Can we enjoy the best of all the social media worlds?
The simplest way I can describe the difference between Facebook and Google Plus is that while Facebook helps you to keep in touch with the people you already know, Google+ helps you to get in touch with the people you want to know.
With Twitter you can keep abreast of the fast paced news world, see where your friends have checked in lately and how they're feeling at this moment. But trying to follow conversations on Twitter is a pain... You always see just the latest comment and have no idea what people are talking about. Half of my Twitter stream is full of disjointed scraps of discussions.
On Google+ you can follow anyone without them having to follow you back and without sending them any invite that they’d need to approve, which is a lot like Twitter. However, unlike Twitter you can also choose exactly who sees what, making G+ the only social network where you can have one account while still easily separate business posting from personal.
Don’t be shy or afraid to circle as many people as possible, you can always uncircle later if they’re not up to your expectations. Join Communities: Sharing your interests and passions are another great point for Google+: It’s easy to find like minded folks with the aid of the G+ search using keywords or hashtags.
Why would I log in to Facebook?
To see what my friends and relatives have been up to, especially my twin nieces who live in Cyprus and play beach volleyball: Oh, one of them has just gotten engaged to the long-time boyfriend! To check whose birthday it is or what the weather is like at my sister’s place, can she let the horses out today or is it too cold.
Facebook feels comfortable, we’re surrounded by close friends and family, and know our way around.
With the changes Facebook has lately made, it has brought the platform closer to the idea of Google+. Take subscriptions, for instance, they remind me of Circles: You can follow celebrities or even acquaintances without the need for friend requests or possible rejection.
Of course these two copy and steal from one another, but that’s just good for us end users.
What about Google+, why would I create a new social media account?
For the newcomers to Google+ the place might look like a desert. Your stream is empty, your friends haven’t joined in, the whole place feels strange and even its UI is a bit baffling. Where to start?
Please finish your profile, make it a first priority.
When you add me to your Circles I always try to check who you are, to see if you're worth circling back. Without public posts and a good 'Information' text on your profile it's very difficult to determine what your likes are...
The same if I find you commenting on someone else's post: Make your profile image striking for attracting the attention, if that's what you'd like, that is.
Posts, profile, photo... If there is nothing showing, I'll not even think of circling you back, sorry.
Search Google+ for your favorite authors, artists, celebrities, sports stars. Search for your preferred hobby or anything you are interested in, then circle those who say things that grab your attention.
Check who they have circled or who has circled them, take a look at the people in the same Communities. Select abundantly and soon you’ll find yourself splashing in streams of thoughts, tips and news about the very things that interest you. Search for #hashtags and save the search for later easy use.
Worth a try!
Google+ works already well together with many Google tools: The latest addition of Communities is a very welcome feature indeed: Helping us to engage in groups with the people who share our interests. Don't forget the Events as it also was a much-awaited feature for organizing the big happenings or Hangouts On Air and links your Google Calendar with the events you want to participate in.The Facebook status box asks “What is on your mind?” Google+ not only makes it easy to answer but also makes it even easier for others to find out what you have to say. After all, Google is a specialist in search.
Give Google+ a try and don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just another Facebook clone. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A world that is full of interesting subjects and phenomena, where you can have meaningful discussions with folks from around the globe and Hangout with friends or interesting G+ celebrities / strangers, where you learn something new every day and where it’s easy to strike up acquaintances - or even become new friends - with the most unlikely people.
These three platforms all have their rightful place in our social life: The use for each and every one is different at least for me. I spend the longest time every day on Google+, while just checking the others quickly. It wasn't always like this...
I call Google+ “my ever changing window to the world” for a good reason
For me, Google+ has changed from desert to dessert.
Here is an excellent post I recommend by Mike Elgan: The Google+ Ghostbusters Kit
Another good read: Google+ in 15 minutes a day
What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment.
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