There has been much speculation about Google+ and the impact it will have on the social media landscape (ie, Facebook). Google+ initially resisted branded pages, but recently relented. However, brand owners shouldn’t get their hopes up about the ease of use of these pages. Google+ will not allow the use of the platforms for contests, giveaways or coupons – a mainstay of many top brand pages on Facebook.

How will this restriction affect Google’s plans to challenge Facebook as the top dog of social media? It will take some time to know. But for now, it appears Google+ is focused more on social connections and less on the bottom line. Good for users, bad for businesses.