Warning: Do NOT Start a Google+ Account for Your Band, Label, Studio or Store. Here's Why

This guest post is by Bob Baker of TheBuzzFactor.com

Unless you've been on tour in Antarctica lately, you've no doubt at least heard of Google's new social platform called Google+. More than 20 million early adopters have already jumped on it during its early invitation-only phase.

Perhaps you got an invitation and are already getting acquainted with Circles, Hangouts, and some of the other cool Google+ features. A number of forward-thinking artists, such as singer-songwriter Daria Musk and jazz guitarist Rob Michael, have been making waves by being among the first musicians to make good use of the service.

• Daria Musk
• Rob Michael

However, you should be aware of one simple thing that could cause your Google+ profile to disappear overnight ...

In this early stage of development, Google+ is set up for individuals only. So you must use your real name as a person. Google plans to roll out profiles for businesses and brands later this year, but in the meantime it is removing profiles that are set up under a company name or pseudonym.

That means if your name is Fred Jones and your fans call you "The Shredder," you'll need to create a Google+ profile as mild-mannered Fred Jones. However, in the About section of your profile you can indicate that you go by something else or play in the ABC Band or run XYZ Studio, etc.

So if you started a Google+ using something other than your name, you might want to change it quick, before you are discovered by the Google+ police.

Just use the site for now as the self-assured individual that you are. Before long, Google will create a way for you to bring "The Shredder" back to life in all its glory!

Bob Baker is the author of “Guerrilla Music Marketing Online,” Berkleemusic’s “Music Marketing 101” course, and many other books and promotion resources for DIY artists, managers and music biz pros. You’ll find Bob’s free ezine, blog, podcast, video clips and articles at www.TheBuzzFactor.com and www.MusicPromotionBlog.com.