Entering the Google+ Cave for Bloggiesta

I’ve been searching for a short-cut to the understanding of Google+ that I think I need, but there doesn’t seem to be one. All roads point back to one thing, which isn’t a short cut at all. Rather, it’s a deep dark cave with multiple passages and confusing sign posts. But, at this point, I am persuaded (by Sharon Greenthal of Midlife Boulevard and Lori Sailiata of Lara Britt Writes) that this is the way to go.

What is Google Plus? A Complete User Guide by Martin Shervington is a resource I’ve known about for weeks. It just took me this long to convince myself that there wasn’t a more stream-lined approach. Can any social media platform really be worth the effort of watching hours of videos and reading the accompanying text? Of course it can, if it’s the social media platform that determines how findable my blog is.

I suspect that much of the early material will be a repeat for me since I read What the Plus! by Guy Kawasaki. But, since that book was dated the day it was printed, I also suspect there are gaps, so I’m going to go through the whole thing.

I ate lunch, took a walk, and gave myself a pep talk, so I’m going in. Wish me luck! If I don’t emerge in time for the Bloggiesta Twitter chat tonight, send in the Saint Bernard with mulled wine.

Comments

Entering the Google+ Cave for Bloggiesta — 6 Comments

Lori Sailiata on January 25, 2014 at 3:14 pm said:

Not to worry, Joy. Google Plus is something that DOES have a steep learning curve…in fact it never ends. Like most of the social media world, the materials are dated as soon as they are printed.

Here are some key take-aways to keep you steering straight.

* Be engaging. Don’t broadcast your stuff, but share and comment on other peoples materials…especially when you are just getting started.

*Post interesting things FOR your audience. It’s not about you, but about your audience. Who are you trying to connect with? [Very okay to have different answers. That’s what circles are for.]

*Unless you have a VERY compelling reason not to, default to “share with Public.” Then it’s okay to share with a community you are very active in (if that is part of their community guidelines.) You can also do this the other way around. I frequently share to M2the5th and then reshare to public. But make sure the community setting is “Public.”

The thing is…when you do put in the effort to learn the rules over on Google Plus, your own blog will benefit immensely.

And you do have a leg up because you belong to two terrific communities already. Don’t be shy about adding more. I believe the limit is 50. But do be active in at least half a dozen.

Share your results with us. I know you will.

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Suey on January 25, 2014 at 3:35 pm said:

Slowly but surely I’m learning my way around there too. It’s kind a fun actually!

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Jessica (The Bluestocking Society) on January 26, 2014 at 12:35 am said:

Eek. I added Google+ to my other Google products when it was first announced, but I have done almost nothing with it since. I’d totally love an update once you delve in to the materials.

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Satia on January 26, 2014 at 9:09 am said:

Not sure if it’ll help but I circled you. BTW, I hardly ever initiate circling someone because I have too many people who circle me and I can’t keep up but for you it’s totally worth it.

I don’t have a facebook account because I see entirely too much drama over there, people saying things that are hurtful or taking offense where perhaps no offense was implied. I think the reason for this is simply that people you know in real life–even people you haven’t seen in years or decades–can touch you more deeply than someone you’ve never met.

The advantage that g+ has over FB is that it is not based on IRL associations but on interests. And let’s be honest, how many of your former classmates/coworkers/long-lost-relatives truly share your interests? My daughter and I both like Dr Who but nobody else in my family watches it. My husband and I loved Firefly but I can’t convince any of my children to give it a try. My one son and I love Harry Potter but my other son hasn’t read even one of the books and hasn’t even seen the sixth movie, let alone the seventh and eighth.

Anyway, you get my point. On g+ you can more easily find other writers, even find other genre writers, or bibliophiles who love to exercise, etc. Circle people you think are safe to circle and, when you see something they post that interests you, see who else comments/plusses that post. When you start seeing familiar faces, circle that person. If you later decide you don’t want to have that person in your circles, you can always remove them.

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Tizzy Potts on January 26, 2014 at 4:01 pm said:

Thanks for posting a link to the guide. I don’t really get Google+ either. At the minute I have my blog posts automatically posted there, but that’s about as far as my interaction on it goes. I get very confused when trying to message or comment on other people’s pages. Hopefully this guide will help me to get the hang of it. Good luck with your Bloggiesta goals, Joy.

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- Joy Weese Moll on January 26, 2014 at 4:34 pm said:
  
  I’m guessing the British accent won’t be as thrilling for you as it is for me!
  
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