Aimee Woodall
My initial reaction to Google+ was “Really? Really? Another social media network?” But as I started to explore this website created by everyone’s favorite search engine, I changed my tune to “Another social media network!”
Social media is all about connections: meeting new people, discovering new things, strengthening relationships. But not all of us connect the same way. Some people talk to their friends through status updates. Others like to document their life on Instagram. Google+ offers one more way to stay in touch with your friends and your customers. An added bonus: Google+ pages also show up as search results, offering more exposure.
Google+ is a fairly new social media network, but it just hasn’t taken off the same way Pinterest or Instagram has. There are more than 100 million Google+ users, but there are more than 800 million Facebook users. But that doesn’t mean Google+ isn’t worth your time. Social media allows your company to show off it’s personality, and Google+ is no exception. The social network offers several features that can help you get to know your customers.
Hang Outs. No other social network makes video chatting with groups so easy. Own a restaurant? Offer customers the chance to learn a recipe from the chef. Run a business? Host a Q & A session with the CEO. Hang outs are currently just available to Google+ users but they will soon be available to the masses. It’s a great way to offer customers a peek behind the scenes and create an opportunity for meaningful engagement – even when real life interaction is not an option.
Circles. Google+ circles allow you to separate your followers into groups and create posts that are only visible to certain groups. This is especially beneficial to franchises or operations with more than one location. By tailoring your messages by geography or any other demographic (VIP, frequent flyers, women, men, etc), your content instantly becomes more relevant, and those groups will not only pay attention, they’ll feel special.
Schemer. Schemer is a tool that uses Google+ to help people share, discover and try new things. Users can post “schemes,” activities or tips like “go on a street art scavenger hunt” or “hunt through the stacks of albums at Heights Vinyl” and the program will make sure viewers in the area or connected to you see them. Get your customers involved by suggesting a list that inspires them to use your product or service in ways they might not think of on their own.
Scoot and Doodle. This Google+ app lets you and other followers draw pictures together online. It makes the online world seem more like the real world. Get your customers (especially younger ones) on board and have them draw brand-related items. Start a guessing game or host a contest. If you own a bar, ask your customers to draw literal interpretations of cocktails, like the New York skyline for a Manhattan or a rain cloud for a Dark and Stormy. Whoever creates the best drawing gets a round on the house. It’s something your customers will never forget.
If you’re not using Google+ already, get out of your social media comfort zone and try something new. Follow me or the Black Sheep Agency to see what I’m talking about. We’d love to connect with you. Whether you have a personal or brand page, Google+ can help you strengthen connections and build relationships.
Aimee Woodall/Black Sheep Agency
Contact her 832.971.7725 or email at aimee@theblacksheepagency.com
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