Ideal Uses For Google+

Those involved in the building their audience, connecting, and networking through social media channels are already bogged down enough with their primary platforms… Because as social media and SEO pro's understand, its not about thinly spreading yourself across MORE channels for exposure… Its about consistent activity in a FEW "primary" places…

Google+ seemed a bit of a latecomer, an "Extra," a "google's attempt" to desperately establish a bit of the "social network pie."

Despite google's almost annoyingly large reach and influence on the web already, and there track record on products like this… I almost want to say… c'mon google… give it a rest. But i wouldn't write google+ off just yet…

There are a few distinct gaps in the social media landscape that google+ may

be able to capitalize on and in turn, offer great enough benefits to become a well adopted social network with its own advantages and features.

This main feature, or distinct place, if promoted and marketed properly could be

an ideal vehicle for thought leadership, and a way to form groups based on specific topics that people are passionate about, and let the intimate conversation be the focus.

Basically a super niched meeting place without the social exclusivity of Facebook, but much much more focused and conversation driven than twitter.

People who aren't necessarily friends or acquaintances yet, or looking to market themselves/follow/be followed, but rather engage in very specific, topic driven questions around their areas of interest.

There is definitely a use for this. I know this is something that is appealing to me personally, but only if it is executed properly by google, and implemented with this kind of an understanding by users.

So lets take a look in relation to the big social media picture.

• Facebook = your friends, an invite only dinner party.

• Twitter = a wider group of people interested in similar or loosely targeted topics. A cocktail party.

• Linked-in = a business networking platform, online resume site. A business networking event.

• Myspace = … Oh yea, a place to… put your music and stuff…. sorry myspace.

• Google+ = subject driven dialog, by topic experts... (obviously this is only going to be interesting to those who are in the "know") The venue and atmosphere? An enthusiasts trade show.

Just some food for thought. And i don't expect we'll see any heavy adoption in the very "near" future, but if google wants to make this platform successful, they'll have to do something soon. We'll keep our eye on this one.

Have the best day you can have.

Jamie