Simple Guide To Google Plus!

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As you will see from the graph below, Google Plus has enjoyed a rocket-like launch, reaching 10 million users in just 16 days. Facebook took 852 days and Twitter 780 days to reach the same number of users.

We have to remember however that Google+ has the advantage of entering the social networking arena after Facebook, Twitter and other Social Networking Sites have already paved the way and laid the foundations….not to mention the fact that Google is an established brand with a large existing userbase.

In my previous post ‘Google Plus versus Facebook…..What’s The Difference?’ we took a look at what Google Plus is and how it differenciates itself from Facebook.  This post provides a simple guide to Google Plus and will walk you through a simple three step process to get started. It will also guide you through some of the prominent features of Google Plus.

Your Three Step Guide To Setting Up Your Google Plus Account

Step 1 – Create a Google Account
First things first, you need a Google account. If you already have gmail email account, then you also have a Google Account and you can skip this step. But in case you don’t, simply visit Google.com, complete the sign-up form and follow the prompts, and in no time you’ll be all signed up.

Step 2 – Fill In Your Profile
Next, you need to fill in your profile. Log into your newly created or existing Google account, click on your name in the upper right corner, and choose “profile” from the drop-down list. Click “Edit or Create Profile” and fill in as much information as you can, especially the Introduction section. This is important, because it is the introduction that shows up when your profile is displayed in the search results. So use your keywords, and make sure the first sentence contains the information you most want people to see.  Also, add a picture to your profile.  You can also complete your profile within Google Plus, once you have gained access if you prefer.

Remember that at this point in time, Google Plus is only for personal accounts.  Business accounts are coming, but in the meantime you are likely to have your account shut down if you try to create a profile for a business.

Step 3 – Sign Up To Google Plus
Finally, visit www.Plus.Google.com and click the sign-in button. With a little luck you will be able to sign in straight away, but at the time of writing you are more likely to get a notice stating that Google+ is in limited field trial. In this case click the button that says “Keep me posted” so Google will know you’re interested, and get to work on getting an invite.

Much like when Gmail (and Wave) first started, Google Plus is for the most part operating on an invitation only basis. There are plenty of invitations around, however, if you need an invitation, just send me your email address at info@louisesteiner.com and I will send you a Google Plus invitation.

Getting Started With Google Plus

Circles
Let’s start with Circles. This is how you organise your contacts. You can have as many circles as you like, and you can name them anything you please. Whilst users are notified that you’ve added them to a circle, they’ll never see the name of that circle, so feel free to be creative. Once you’ve created a few Circles – and added people to them – you’ll have much more control over who sees your content. Pictures of the baby? Share with the “Family” Circle. Big sale going on? Share with your “Clients” Circle and so on.

Remember you can add anyone to your circles.  You do not need to be mutual friends as you do with Facebook.  This means that you can create a Circle of people you wish to follow, such as industry leaders, without needing them to follow you in return.  This is great for collecting information from a particular segment of people.  But remember, you do have a total limit of 5000, just like in Facebook.

Status Updates
In the ‘Share what’s new’ box you can enter as much text as you like.  Adding photos, video and links is simple and I love the way photos are prominently displayed, as seen below.

Hangouts & Huddles
Next up, Hangouts and Huddles – two fantastic ways to stay in touch with friends, clients, or team members. Hangouts allows you to video chat with up to 9 others, while Huddle is a text messaging app for groups. Hangouts works right in your browser with your webcam, but Huddle (for now) only works on Android phones.  Download the Huddle Android App to start texting with your Google Plus Circles or individual contacts.   There’s talk of an iPhone app coming soon.

Sparks
Sparks is where you can find all kinds of interesting content. Choose your areas of interest, and Google will present you with an up to date list of articles, videos, blog posts, and news items to match. Unlike search results, which tend to remain the same from day to day, Sparks content is dynamic, showing only the latest results. And if you find something particularly interesting, there’s a convenient button for sharing with your Circles.

Invite Friends
Start inviting your friends to join Google Plus.  You can invite up to 150 friends by sharing a link, or you can invite people directly from Google Plus by adding their email address.  People already signed up to Google Plus can easily be found via the ‘Find People’ search box.

Toolbar
A toolbar will show throughout all Google applications, allowing simple, quick navigation between your Google Plus account and the rest of Google.

Conclusion

Whilst Google Plus is currently still only available for personal use, it’s important to remember that the network is still young. There are future plans for business accounts and integrated gaming, among other things.    Early indications certainly point towards Google Plus becoming a highly successful social networking site, but only time will tell how it evolves.  I for one can’t wait to see how it develops.