Google Plus is an enigma to some and others are struggling to find value in it. In my opinion, it’s a social network which has useful features and its seamless integration with other google products differentiates from other social networks. One could argue that this gives it an unfair advantage especially where Google Search is concerned but that’s a story for another day.
Here are some of the things I like about Google Plus.
Status Updates
It is possible to edit updates and comments on google plus. On other platforms, when one makes a mistake the only thing one can do is delete an update and post it all over again or just let it be.
Recommendations
When links to relevant content are shared [plus oned] by one’s friends on Google+, they serve as useful recommendations on the various google platforms like google search and youtube.
Circles and Privacy
With the clever use of circles and update settings, it is possible to segment audiences and to then share targeted information with the different audiences. For instance one could share personal stuff with friends and family only and then the general kind with acquaintances and everyone else.
Google Hangouts
These are spaces on Google Plus called Google Hangouts where it’s possible to interact via video or audio with up to 10 people at any given time. In these hangouts people can collaborate on a document on google docs and even watch a youtube video together. There is a low bandwidth setting which is useful when you are on a slow connection.
Google+ Pages
Brands can get into google plus via the pages. The pages are very similar to Facebook pages and they are very easy to set up. If the brand has a website, there is an embeddable follow button that will make easier for the brand’s fans to follow it google plus. On the pages however, the brand can’t follow people before they first follow the brand.
Google+ Messenger
Search Plus Your World