i agree with you

google+ improves site rankings and gives Do-Follow link

You can rank your Google Plus post with Google plus but can't rank blog post.

Google + give lots of effects one of them is Local Listing...that affects ranking..

Yes,Google Plus helps to increase in Google Ranking...

I a thinking of using Google+ a lot more, It is a social media platform I have not got involved in much. I am currently re doing my website so will start to use it from then, has anyone got any good tips on how to get involved in groups and help my SEO?

Google plus more helps to increas in Google ranking. it gives us do-follow links.it will improve the ranking of your website.

when i start a blog with blogger i posted some article about SEO topics with some good keywords and share it on google+ and when i search for the keywords in google it doesn't show my website but i can find that i share in google+ on Second row.

Google+ does increase rankings

Yes, Google+ will affect the ranking for sure.

yes Google plus, as well most social sharing sites such as facebook likes will help your ranking. many people have those share buttons, look at youtube doesn't Google own it? it has done of share buttons.