By Alana Golob
Although the fate of Google+ and its 40 million users may be unknown, the platform has been making big (and quick) strides this week with the roll-out of the new Google+ Brand pages. Similar to Facebook, Google+ Brand pages allows brands to develop pages to publish content including photos, videos and links. Users can now add their favorite brands, teams, athletes and celebrities to their Circles. One added perk of Google+ Brand pages is the ability to have an animated photo strip. For a great example, check out what Red Bull did.
Google has successfully developed a platform that is focused on the elements that enhance communication and interaction, whether it’s between family members or a brand’s loyal consumers.
The following are key takeaways from the Google+ platform:
Google+ Circles:
My husband knows better than to talk to me about fishing, because it’s a guarantee that I’ll stop listening within the first 2.3 seconds. The same goes for me and talking to him about my favorite reality TV shows. Google has taken this basic communication principle and developed Google+ Circles. This feature allows brands to segment their audience based on demographics/geographics by adding them to specific Circles. Marketers then have the ability to control the content that their audience digests and deliver value that is relevant to a specific audience (circle).
Google+ Hangout:
As technology progresses, human interaction will continue to decrease at the same rate. Nothing will ever replace the power of face-to-face interaction, and Google+ Hangouts makes an attempt to fill that void. The feature allows brands to have live video interaction with their consumers, guests and fans. Imagine the relationship potential there.
Founder of Digital Royalty, Amy Jo Martin, had the opportunity to take part in a G+nius Women Panel hosted on Google+ Hangout prior to her speaking at an upcoming TEDxRainer event. Five speakers participated with one moderator. Although Google+ Hangouts limits session to 10 individuals per Hangout, the cool factor is that the one-hour panel discussion was recorded and repurposed on YouTube so it could be shared with thousands and watched, here.
On a larger scale, Will.i.am gave exclusive backstage access to fans through Google+ Hangouts On Air that was broadcasted live on YouTube back in September.
Google+ Badges:

Following the Brand page roll-out, Google+ did a quiet roll-out of their Google+ Badges. The Badge signifies which of your friends have given a “+1” to a website, or in other words given their recommendation. It connects your Google+ brand page with your website. The Badge also gives the user the opportunity to add a site to their circle. This increases visibility to your site, which ultimately leads to higher web-traffic. A brands potential reach of +1 doesn’t end with the 40 million users on Google+, but the billions of people that visit Google each day.
It’s your move, Facebook.































