The critiques of Google Plus can easily rip it off calling it a ‘Facebook Copy’ or just another ‘Facebook Competitor’, while admirers can keep bragging about the Google brand and its remarkable product inclusion – a social networking site.
This post is not going to encourage a bias. This post is only about acknowledging the Plus presence and presenting a case about the G+ advantage that Facebook needs to be alert and aware about.
1. Google Plus Unique Features
Plus came out with quite a few unique features but no doubt, that Facebook was quick to make its changes and win back the small number of people ‘thinking’ of leaving the site. Things like the Plus – Circles for privacy, were easily incorporated by Facebook with its drop down option to change privacy settings below a status. Yes, Facebook simplified the same privacy factor that G+ was reigning on. The way ahead, however, fB has to keep alert.
2. Geo Tagging
A feature introduced by Google Plus, quickly adopted by Facebook. It lets the user tag himself at various places that he is visiting. We must admit, Google Plus does a better job at it.
3. Video Chatting
Google is already set with the interface and hence, once again, leads or over shadows the Facebook attempt.
4. Huddle @ Plus
Huddle group chat feature, a winner.
5. Hangouts @ Plus
The Hangout features though not such a favorite yet, seems to be a good card for the future. People should find it suitable; once more people are on the site. When and if they arrive, that is.
6. Google Plus Games
Nothing absolutely unique here – per say. I mean, I am not a gamer, so I can’t really comment. But I can say that games played a great role in Facebook’s initial popularity. Those bored of Farmvilles and Cityvilles can explore ‘Sparks’ @ Plus.
7. Easy to Share
You watch something on Youtube, you can instantly share it with your circles. You write a blog on blogger, instantly pass it on. What’s on your RSS? Something interesting? Go ahead; push it to your circles.
The interconnected services provided by the Google brand, make it an easier platform to share.
8. Google’s New Privacy Policy
So now there’s ‘One Google, One Policy’ (doesn’t it seem like some SAVE mother Earth slogan ‘One world, one earth! Save nature’.) And although I don’t really think it’s that cool an idea, it’s still going to be applicable – making all your activities on Google services come under one bracket.
Everything you do on the Google network will be related. So, that’s a plus for those who use the net excessively. Your search will moreover be keep a secret; only between you and Google. Third parties won’t have this information.
9. Google’s Social Search
Google’s social search algorithm change ads to the Privacy settings modifications. Now, not only will there be one Google profile that has ALL your info, even your search results will be influenced by your interests and Plus activities.
In short, with Google’s backing, Google Plus is going to do ANYTHING but BACK OUT!
Image: Sean
For me, because I don’t sooooo love the ‘social search’ and ‘one profile’ thing so much (common! I might like to keep my interests private too!!), Google Plus will be something like a Virtual Dairy. I am going to hide all my profile info and simply make it a ‘personal’ space – my Google profile! – Like my home – only select shall enter. On the outside however, people aren’t going to be so thoughtful.
Knowing that search is influenced by Plus activity and all profiles so interconnected – people are bound to start sharing and using Google Plus. So, while that’s on, let’s wait and see what Facebook answers with!
Author is passionate blogger and a social media expert. She has worked with iNetZeal (which offers various services. Click here to know more about their new web development service) as a consultant and currently writes on SEO, SMO, and internet marketing based on her experience and expertise.
I agree with Ari, seriously I don’t really think Google + has any chance against facebook, because FB has already gone too far and Google might need around 10 years to get there.
@ Ari
My friends too! Google+ still lacking people but I truly hope that will be changed in near future.
i like facebook more than google plus .. google + is goood but bot the best .. mee to choose facebook
I’ve tried Google plus and haven’t been back since! If G+ is really going to challenge Facebook they are going to have to create a better user experience. Why switch? Why would anyone leave a city (facebook) to go sit in the middle of the Mohave desert (G+). As of now, no one I know is on G+.
I just read a report that talked about the amount of time people spend on all of the different social sites, google plus was on the bottom with an average of 9 minutes/month.. facebook on top with 450 minutes/month.
I don’t know if G+ will “beat” Facebook, but I think there’s room for both. I love the Hangouts feature (don’t use it often, but it’s very useful). I don’t think it’s as organized in appearance, and the circles are an interesting way to group people, but they are not as good for privacy (for most people) as the features on Facebook (and we all know how great those are – not). I love Google – it’s certainly got it’s place and I use G+ almost daily. But it doesn’t really encourage much interaction, from my perspective. Sharing, yes – meeting new people, even. Finding people I’ve lost touch with over the last decade or two? Facebook’s the clear winner, there.
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BTW, I’m donating my CommentLuv links this morning to a friend – Abhi Balani of Oddblogger.com – who would love it if you’d drop by and read his guest post on Jane Sheeba’s blog.
I haven’t tried G+ much myself even though I have already opened an account there. Facebook is well established and all my acquaintances are using it and I really don’t think I’ll change it.
Thank you for the great insight.I like google plus a little better than facebook. I love the fact that your website can rank on top with personalized Google + searches. Wow…Google is really owning the Internet today, will be a great competitor for Facebook.
Google had definitely introduced new cool features when it came out. even in the new record Google + in her pages tell that their user is increasing rapidly which is a good sign for Google and a bad news for Facebook as it rival getting huge success
I was actually reading this in warrior forum, and I totally agree with Ari G+ can’t beat FB just now, maybe in future but i know there is still a lot of my friends out there that are still using FB and some havent even heard of G+.
In the future maybe only time will tell
Thanks
Joe
Google had definitely introduced new cool features when it came out. However, they are experiencing a decrease in activity lately comparing to other new social networks like Pinterest.
M Mark
very great information ,this post is very useful for all types of people who are seeking for this information .Thanks for share , i will wait for the next post
very good information Thanks for sharing
What’s got to be remembered is that G+ is still new, facebook took months, years to get to where it is, so only time will tell G+ has a lot of great features though
Thanlks
Joe
Copy Me Millionaire by Jeffrey Baxter
Excellent point.. I never tried Google plus.. But is really sounds great..
Thanks for sharing some of it’s features..
I like google plus a little better than facebook. Once FB goes public, they will have a lot of pressure to monetize. Google plus will have far less pressure as they are already very positively cash flowed. I’m not seeing any ads on google plus either
g+ does not seem to have the idea of doing what most users think email is supposed to do–keep in touch with folks at a distance with pix and comments, easy and quick.
Unless it can come up with something shinier, I’m not sure it will work. They missed the boat on this one. But I’m still plussing just in case.
No wonder Google will do anything to bit the popularity of Facebook. Let’s
see what’s gonna happen after this year.
In the future, Google+ really can become more popular then Facebook. Google just know how to be the best among many.
To be honest, i don’t think G+ have a chance against FB. I joined G+ for several months, but none of my friends is there. I still choose FB.
I really adore G+ for unique features like the hang-out. It’s so cool. I think that FB is really popular and your friends has not yet discovered the wonders of G+. You should invite them in. FB is now a bit annoying for such sudden changes, I really hate the timeline. Well, let’s see how the two (G+ and FB) rivalry would go.