I recently posted about the fall from grace of using the plus sign operator in Google searches (you have you use quotes now). I thought it had something to do with Google’s new social network (OK, not that new) called Google+.

So this news of Google Now allows Business Pages on Google+ is not only important, but also explains the mystery.

Similar to the way Facebook and Yahoo use the @ sign to designate and link to fellow users and business page, Google is now using the + sign. So a mention of +andy commons would link it up to my personal profile.

As for business pages, there is a lot yet to learn. But I’d recommend business at least claim their page, and link it up to their website. It’s a super easy, and could save you hassle of trying to fight for it later.
Here’s a good article at Mashable on how to create a Google+ business page.

As always, I’ll try to stay up to speed on all this, and I’m always available if you have questions.