Why Google + Deserves Some Love
Google + and I are finally going steady. Yes, we flirted for over a year, totally broke up once or twice and went through a phase not even speaking to each other. It got so bad that I even bad-mouthed Google + publicly. Then, one day about three weeks ago, all of that changed.
I’m not sure what it was. Hard for me to put my finger on, actually. I had been very happy with Facebook and the amount of engagement and activity in that relationship. I even spent some money and invested in a Facebook ad which brought me over 300 new targeted followers for a mere $36.00. The relationship was good, but growing stale. I was getting bored with the same old stuff. Ads running down the right-hand side of my page, lots of “likes” but no direct answers to some of my questions. Facebook was showing me its aloof side.
Meanwhile, a Google + community popped into my email. Sure, trying to lure me in with the work “community.” I fell for it. I joined the community and discovered people actually were leaving comments, not just “plus 1′ing each other.” I became intrigued.
I felt daring and strong and confident. So, I created my own Google + community to see if I should think about getting back together with G+. Lo and behold, my community is growing. People are joining and actually participating. To make it even more fun, I came up with Wisdom Wednesdays where the members can share a hot tip and Theatre Thursdays, where we all share our videos – business, no sales – and comment on at least two of them.
Our courtship is going well. Rumor has it Facebook is rolling out some other big changes this week. Since I am addicted to Facebook, I will hang in there with them, but I am cheating on the side. And it feels good. More fulfilling. Not to mention the traffic on my website has increased by more than 44% over the last twenty-one days, according to my Google analytics.
Are you and Google + tight? Or, do you have a love/hate relationship like I did? Please share.
Laurie Hurley is a social media consultant and has an active membership group, teaching basic social media to entrepreneurs. Laurie is also the hostess of The Social Networking NewsHour, which airs every Wednesday at 2pm on the Woo Hoo Radio Network.
8 Comments:
By Jen 16 Jan 2013
I have had a ignore it pretty much for google+ and also suddenly got pulled into enjoying it by an invite. I find it easy to use and very manageable. Certainly a lot less steps involved. I plan on starting my own community and diving in. Enjoying yours.
By Laurie Hurley 16 Jan 2013
Yes, Jen I agree. Not as much fuss and very few distractions on Google + like no ads, etc. I love the communities and am glad you are a part of mine. I look forward to you starting your own. Don’t forget to invite me!
By Stephanie Foley 16 Jan 2013
How exciting! I love the possibilities!!!
By Anonymous 16 Jan 2013
Yes, the possibilities are endless with Google +!
By Marieme 16 Jan 2013
Great article! I recently joined google plus and I am getting used to it. I would have to create a community and see how it goes. I really love facebook though.Thank you!
By Laurie Hurley 16 Jan 2013
Love Google +! It does get some getting used to, for sure, but I think it will work better down the road than Facebook!
By Vicki Dello Joio 16 Jan 2013
I am just entering into the google + worlds, thx to people like you and Louise, so haven’t had any real issues around “love/hate.” I’m jus curious to see how communities play out in on-line in different styles of SoMe. I LOVE the idea of wisdom Wednesdays and Theater Thursdays, btw!
By Laurie Hurley 16 Jan 2013
Glad you are enjoying it, Vicki. I am becoming quite an addict, myself and like it better than Facebook. Seems more organized. Appreciate your commenting!