To Google+ or Not To Google+... now that is a question....

Almost daily lately it seems we wake to a new type of social media platform or networking system... what are the differences between them all and why choose one over the other?

Currently in Australia Facebook dominates Tumblr, Twitter, MSN is old news, Linked In is the contender for professional networking, MySpace has been converted to an underground music promoter - but look there is Pinterest, BranchOut, as well as numerous other minor and less well know and of course there is the ever growing Google+...

As our world becomes more global and therefore closer to us via the world wide web the value for companies and businesses to be part of the conversations online becomes more and more imperative to their promotion and growth. So which one do you choose and as most small businesses cannot afford to have a committed social and online networker on staff - how do you decide what is cost effective and profitable for your company.


Well essentially it depends on your products or services, your time and your audience but basically the following simple rules can be applied.

If you are a company with a visual presence for example clothing or merchandising, design or photographic then Tumblr, Pinterest and Facebook work in the current format for you, this is where your target audience can follow you, chat with you and you can monitor and engage the conversations. If you are a service provider of professional service for example then Linked In, possibly Twitter and Facebook may be well suited.


But what about Google + - well as Google continues to dominate the search engines for Australia, they are firing up Google+ as a genuine Facebook contender, word on the street is that there will be a Google+ Tsunami down under within the next six months..."but it wont take over from Facebook" I hear you say. I remind you that's what was said about Facebook by the Myspacers out there - whom I might add are now regular Facebook users!


Google has the money, power and serious web domination to alter their search algorithm to ensure that Google+ will be a main player when it comes to your company's website being found through organic searches. The reason you want to be involved in these platforms in the beginning. Google+ has the ability to integrate social and professional networking, following and information updates - in feels like a combination of all the main players in these arenas. 

I am very curious to see where the next 12 months online will venture, I am excited about all the communication possibilities currently on offer for companies.


So are you brave enough to be in the game before your competitor's do... online is where consumers research with the conversion from 'research to purchase' continuing to increase weekly amongst Australians.


I put this to you - can you afford not to be on these sites...


Robyn Devine