Posted in So Genius
I’m gonna come right out and say it – my first year of social networking, google style, was a lot like going to Prom without a date. My posts seemingly went unnoticed and no one was circling me.. It wasn’t much fun at all. But fast forward 6 months later and boy oh boy; it’s amazing how quickly things change when you start doing it right.
Many people still buy into the Google Plus Sucks hype based on their 2011 experience. NEWSFLASH: I’m sorry to break it to you, it doesn’t suck as much as you thought.
You’ve probably seen the original version of this meme on Facebook. You might have even been one those who piled on with the “Google Plus Sucks” or “Nobody is on Google Plus, It is a barren wasteland” comments… Let me tell you, though, if your experience there STILL looks like that, you’re doing it wrong!
This new and improved meme wannabe is just a small taste of all the flavor I get on G+ every day. And, as you’ll see in the graph below from Global Web Index, Google has ascended to become the second most active social platform just this past month. Now that we’ve clearly established Google+ isn’t a ghost town, let’s talk about a few ways to spice up your Google Experience!
G+ isn’t Twitter or Facebook
In my observations, it seems as though folks want to carry over their existing networks to Google Plus. What those folks may not be considering is that most of their existing network is too busy playing on Facebook or Twitter to be active on G+. You need to find some fresh meat in order to find your way here (more on that later).
You may also have to adjust your posting style because, remember, you’re not on Facebook or twitter anymore. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll see a few short status updates and mindless ramblings, but most people post with a purpose on this network. One great way to attract new plussers and broaden your audience is through trending topics. Similar to twitter, just tag your posts with an associated trending topic. The difference is, aside from Twitter Chats & Community tags, people are actually looking through the trending stream and sharing posts!
Make your small screen debut
You can’t hide forever if you want to “make it” in Social Media. Even if your SM aspirations aren’t that high video is such a cool way to have fun with your previously “picture only” friends. Trust me, when you see what someone’s face looks like when they’re laughing instead of a typed lol next to their avatar, you’re really making a connection. The combination of YouTube being part of Google equates to a small screen monopoly… the hangout capabilities simply can’t be matched by other networks.
Case and Point – I’d like to highlight two WONDERFUL women who are getting their respective video grooves on. I’ve known Jessica Northey for a little over a year now. We originally met on her legendary Country Music Twitter chat (#cmchat). Not only is she one of the foremost Social Media authorities when it comes to Country, she’s also one smart cowgirl for recognizing the momentum video was generating. A few months back, Jessica started doing Twangouts She still uses the twitter tag to promote fan interactions
Pioneer of Girlfriend Social and recent Hogwarts graduate, Amanda Blain is in a league of her own. People joke that I’m instafamous on Instagram with 90K+ plus followers. That’s cute and all, but Amanda is bigger than Justin Bieber in these parts. She knows the power of the small screen, You always see her in hangouts. Coincidence? I think not
Fresh Meat for Your Great Escape
It’s time to go all cliche and save the best for last. The main reason behind my renewed Google Plus fervor was simple, I found some new blood to inject into my feed. Believe it or not, there’s a bunch of hipsters who actually call G+ their home. It wasn’t until a conversation with the coolest person in the world, Krystyn Chong, that I decided to give Google another go. She clued me in about many of the things I shared with you. A few other interesting folks I might not have come across on other networks are Dirk Talamasca, Bobbi Jo Woods, Cliff Roth, J.C. Kendall and Shawna Mac. Add Peg Fitzpatrick into the mix, and you have a solid foundation of 9 plussers whose posts are ALWAYS buzzing.
For those still not convinced or unwilling to try something new, I have just one question. Don’t you ever get bored with seeing the same people in your facebook feed over and over again? I can’t be the only one who wanted to get away from “the game” and have a meaningful interaction on days which it wasn’t my birthday. If that sounds like you, give Google+ another try.
What are you thoughts, Plussers… what makes Google+ great? And you, the one over there who’s shaking their head in disagreement… Why don’t you like about the platform?
Help an Instagram Superhero out and nominate me for an Instagram Shorty Award!
