By Kristine Serran
Google has hit the market with a punch straight to Facebook. They revealed Google+ which turns Google into a huge social media website. They kicked it off by allowing a limited number of people into the network by using invites (as they’ve done with the launch of other Google services). However, they have capped new signups which limits just how many people can get on Google+ for the time being.
One big thing that’s circulating the online world is whether or not Google will be able to take the spot as the #1 social media website that Facebook has held for quite some time. While this is still unclear, Google does have the ability to grow into something that Facebook may not see coming.
With that said, let’s take a quick look at what Google+ has to offer its users.
Google+ Stream
The Google Plus stream is Google’s version of the news feed that Facebook uses to share updates of those within your network. Simply put, those who are in your circle will have their posts placed in your stream for easy access.
The stream also integrates the +1 feature which will provide posts that you like with your personal endorsement. You can think of this as Google’s version of the “Like” feature on Facebook which has proven to be a very popular addition for any social media website.
Google+ Profiles
The profiles that are used aren’t really showing anything extraordinary just yet. Although Google is known for saving the best for last when they’re launching various services which makes one think that the profiles will receive a remarkable update in the near future.
The best thing about Google Plus profiles is that it does contain a tabbed featured. Currently, you can only use the tabs to share your +1s and data from your Google Buzz account on your Google+ profile.
Google+ Circles
This is one of the best feature implementations that Google has come up with so far. This is similar to the lists functionality of other social websites which allows you to categorize your Google Plus connections into certain circles that you can create. Adding someone to a circle is as easy as dragging and dropping them into the appropriate circle and watching the cool animations that go along with it.
Google+ Hangouts
The Hangouts feature of Google+ allows users to hang out with people in their circles via video conferencing. It’s a great way for people to interact with each other online as well as encourage a new level of social networking. As long as Google can become established as a premier social media website, this feature can open the door to a whole new outlook of online networking.
Google+ Photos
This is a way that you can share your photos as well as edit them online. It’s very simplistic and it provides a great opportunity for those who love putting photos on their social media profiles.
Google+ Huddle
This feature allows you to send messages to the circles that you create within Google +. It’s a cool feature, but it’s really nothing to run home and tell mom about.
Google+ Mobile
It can easily be seen that this is a first attempt at developing a mobile experience for Google Plus. The mobile version provides a capability that enables an auto-upload of your photos to your profile as well as Huddle integration. Not much, but there’s still a lot of time and room for Google to improve this feature.
Google+ Sparks
Sparks is something that many webmasters are underestimating. It’s simply a way for you to recommend things on the web to those within your Google + network. Honestly this just might be a way to ensure valuable information on the web is shared like it should be, as long as Google can get the ball to the end of the field for a touchdown of course.
The Outcome
Whether or not Google can dominate Facebook in the world of social media is yet to be seen. However, they have already seen a great amount of people utilizing Google + during its testing phase which means that it just might be the next Facebook of the internet. We’ll only be able to see whether or not this is true as time goes on and Google developers scramble to ensure this is a truly useful resource.
More About Kristine Serran
Kristine Serran currently works as a search engine optimization specialist specialist from a reputable SEO company.
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