Quick Inside Look at Google+

By Rohan Leo

Google+ launched a little while back (2011) and it's a matter of time before it gets to the popularity tipping point. In my opinion at least. Google is changing the way we engage with people and interact with websites. It is changing the way build relationships online again. It's becoming increasingly personal, more face to face, more engaging and now is a great opportunity for businesses to get involved and start learning the ins, outs and etiquette of the Google+ environment.

What makes Google+ so different?

First of all, they have "Circles". This unique feature is a blend of a Facebook friend list and following on Twitter. You add people to your circles and their posts will start showing up on your feed, for example, I have a family circle, a friend circle, and business circles which are categorised even further. I send circle specific content to people the post is intended. Direct targeted marketing at it's best.

The next awesome feature and one I believe will bring Google+ into it's full glory when the masses discover it's awesomeness. Is its Hangouts feature. As fun and wonderful sending messages, or having instant chats, or text messaging are, hanging out is still, by far, the best choice. Having a hangout allows people to interact face to face. It is so much nicer and personal when you face to face with the person. Plus when I think video chats I think Skype and Skype is connecting family and friends. In some ways because we having video chats, we must be a friend or family. Unlike Skype though, Hangouts allow for up to 10 people in a room to chat and engage with each other, and, you want to share your screen? Sure, it's possible with Hangouts.

From a business point of view, this is awesome... Chat with potential customers face to face, and build a solid relationship with your client base. Think of the potential... If you are launching a new product or want to show off a prototype etc. Do it through Google hangouts in front of a live audience. Have a weekly hangout with your team and partners to discuss new strategies etc. And the list goes on...

I have been on a few hangouts and I must tell you... I love it!! Businesses using Google Hangouts are reporting a serious peak in leads and potential clients. Doctors are diagnosing clients through Google hangouts, people are having yoga classes through Google hangouts. Some associates of mine have found themselves fitness buddies and do exercises together on a Hangouts. My girlfriend and I sat through a hypnotherapy session on a hangout. There endless possibilities and we are in the beginning.

Another great feature is Communities... This allows you to connect with like minded people in similar or relevant fields of interest. Which means the posts you get on your Google+ home page are relevant and of value to your interests and business. Which I love as it means I no longer have to sift through a bunch of posted content I have no interest in... Like if Billy, friends with Marie-Sue bumped his toe on his garden gnome while cutting his lawn with a tweezer for example. It isn't possible to post to your circles, and a community you're part of at the same time.

Thumbs up for anything that contributes to my freedom and time management skills and as Alex Mandossian says... Google first organised the world and now it is starting to engage with the world. With far more digital businesses these days, it is the ones that engage with their clients that stand out from the 0′s and 1′s.

The more I am using Google+ the more business beneficial tools and features I am discovering. I am saving time with my marketing efforts while my message gets to the target audience. I'm posting and interacting more on Facebook and Twitter than I have in the past because of a tool that sends Google+ posts to my Facebook pages and Twitter accounts... Automatically. Google+ is relatively fresh out it's "testing phase" so expect a lot more to come. If you're a business I highly advise getting on board and embracing Google+.

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