The New Look Google+
Google+ has undergone a significant revamp, with a new, more mobile-friendly platform focusing on Communities and Collections. The platform’s developers have been busy gathering user feedback, visiting people and businesses to find out exactly what they want from Google+. Compared to social media giants like Facebook and Twitter, Google’s attempt to create a successful social platform has been a struggle. However, this latest redesign aims to change that, offering a more responsive and streamlined experience.
A More Responsive Google+
One of the key features of the new Google+ is its improved responsiveness. Whether you’re accessing the platform from your desktop or mobile, it now adjusts seamlessly to fit your screen size. Faster download speeds also mean that even with a poor Wi-Fi connection, you should still be able to navigate Google+ without much difficulty. The focus, however, is less on the technical improvements and more on what the platform now offers to users: enhanced Communities and Collections.
Google+ Collections for the Enthusiast
Collections allow users to group together content based on specific interests. Whether it’s books, hiking, technology or any other niche, there’s a collection to follow. This makes it easier for users to curate their timelines and stay updated on their favourite topics. For businesses, this feature provides a fantastic opportunity to engage with enthusiasts who are specifically interested in their industry or products, opening the door to targeted marketing.
Google+ Communities for Engagement
While Collections are about following content around specific interests, Communities are about engaging with others who share those same interests. According to Google, they are seeing around 1.2 million community joins per day, which explains why the platform has shifted its focus here. Engaging with these communities should be a key part of any business or brand’s strategy on Google+, much like it is on Facebook groups.
A Platform Through Changes
Google+ has had its ups and downs over the years. Features like Hangouts and Photos have come and gone, and there was even the ill-fated attempt to force people to sign into YouTube through their Google+ accounts. With this redesign, the platform feels much simpler and easier to navigate, which may help attract more users. Gone are the overwhelming +1s, notifications and buttons that used to clutter the screen, making way for a cleaner, more intuitive interface.
For marketers and SMEs, the standout features of Google+ remain its Communities and Collections. These provide great opportunities for business development, networking, and brand-building. Collections can be a valuable source of industry-related news and topics to enhance your own social media content. Although Google+ still struggles to define its place in the social media landscape, this simpler version might be exactly what the platform needs to attract more active users.
Benefits for Businesses
For businesses that are willing to engage with the platform, the benefits of using Google+ are still very real. Active participation in Communities can help boost visibility, and regular updates to Collections can position you as an industry leader. Not to mention, the organic SEO benefits associated with having an active Google+ presence are still an asset for any business looking to improve its online visibility.
Google+ may still be evolving, but its focus on creating more engaging and user-friendly features could mean that its best days are ahead. For those in the business world, especially SMEs, now could be the time to rethink Google+ as part of your digital marketing strategy. You can read more about Google’s take on the new features on their blog: Introducing the new Google+.
If you need help developing your social media strategy or want to know more about making Google+ work for your business, contact The Last Hurdle for expert advice.
