By Joanna Nicholson @joannanicholson
After a three-month field trial period, Google+, the Web’s freshest social networking site, opened its doors to the public on Sept. 20.
You’ve likely heard the hype about Google+ (or G+), the new kid on the block that could be bigger, better and brighter than Facebook. Despite being in its infancy, Google+ had an estimated 25 million users in August. It’s also been fuelling a fierce competition with Facebook.
Why sign up?
At first glance, G+ seems to be a positive addition to the PR practitioner’s toolkit and users will likely find its intuitive feel a refreshing change from other social media tools. Why? Because it’s Google’s answer to all things social media—combining the elements we love about Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, FourSquare, etc. into one, easy-to-use tool. Additionally, Google+ aims to solve the ongoing struggle of awkward, clunky online interactions.
In a Google Blog post from June 28, Vic Gundotra, Senior Vice President, Engineering and a lead developer behind the project wrote: “Today, the connections between people increasingly happen online. Yet the subtlety and substance of real-world interactions are lost in the rigidness of our online tools. In this basic, human way online sharing is awkward. Even broken. And we aim to fix it.”
Whether you’re already using Google+ or are planning to join, here’s some terminology that will make you a G+ guru in no time.
Get organized
Circles are a core feature of Google+ and let you organize your contacts into different groups. This means that you can keep your close friends, family and professional networks separate. What’s more, Circles make it easy to share the information you want with who you want.
Having PR-specific Circles will keep you informed on your contacts’ latest happenings—whether they’re launching new products or sharing industry best practices. Google+ can also send you updates via email or text so you’ll always know what your professional Circles are up to. Networking is essential in the PR world and G+ is always one step ahead. The intuitive tool even suggests other G+ users you might know so you can continue to broaden your professional network.
Strike up a conversation
Sparks are based on the idea that interesting content “sparks” conversation. Consider Sparks a more social version of Google Reader and a personalized search engine that instantly delivers content you’d mostly likely find interesting.
For example, if you’re a social media junkie you can type “social media” in the search bar and read the latest about everything from Twitter to G+. Many PR pros track specific companies, brands, stories and events on a daily basis. Sparks can help keep on top of issues so you’re always up to speed on the latest developments.
If you find an interesting result in a Google search, simply click the +1 button to instantly endorse it to your contacts on G+. Think of it as a simpler version of Facebook’s “Like” function. The +1 button shares content with your Circles and keeps them in the loop about what you’re reading.
Google+ on the go
Google+ also attempts to minimize frustrations when using a mobile device—something everyone can relate to. G+’s mobile app instantly publishes your photos instead of having to manually upload them. All you have to do is personalize your privacy settings. With Huddles, you can communicate with your Circles on the go. This G+ feature is a faster, more sophisticated version of group texting. If you’re trying to arrange a meeting with multiple colleagues, it’s an ideal way to make plans.
Meetings made easier
You can also arrange meetings via Hangouts. In simple terms, Hangouts are group video chats that attempt to break the awkward barriers of online interactions. Google compares it to dropping by a friend’s house to visit. You can let friends know you’re available to catch up and see who joins the conversation. It’s a simple interface that works for up to ten people.
What’s next?
In a short time, G+ has revitalized online sharing and continues to improve social networking, keeping the user at the forefront. And, as it continues to grow, PR professionals will likely see the benefits of Google+ in personal and professional realms. Although Google+ does not yet have business profiles, they’re in development and are expected to be added later this year.
I would like to hear your feedback on Google+. Feel free to share your comments below.