In the past week Google+ launched a feature called Google+ Pages, which allowed businesses and brands build a profile. People have been critical of Google+’s Pages because they have banned promotions and competitions on brand pages directly, but they are allowed to do it from their own external websites. To allow social media management companies manage their presence on multiple social networks, Google+ is allowing Buddy Media, Context Optional, Hearsay Social, Hootsuite, Involver, and Vitrue test out their management tools on their service. These companies will be allowed to manage circle, publish to Google+, and monitor usage. [Google Inside Adwords]

Corporate social media management company Hearsay Social has raised $18 million. The company launched this past February. Hearsay provides franchise companies and businesses with local chapters the ability to monitor social media across the whole organization.