Google Plus is Gaining Steam on a National Level

The key to a good social media network is its users. Google Plus is using some of its more unique traits to gain national attention. One of these unique traits, is the G+ Hangout. The Hangout is the Google version of Skype and the Facebook video chat. There are however some key differences between the three. The Hangout allows a person to be online, and available to Hangout whenever that person is logged into G+. Anyone that is in one of your circles then can choose to Hangout with you. All you have to do is start a Hangout.

Another advantage to the Hangout is its ability to host more than one person at a time. Within the Hangout you can add up to 10 people. This allows people to hold video conferences, yes 10 is a somewhat small number, but that number will likely increase as G+ continues to grow.

Now that you understand what a Hangout lets try and understand how Google is marketing the Hangout and using it to attract members. One example is President Obama hosting a hangout to speak to members of the public for an open format questions.  This user used the Hangout to seek council with the president concerning her husbands employment. This hangout was recorded and then broadcast on Youtube.

These “Presidential Hangouts” recieved national attention, talked about on television and blogged and discussed by thousands. This kind of publicity is only beneficial for Google.

Another way that Google Plus will continue to grow is its ability to integrate your Twitter with your G+ Profile. Users also are using their Twitter accounts to gain attention to their G+ accounts.

[View the story "Twitter and Google Together as One" on Storify]

These different “tweets” show limited examples of how people are trying to integrate, social media. If G+ hopes become a force in business/social media it needs to continue to expand its user base. The larger the user base the more effective the social media platform, and the more businesses can take advantage of G+’s benefits.

How businesses are using G+ to their advantage

With the increasing lean towards “online” and creating an image for yourself on the internet. It is essential that a business or any type of company looking to promote a brand or and idea, create a Google Plus profile. The way search is going it is absolutely necessary for businesses to utilize G+.

Search Engine Optimization

SEO allows a website to rank higher when searching for it. This ensures that people see your material and become aware of your product. Once a business creates a Google Plus profile they anything they do on that profile will increase the likeliness of your website being seen when using a search engine. Google is leaning towards personal search, this means that your search will be optimized based on other interests you have expressed on different Google accounts. This means that if your G+ profile is set up properly it will guarantee a higher ranking when people search for your key words.

What Makes it Different

Google Plus is different from other social media because of its ability to increase your online presence. Yes, Facebook is  now the most dominant social media out there. But the term “social media” is not something that should describe G+. Instead it should be a way to organize and communicate not only to consumers by internally as well. G+ allows a business to control its online image in a way that no other “social media” can. This is the reason that G+ will grow in popularity not just with the average consumer but instead with the professional circle. G+ does not want to be the next Facebook it wants to surpass Facebook, in not only the way it helps people communicate but also the accessibility of a business online. The “like” button will is being surpassed by the “+1“. In terms of business, if your page and posts can collect “+1′s” at a rapid rate you will see that page or post rise to the top or any related search.  Studies have shown that people are  more likely to click on the first five results

Time to get started

Google Plus, similar to most social networking site: you begin with your own personal  profile.  G+ profiles are “real name” profiles, it is your legal name. This “real name” policy also goes for your business. G+ profiles are equipped with a page verification badge, this ensures the accuracy of each G+ profile.

Security Measures

G+ is unique in that you can share information with select groups of people. It is different from Facebook where you have to have to create an event or a group. Instead you have circles and you are able to share information with certain circles. You are also able to make things public if you want, most will make there profile public.

Importance of a Profile

The profile is the first thing anybody sees when searching through a good social networking site. It is that split second glance at a person’s profile that determines whether or not that person has credibility or not. If your profile picture is you just out of bed and taken via a web cam, your credibility may be hurt and your chances of being invited into a circle may be hurt. It starts with the picture and moves to the information section, what messages do you want to send to those around you.

Personalize

Try and make your profile different from everyone else, talk about things that are unique to you, unique things you have to offer. These will help set you aside from everyone else. In order to have a greater impact you have to standout. Personalization is something that can be done very easily in G+ and it begins with your Profile. If you choose to be generic with your G+ profile your likeliness of increasing your online traffic will go down.