Google Plus

Google Plus Basics by Kathleen Ion, Certified Internet Marketing Consultant

Google Plus is a brand new social media project that has been created by Google that works in similar ways to the larger social media outlets, such as Twitter and Facebook.    Although many that have used the new social media project have compared it to Facebook and Twitter, there are numerous differences that make this social media outlet unique.  Features include groups that you create to share information with, called “Circles”, group chats, called “Huddles”,  video chats called “Hangouts”,  and Web content streams based on your interests, called “Sparks”.  Another large difference in this social media outlet is that there is no limit to how many characters that can be posted on a comment.  Comments and streams are easily visible from the people you have added to your “Circle”.  Many of these features are just the beginning of a wonderful social media platform.  Google Plus is already claiming to have around 10 million users, even though it has not been officially released and is in the beta stage.  This wonderful social media project requires an invite from a person already involved with the beta, so make sure to ask around, to see if you know somebody that can gain you access.

Google Plus and Business

At this point, Google Plus is exclusive to personal profiles, but will be adding a business pilot page as soon as possible to large and small businesses that have completed a form of request to be a part of the pilot program.  The date as to when Google will stop accepting applications is yet to be determined.  Although, no time frame has been announced for the public to use the business side of Google Plus, there will be many powerful tools to help your business prosper.  The first tool will be how your business can share content and information on Google Plus.  Your business will be able to share items such as deals and sales, business information, and also work with other business owners to learn new information, as well as share your own information.  The second tool will be in adding links through Google Plus.  With Google Plus your business can add a profile about your business and also link your website and other social media sites on one convenient site.  This will drive more traffic towards your company website, which in turn creates more potential customers.  The last tool that will help your business is the way you connect to people.  By using the “Circle” function explained earlier, your business can connect to businesses in the same industry and people in your own area, which can increase your presence and visibility to the public, as well as competitors.  It will be very easy to monitor what your competitors are doing within your marketplace, so they do not have an advantage over your business.  You will also be able to connect to these people by using video and live chats.  These are a few of the tools that can be used on Google Plus, which will help your business gain an upper hand within the marketplace.  Make sure that you take advantage of this great new social media platform to stay ahead of your competitors, by contacting someone currently involved in the beta.