Written by Chelsea
Gruber
About Google+
Google Plus (G+) is a social
networking service that was launched on June 28, 2011. As of June 2012, the
networking site had a total of 150 million active users and 250 million
registered users. Google + differentiates itself from other social networking
sites claiming that it’s site consists of social “layers” and not just one
site.
Google + have about 17 different
features, ranging from “Streams” to “Google + Events”. On the Streams,
users can see updates from people in their “Circles”.
Circles allow users to organize their connection intro groups: family, friends,
acquaintances, work, etc. Users are also able to “Hang Out” with their connections via Video Chat. Users can also
connect with others using “Messenger”,
“Instant Upload”, “Games”, or “Sparks”. Sparks allows users to mark tabs on things they may be
interested in sharing with their connections. With “Google + Pages”, companies and organizations can set up profiles
or “pages”. Another feature is “Google +
Creative Kit” which is essentially an updated version of Picnik, a photo
editing program. With “Google + Events”,
users can create events, invite other users, and then share media such as
pictures and videos.
Google+ in PR
Marketers and other PR professionals
have found that Google + allows them to create greater engagements with people
that they could previously do only at a greater expense. Unfortunately, even
though early innovators and some businesses have gotten on the Google+ train,
much of the public is still unfamiliar with it. This is bad news for brands and
marketers. However, Google + is working
to enhance it’s design, making greater interactions and easier transitions.
The three common ways that marketers
can use Google plus include:
1. Help
with marketing content and distribution. With “Sparks” organizations can share information of
other business, industry influences, and even competitors. This increases the
chances of other businesses sharing information of these organizations.
2.
Use Google + Circles to get the
pulse on popular content.
Organizations have the opportunity to create circles for the avid users who
share content relevant to their target audience.
3.
Content marketing team collaboration.
Many of the
connection tools that organizations use in a cloud are scattered and somewhat
limited. Google+ offers free connections tools that can all be found in the
same place, making sharing and connecting much more efficient.
Many
companies have active Google+ pages. Media-based companies who use Google+
include Fox News, The New York Times, and TIME Magazine. Non-media brands with
successful pages/profiles include Virgin Mobile, Starbucks, Nissan, Save the
Children UK, NASA, Android, Pepsi, and Macys.
New
York Times Google+ Page
Links:
1.
Google Plus
2. What
Google + Means for Marketers; Press Release
3. Three
Ways Marketers Can Use Google+; Press Release
4. 25
Brands with Active Google+ Pages
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