Sometimes, one of the biggest barriers to adopting a new practice, social platform or habit is simply that we don’t understand how it works. Either that, or we pass it off as “just another passing craze.” Our guess is that’s the case with Google+. And, in the past, we said that Google+ was shaping up to be a B2B focused platform with the main benefits coming in the form of SEO. However, knowing that being relevant today is about contribution, content and consistency, we’ve recently seen some Google+ users leverage this platform to achieve maximum relevancy. After watching The Voice, Epicurious and these other top Google+ pages rack up followers and engage with their communities, we’re convinced Google+ has definite relevancy-raising potential. With that said, here are five basic terms to know about Google+ in order to dive in!
1. Circles: Groups of people on Google+ that are categorized by a user’s sharing preference
Don’t want your crazy coworker to know about the cookout you’re planning for this weekend? Share an update about it with only your Family and Friends circles and leave out your Coworkers circle. Circles allow you to filter who sees your updates and who’s updates you see in return. Some examples of basic circles are shown below, but users have the ability to create and name as many as they’d like!
2. Communities: Groups of people on Google+ that are categorized by a user’s interests
Create a private community to collaborate with real world Bunko buddies, family and classmates or join public communities to connect with other people who share the same interests. Once you’re in a group, you can hang out in, well, Google Hangouts, create events and share content.
3. Hangouts: Platforms that allow Google+ users to video chat with people from their computer or Google+ mobile app on their smart phone (Android and iPhone)
Whether you need to hold a business meeting with remote coworkers or just connect with a loved one, use hangouts to edit presentations, do business planning and exchange funny faces with your best friend in Paris. You can even broadcast your live hangout or save it to YouTube afterwards!
4. Pages: Public profiles for local businesses, brands, organizations and more; created and updated by page managers with personal Google+ profiles
Perfect for fresh produce companies, the Pages feature in Google+ allows users to create a non-personal profile to promote their entities. It’s easy – pick a category, add website, social media and contact information and get to sharing your updates!
5. Profile: A collection of information about a Google+ user or business
Okay, maybe you didn’t need that definition, but the point is that like Facebook, Google+ allows users to create a landing page packed with interesting information about themselves. Just like with other social channels, a basic (but complete) profile is critical as a blank silhouette doesn’t do anyone or a company any favors.
Whether you market a consumer brand, specialize in foodservice products or grow the best apples in the whole region, there’s a place for you on Google+. Let us know when you join so we can add you to our circles and communities!
