Google+ Gets Vanity URLs (Hugh Jackman Has One, But You Don’t)

Google announced today that it has started rolling out custom URLs to a limited set of verified Google+ profiles and pages. For example, you can find the official Google+ page at google.com/+googleplus.

“While we’re not quite ready for everyone to start claiming their own custom URLs, we plan to expand the availability over time, so stay tuned!” Google says.

“Your Google+ profile is a place for you to share your passions with the millions of people who come to Google each day,” said Googler Saurbh Sharma in a Google+ post. “Whether you’re a clothing brand showing off your latest fashions (google.com/+hugoboss), an athlete talking about the game (google.com/+davidbeckham), or an actor recalling a favorite role (google.com/+hughjackman), your Google+ profile helps you connect with the people who share your interests. Today we’re introducing custom URLs to make it even easier for people to find your profile on Google+.”

“A custom URL is a short, easy to remember web address that links directly to your profile or page on Google+,” says Sharma. “For instance, +TOYOTA can now use google.com/+toyota to unveil their latest models, +Britney Spears can share her upcoming appearances at google.com/+britneyspears, +Ubisoft can share game trailers and videos at google.com/+assassinscreed, and +Delta can help travellers find great deals at google.com/+delta.”

Remember when Google got rid of the “+” search operator. This is why.

If you search for “+TOYOTA” from Google, for example, you’ll be taken right to the Google+ page.

I’m just glad Hugh Jackman was one of the first to get a Google+ vanity URL. It makes sense.