cpanel// for example "https://www.google.com/a/cpanel/tjs.co.uk/"
Click on the "Organization & users"
Click on the "Services" sub-heading to see the list of Google services available within Apps
Scroll down to the "Additional Services" section where you will find the on/off switch for "Google+"
Set the switch to "on"; a "Save changes" button will appear at the bottom - click that to save your change.

Your account is now enabled and your employees can now Join Google+ with their account. Here's how an individual user activates Google+:

Go to https://plus.google.com/ where you should be able to join Google+.
We have found that it can take a few minutes for the "Google+ is not available for your organisation" message to be replaced with the option to join.
Once in, you'll presented with a number of 'Suggestions' of people you may know.
These people can now be categorised into 'circles' or groups of people you know.
Get connecting!