I ran across a graph recently that showed the time it took for Google+ to get to 10 million users versus Twitter and Facebook. You see that it took the more mainstream social networks years to grow a user base where as it took Google only days. However, I am concerned as to whether Google+ will keep all of their followers interested and active.
I don’t see a problem…
I am sure many of you are probably on the Google+ band wagon and I can’t blame you. We all want to get to the product early and make sure that we have a foot hold before our competitors do. However, there is no need to have a foot hold in a one hit wonder.
Take the Test
Look at your Google+ newsfeed. Really look. How many people do you see updating on a regular basis? 5? 10? I know the number will vary as to how many people you follow. But I am betting that the number is considerably lower than other social networks.
Next, look at the active users. If they are anything like the people on my Google+ then they are the communications junkies. They are the professors from my journalism school, thought leaders and random sales people that slipped through the cracks of my excited adding.
Why?
You may be confused by the results of your test compared to the hype around how awesome Google+ is suppose to be. The reason? Because we all don’t know how to use it yet. It isn’t the basics that we are confused by. Many of us know how social networks work after years of logging into MySpace, Facebook and Twitter among others. However, this is a new network. The question here is the one that hauts all social networks,
What am I going to say here that I haven’t already said? How is this any different?
The problem with any new product or service. Why do I need this?
Page Rank? Really?
To be honest, the only thing I have seen consistently that people say is a huge benefit is SEO and Page Rank. Why? BECAUSE GOOGLE OWNS IT! This is Google doing what it does best. It will make us use their social network to get good rankings. This reeks of monopoly.
Personally, if this is the only reason people can present with then I have to respond, that isn’t good enough. I use the social networks to connect with people. Facebook is for family and Twitter is for the world. What is Google+ for? What void is it filling other than making my name for noticeable in a Google Search? I thought I did that by having good content not an update a day on a pandering social network.
Rant Time is Over
I know I sound like a crazy little girl but I am tired of being sold on page rank. I would rather be a person, a connection. That is what I love about social media. It isn’t about a sale, it is about a relationship. Relationships take time. Google+ shouldn’t be used to make it seem like you are connecting with customers with higher search ranks. I think PR in Your Pajamas said it best today with this:
Marketing is a marathon, not a sprint.
Don’t let the page rank fool you. Count your interactions and compare them to sales. It takes time to see the change but if you are having true conversations it should show.
Disagree?
Let me know. I would love to know if my ideas are misinformed because I can always learn from mistakes.
