What is Google+?
According to Wikipedia, ‘Google has described Google+ as a “social layer” consisting of not just a single site, but rather an overarching “layer” which covers many of its online properties.’
It is simply the new evolution of Google as Larry Page said. It is the backbone of all Google products which helps the users get a remarkable experience. Let’s not compare it with Facebook because its main purpose is to not be a lonely social network to compete with Facebook.
Why it is going to blow up? (It has, well, started to already!)
First, let’s consider the main activity of Google: Search. Beyond an activity, search has allowed Google to create Adwords (commercial links on Google) which is a huge cash machine.
Indeed, Google is the best in Search and wants to stay the best and we can see why. Google knows its users even better now. Imagine if Google could grab information about the users as Facebook has done? This will add immense relevance to Google Search products.
The +1 available to Google+ users (just the way we like most things on Facebook) lets them not only find results for what they are looking for (as they used to) but also see the results preferred by their friends. This is likely to drastically increase the click rate on some results. This will be possible only for the people who are members of G+ and are logged in, of course. Otherwise, the old search experience will remain the same.
Wouldn’t you want to know what your friends have preferred? We think it will simplify your consideration and help you to take a decision much faster.
The magical integration of everything Google, for the happiness of the users but soon of the brand as well.
Consider this. I started my Gmail account in 2003, then I join Picasa, and then I created a Youtube Channel. Finally, I discovered Google+ and signed in. Step by step I discover the fluid global experience and that all the products could be linked all together. Plus, its app on my phone uploads pictures or videos as I create them. Nothing to do anymore!
It’s packed with features as well. Circles allows you to organise your contacts in a relevant manner. For example, if you’d like to share something with your team members (and not your competitors, perhaps), all you have to do is create a ‘Company’ circle and put all the people you want to be part of it. It is simple as that! Also, Google+ helps you to create a video conference with your contacts suing using Hangouts. The major difference with the other services is that Google+ lets you can chat simultaneously to 10 people in your list.
In terms of communities, you can apply to be a part of one or create one. This will allow you to focus on one subject, Social Media for instance, with those interested. The brand pages are perhaps the same as on, let’s say, Facebook. Users will decide to follow your page if they are interested in your brand.
Bringing all its services together, Google+ lets you discover things around you ranked by the other users; restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars… See where they are located on Google Maps and or find your way using directions!
From a brand point of view, Google should be considered as the door of the entire web, really. If you create a Google brand page, your information will be found on Google search greatly!
Do you or your company have a Google+ profile? How has your experience been so far? Let me know what you think!
