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I was an early advocate of Google+ and I continue to be one if for no other reason than it’s hard to ignore the a company like Google – and that I really hate being wrong.
But I saw this infographic today published by Mashable in an article entitled ”This Infographic Shows Why Google+ Is a Ghost Town” and it made me take pause – it’s the first time I’ve thought seriously about the possibility of me – and millions like me – being wrong about Google+.
The reality is that it’s just too early to tell – Google+ is little more than a year old, so the jury will be out for some time on whether it will ultimately make it or not as a social network – or whatever else it may evolve into.
Personally speaking, my Google+ stream is the most interesting and active of the four networks depicted in this infographic to which I subscribe. In fact, much of the content I generate on the other three networks originally came from my Google+ stream. I have also made more new connections via Google+ than Facebook and LinkedIn combined – MEANINGFUL AND LASTING CONNECTIONS, not just “Like’s” and “Follows”.
I’ve told all of my small business clients that a Google+ business page is a “must have” and should be included in any social marketing strategy’s toolbox. The main reasons for this are simple:
- Google+’s rapid adoption and growth. You can’t ignore 170 million users. And you can’t ignore Google.
- Its SEO benefits. Your business becomes more relevant in Google searches now with Google, Search plus Your World.
OK, so why am I second guessing myself now? Not because Google+ is not a great social network – it is. But as a social marketing channel that drives people to your website where they can learn more about your brand and “book it”, it is a dog! At least, that’s been my experience to date with several small business clients here in paradise – dead last or N/A in every Google Analytics report. Google+ hangouts haven’t seemed to help either.
I sense a reluctance in many social marketing pros to be the first to dis’ Google+ – what if they’re wrong!? But I’d be interested in at least hearing from them about whether or not they are obtaining decent social metrics from Google+ via Google Analytics’ social reporting, or whatever analytics tool they may be using. Is Google+ driving up website traffic? If so, to what degree? If not, why not?
The comments are yours!
Sort of mixed reactions with us on the data contained in the infographic. They seem to be in complete contrast to the customer satisfaction survey done jointly by ACSI and ForeSee a couple weeks ago. GPlus has been termed as the ghost town for quite some time by the commentators and still seems to be the fastest in terms of the user base reach. So it seems more like and even-stevens, as one is good in one while the other surpasses everybody in the other.
In our cases, we receive leads more from Gplus as compared to FB, may be we are not using FB in a better way. Again, agree to what we talked about a couple days back; its not an apple to apple comparison, but we doubt the commentators would be doing that that since, the guys at Gplus seems to have every intention to exceed in all depts where team at FB has been failing in the near past.
TY for your comment. Very enlightening! Bottom line is that it’s too early to tell with Google+, one way or the other. I certainly will be keeping my fingers on the pulse of G+ and the landscape continues to change almost daily. Thanks again!
Too early? Yes, second you on that. Although Google might raise an eyebrow, considering the trouble they already have given B ini this 1yr