It is indeed true that social networking sites are influencing internet users like never before. Another internet giant-Google has come out with its sophisticated and user-friendly social networking site called Google plus.
Apart from Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube, Google Plus is fast emerging as one of the prime means of socializing. Google+ has the enormous power of the world’s largest search engine behind it. The SEO importance of this feature cannot be underestimated.
Though Google+ is indeed a new player in the social media game, but it is constantly evolving with unique features and important SEO capabilities. Owing to its tremendous reach, Google + is being widely recognized as an efficient and valuable marketing tool.
Google plus marketing is a relatively new concept but well-poised to dominate the social media market. The brand value attached to Google + makes it distinctly different from rest of the social media sites.
The popularity of Google Plus is amply demonstrated by the fact that within four weeks of its launch, the number of G+ users has shot up to a whopping 18 million.
Some of the other salient features of Google + are:
Content Authorship: Businesses that have a Google+ profile can claim authorship over their Internet content.
Hangout: Google+ Hangouts is a free app that facilitates users to video chat with up to ten people at once. Hangouts can be private, only visible to the people invited, or public viewing.
Circles: Google plus facilitates the user to segregate the contacts according to different convenient groups. The recipients will doubtless appreciate not being inundated with unsolicited promotional offers. You also have Extended Circles. These are a blessing to marketers as they can expand the reach of messages relating to products.
Stream: The ‘Stream’ is an extraordinary feature of Google Plus inasmuch as it gives instant updates to selected contacts /groups in your circle. An online business can straightaway convey upcoming events like a product launch or special offers to interested parties.
Photos: Google + also facilitates uploading of photos and videos directly from your mobile device. Business marketers can publish pictures or produce videos for the grand launch of new products.
Sparks: These are what really make Google plus stand out amongst all social networking sites. This feature allows you to specify your areas of interest.
Video Chat and Huddles: Like on Facebook or Linkedin, you can get numerous comments on your products and services. The video chat can be used for live customer interactions. ‘Huddles’ allow for group chats.