What is Google+?
Having been in the game since September 2011, people sometimes still question what Google+ is all about. Google+ simply put, is an amalgamation of various social websites and applications on one, easy-to-use, platform. However, user engagement on Google+ has been very lack luster since its launch and Google+ is doing all it can to stay in the game. Google+ is combining the social aptitude of Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, and Skype, and essentially surpassing its current capabilities to keep up with these social media giants. We gathered a list of the social network’s newest features and further explanations of its current features (for those of you that still have questions.)
Newest Features:
- Ability to share bigger and better photos
- Easy-to-use interface
- Customized navigation banner
- Dynamic navigation elements
- Improved conversation capabilities
- Dedicated page to Hangouts
- A new Explore page that highlights new trends
- New chat list that puts friends front-and-center
Google+ allows users to create a profile page (much like that on Facebook) but with a bigger panoramic photo on the top, and a customized iconic application ribbon on the left-hand side. Although, unlike Facebook, Google+ provides easier page navigation and content sharing. Users can now click and drag links and icons to create a customized profile according to each user’s preferences.
Posts and comments now have an additional feature called “conversation cards” which enable the user to follow and understand threaded conversation much more easily.
Hangout, (similar to Skype) is an application where a user can interface via video chat with up to ten other users. Hangout allows users to watch the same videos on YouTube, or even “screen share” the content on their computers. Now, an entire page is dedicated to Hangout, so users can video chat with their friends, as well as view conferences held in various parts of the world.
The new Explore page was designed to offer a page dedicated to trending topics, popular searches and posts.
What Google+ could do for your business?
- Manage Circles to determine what separate audiences can view
- Easier client interaction and feedback
- Shared Video conferencing for up to 10 individuals
- Screen and content sharing
Google+ provides the potential to manage one social media site that strategically appeals to specific groups without having to manage multiple platforms. In addition, a Google+ profile allows for easier client interaction and content sharing when navigating a profile page. This leads to the potential of company exposure in otherwise, untapped markets.
Furthermore, the Hangout application on Google+ is an effective platform for business to use free video conferencing. The screen share application could allow professionals to collaborate and simultaneously review documents, ideas, or projects, while interfacing in a more personal way.
Following the Explore page can help businesses track trends in the market and adhere products and services that coincide with ongoing interests.
Google Offers:
In addition to its social site, Google provides businesses with “Google Offers” which is a service similar to “Groupon.” The benefit of using Google Offers is the quality of customer service and dedication to increase a business’s revenue for each offer provided. Furthermore, a business is guaranteed 80% of the revenue obtained from each offer.
Hopefully these newest features will Google+ the push to keep up. We do know one thing for sure; Facebook is the leading social media giant and shows no signs of stepping down. Only time will tell if Google+ will be able to stay competitive in the social arena. What do you think—will Google+ continue to run with the giants or get left behind?
