Google Plus Reviewed

Google Plus Its a Start

Well its been some time in coming and a couple of false starts, but Google is finally taking Facebook head on in the Social Networking Wars.

Its People Only

Currently Google Plus is only for individual accounts, apparently business accounts and services will be introduced later in the year.

As a Social Network Google Plus pretty much looks and feels like Facebook. The view of my "Streams" in Google + certainly has a similar view to my Facebook Wall, and of course Google has all the photo and video sharing capabilities.

So What's Different?

Google Plus has put a different spin on many of the same functions found on Facebook. The foundation services of Google's Social Network are:

Circles: A place to find, follow and share with people you know. Google makes it easy to categorize your friends into social circles giving you the power to determine who of your friends and acquaintances are able to view various items of your content and shares.

This should prove to be an effective method to keep the Social Network personal and not have quite the spider web effect of Facebook Friends, which can result in the remotest of connections ending up on your personal wall.

Hangouts: Google's answer to the Facebook / Skype deal, with the difference being Google's Hangouts are public and enable up to 10 people to join in for a video chat. Something like dropping into the cafe and hanging out with your friends.

Skype has multi user video capabilities which are an addition service fee item however, I'm not entirely sure, but don't think multi user functionality is available via Facebook Skype.

Sparks: Google has something a little different for us with Sparks. Essentially an RSS Feed that is easily accessible via the Sparks interface. Quickly search for items of Interest and add to your Sparks, and Google will provide a selection of information targeted to your Search terms and interests. A very effective way to monitor what's happening within your business niche.

Google Plus and Business

As I stated earlier Google has yet to open up Google Plus to businesses, but that of course does not stop many business owners from thinking of ways to leverage this new outlet for business purposes.

I think thel secret to using Google Plus for business in these early days is to use a softy softly approach. With Google's expertise at identifying spam and those who are trying to game the system, any form of spam is likely to put accounts at risk. Again, businesses are faced with learning the nuances of yet another Social Media Marketing Tool..

Business Solutions

When business accounts become available look for a strong set of tools to enable collaboration and communication. Video conferencing is obviously going to include something similar to Hangouts, and so many other business services currently available via Google Apps / Docs ensures Google Plus will be a destination for many business users.

Need an Invite To Google Plus?

I like Google Plus and am pleased to see a potential service which offers Internet users choice if nothing else. Facebook has its strong and weak points and no doubt Google's list of these will grow with time. But growth is what is needed so I will invite you to Google Plus on a first come first served basis and as time permits.

To add yourself to the invitation list please Visit our Facebook Page and Like SeoWizardry and then post your name and email on the Google Plus Invites Discussion Board.