The Skinny on Google+

In case you haven't noticed, there's a new kid on the social media block. And our friendly online giant, Google, brings it to us.

I've had a lot of questions about Google+ ranging from how to use it and is it worth paying attention to. Many people out there are calling it the "Facebook Killer" but I don't see it like that. The social media landscape is vast and varied enough that there is (currently) enough room for another player in the game. I say - bring it on! Google is obviously a HUGE player in the online world so anything they do - you pretty much HAVE TO pay attention to it.

Google+ is offered on practically all Google products (Gmail, Google, Google Docs, etc.), and its adoption is spreading quickly. I heard recently it attracted more than 10 million user registrations in the first two weeks (more than Facebook or Twitter during their initial launch phase.)

But, as a marketer - what do you need to know? What's the lowdown on Google+ to help you with marketing and your online presence?

Well, here's what you need to know as this new player starts to emerge.

In a nutshell, Google+ enables real-time updates (like Twitter) and lets you stay in touch with "circles" of friends (similar to Facebook, but with easier options for creating and viewing groups). You can also check into places with it (like FourSquare).

So, what's in it for us marketers? Although Google+ is still relatively new, we can already see what it has as potential from a marketing perspective.

+1 Feature. Similar to Facebook Like - it allows you to promote and share webpages and content online by '+1' the page. So, many marketers have already started to add Google's "+1″ feature to content pages and websites. That means more user engagement for you from your website visitors and another method for people to spread the content and get the word out.

SEO. Just like with any other method of social promotion, the more +1′s your content gets, the more likely Google will consider the topic relevant to those search terms. It's a recent SEO trend, which relies more on recommendations and people suggesting relevant content as opposed to "black and white" marketing strategies to get your content on the top pages of Google. So, over time Google will factor +1 scores into its search algorithm. When you write about a subject on Google+ and your circle (friends) Google that subject, your comments and links are displayed on page on of Google.

User Intelligence. The more you use Google+, the smarter the platform gets as recognizing your usage and recommending items in your News Feed. You'll start seeing increasingly relevant updates and content coming from within your network - meaning users most interested in what you have to say will find your content more easily, and will be more likely to refer to it and share it.

Influence. Google+ is another way for users to share what they're reading and watching. Right now, the people on Google+ are people - it's not available to companies or brands yet. So, the early adopters and users of this platform are able to establish the trend and how interactive the platform is with their network. So, the biggest influencers on Google+ will become the most active and influential sharers of content.

Even though Google+ is just starting out, its reach and ease of use make its implications for online marketers worth consideration. Join today and stay tuned to see where it goes!

Here's an amazing secret to use Google as a marketer:

+1 notices are posted in everyone's Gmail inbox - meaning if you +1 something it has the potential to show up right in someone's Gmail inbox - which is where they are spending most of their time anyway - in EMAIL. This point alone makes Google+ a must for any marketer.

Until next time... Learn It, Love It, Live it!

Derek Fredrickson, Authentic Internet Marketing Specialist, is founder of the Authentic Internet Marketing System, the proven step-by-step program that shows you exactly how to authentically market your business online, in record time...guaranteed. To get your F.R.E.E. videos and receive his authentic internet marketing articles on attracting more leads and converting more sales online to multiply your current revenues, visit http://www.derekfredrickson.com.

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