How Should Bloggers Use Google+?
http://toastmeetsjam.com/obsessions/jens-holiday-wishlist-giveaway/
The reach of G+ doesn’t yet rival Facebook or Twitter, but you can’t ignore the 300 million users that use Google’s social network. But, as with any social media site, there are certain ways you should and shouldn’t use G+. To get the most out of this social networking site, we recommend reading through a detailed social media guide before you check out the tips below.
Take Advantage of G+ Images
G+ is similar to Pinterest in the fact that it’s incredibly visual. Whether you’re sharing your blog posts on G+ or using it as your main blogging platform, make sure you take full advantage of the large image capabilities. If you share your blog post on G+, upload a full sized image, like the one seen below:
Be careful that you’re not uploading a thumbnail sized image like this one:
So, why upload a full sized image? G+ knows that readers gravitate towards images while reading information on the web, and articles with more images are generally more popular than those without them—so, G+ is really trying to maintain a visually interesting social media experience, which also helps you, as larger and more interesting images will likely mean your content is read more often.
Use Hashtags
Like Twitter and Instagram, G+ uses hashtags so viewers can discover and track common trends. This helps you as a blogger because it allows you to tag, categorize, track, and promote your blog articles. For example, if you upload an article or image and use the hashtag #parenting, your content will appear in front of readers who are following that particular hashtag. This allows your content to find new and (most importantly) relevant audiences who might not have found you otherwise.
Hashtags also allow you to tap into what blogging is all about: community. You can use hashtags to discover and engage with audiences by simply using the search bar in G+.
Connect in Person or on Hangouts with G+ Events
The newly launched G+ events feature is perfect if you want to connect with your readers in person or via Google hangout. You can send out your event invite to people in your circles or email contact list, and if your readers accept, the invite integrates seamlessly into their Google Calendar.
If you’re putting on an in person event, G+ allows attendees to post pictures through “Party Mode,” which shares images with all attendees in real time:
If you can’t meet with your audience in person, you can schedule a group video call (or hangout) using G+ events. Hangouts are still great for connecting with your readers, and can be used for things like public Q&A, tutorials, or announcements.
Use Circles to Organize Readers
One of the greatest features about G+ is the fact that you can add anyone to your “circles” (or groups of people that you follow on G+). You can create multiple circles, which allows you to categorize and track different types of readers or other people you follow. Then, when you post something to G+, you have the option of sharing with specific circles.
For example, if you’re a blogger who writes about parenting, you can create circles for readers who are interesting in articles/images about twins, adoption, minimalist parenting, or cloth diapering. This allows you to share specific articles with circles who will find them interesting or relevant. You could also create a type of “inner circle” for loyal or frequent readers, who you might want to share more with. However you want to categorize and share with readers or other bloggers, G+ allows you to specifically target your various audiences.
If you’re a blogger not currently using G+, you should start, as it’s a great visual platform you can use to get your content in front of new readers, follow and discover new trends, and target/organize your audiences. Good Luck!
Rob Toledo resides in the great Pacific Northwest where he spends most of his weekends hiking, camping and enjoying the rain as much as possible. He also spends a lot of time working on his side project Chess Club or enjoying a cup of delicious coffee. He can be reached on Twitter @stentontoledo.
