Google Plus is getting ready to say goodbye to the world. But why? A security breach that put users' information at risk is what burst the bubble. Despite this security issue, we must highlight that Google+ is not as successful a social platform as expected. Regardless, the consumer interest was never there. Let's examine what might have contributed to the Google Plus failure that is forcing its end.
Indisputably, Google is the #1 search engine in the world, followed by Bing and Yahoo. But despite its success, its social counterpart didn't follow suit. With four attempts at social networking, the consumer interest in the platform just was never there. Reports show that 90 percent of users spent about 5 seconds or less on Google Plus. But then again, how can you compete with social network titans like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter? With billions of users, such platforms almost leave no room for new concepts to emerge. An article discusses that although the unpopularity of the platform was a factor, the security breach was what reached the boiling point. With private profile data of over 500k users, Google was forced to shut down its social platform for users. This means that the site will still be available for companies, but not for individual consumers.
Although Google Plus never reached the popularity of other social media platforms, this channel did count with a fan base. The lack of ads and content that connects people, makes it a more genuine social network platform for its users. To them it is like having the benefits of social media without everything social media entails. And though the fan base is small, it is loyal. There is a group with over 2,000 members, created by a Google+ user, to give its consumers options to migrate to other social networks. As this community prepares for the shutting down, their plans to find options better than the traditional social network platforms are in full throttle.
Google+ is estimated to shut down for consumers in August of 2019. In the meantime the Google team is allowing this time for users to transition, download, and migrate their data. And while consumers prepare to bid Google Plus goodbye, we are relieved to know it will be available for companies. There are more advantages for companies when they use Google Plus. However, the loss of this platform will be felt in the community of users that call Google+ their social network of choice.
Trust Energyhill with your business's social networks. We know what social platforms are the best options for business owners to succeed. Contact us today and let's get the conversation started.
Every business should have specific strategies to keep their online social presence active and up to date. The good news is that you can do something about it! You can grow your audience on social networks if you strategically work towards that goal. To help you get started, we made a list of some easy and fundamental steps that will get you on the right track.
When you identify what your goals and objectives are before creating a strong social profile, then you will be able to have a social presence with purpose. Ask yourself these questions:
Knowing what you want to accomplish for your business will help you create meaningful posts that will attract followers. And thus lead you to grow your audience on social networks.
It is good you use your social accounts for a purpose. Set a marketing calendar to plan how often you will post about your services or products. Also, you want your audience to know you are an expert in your field. Thus, having material that shows your expertise will give you more credibility. Also, don't forget to come up with ideas to release posts every so often, such as blogs, renovation pictures, community highlights, etc. This will keep your audience interested and active in your social pages.
When you are creating your social profiles and pages, make sure they have working links that lead your audience to your website. Include current pictures of your business and the services you provide, and give details about your business on the bio section. And of course, keep your posts up to date, along with periodic throwback posts to go with the trend.
It’s all about the keywords! You need to make sure that the content you have is not only relevant and serves a purpose, but also contains keywords that will help you rank first on Google searches. Include the keywords you want your business to be known for. So, carefully create copy that follows SEO standards to grow your pages' visibility and prominence in the search results.
Put yourself in their shoes! In order to grow your audience on your social networks, you have to think about what the people you are targeting want and are looking for. Make sure you create copy/content that is relevant to your audience. Copy and content they will be able to identify with and that contains keywords they will be more likely to type on their search engines of choice. With this in mind, make sure you create social content that will draw them to your site while highlighting the services of your business.
Following your target audience on social media is just as important as having them follow you. This is especially helpful with other businesses you may want to collaborate with. Participate in online trends, such as holding polls about social events on Twitter, or use the "Ask Me a Question" feature on Instagram, just to name a few. This engagement with your followers will portray your business as approachable, a quality that will help you grow your audience on social networks.
If you already have a strong social account with a lot of followers and a high click rate, then make sure you promote your other social profiles there! Invite your audience to follow your other accounts so they can be plugged in and know of any updates and news. For example, on Facebook promote your Twitter, and vice versa. We call this technique internally promoting your other social accounts.
Make sure you include the icons of your other social media accounts on your website. This makes for an easy flow of visitors and future followers of your account.
At Energyhill we devise the best business strategies to help businesses grow and give them more than brand recognition. Download our worksheet and grow your audience on social networks today! Also, contact us to learn more about how to take your brand to the next level.
Social media has rapidly become an integral tool for most businesses. Due to its unprecedented reach and its amazing growth, it is easy for small business owners - and even some larger business owners - to be overwhelmed by all the options. Plus, even if you choose the one or two platforms you think are the best fit for your brand, how do you approach them? Below are the top four social media guidelines for business owners.
Remember, people post their best in personal profiles - the latest selfie that looks particularly dashing or the most recent family portrait. However, just as you shouldn't compare your family to someone else's, don't compare your business either. There is always going to be an organization that is better, older, younger, smarter, better looking, etc.
This is a pitfall you must avoid. You don't get any points for comparison. Avoid letting doubts creep in and overwhelm your brain. Just because company X does one thing, doesn't mean it's right for you. And that's okay.
Most of all, remember why you started your business. Be confident in what you do.
Social networks need to be managed - post and pray isn't going to get you far. Managing your networks means replying to and giving feedback to people, removing inappropriate comments, setting ground rules, answering questions, generating leads and more. This is where the 'social' in social networking comes in.
A big question that people ask about managing social networks is whether to reply to everything, even negative comments. Chloe, our SEO and Advertising Lead, wrote a great article on our blog about the “BEST 7 WAYS TO DEAL WITH NEGATIVE CUSTOMERS”. Click the link to find out more about handling less than positive feedback. Here are the two main takeaways:
Remember, saying “I hear you” does not admit fault, you are just being proactive.
As an agency, we suggest using the following networks: Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
When building your organization's social networks remember to put time into them. Don't feel like you need to do all of them at once. In addition, it's important to only select the networks you can think you can handle. Your social networks sites (SNS) should be managed or monitored to make them most effective.
It might also benefit your business to consider a mix of first, second and third tier networks. Each requires its own amount of attention and strategy.
First Tier Social Networking Sites
Second Tier Social Networking Sites
Third Tier Social Networking Sites
There are a handful of other tertiary social media networks that are worth mentioning. However, none of them has the traffic yet to provide significant impact to your social media strategy.
Find your biggest, loudest, best fans and ask them to write a testimonial on your social networks. Think of testimonials as digital word of mouth - still one of the most effective forms of advertising. If used correctly, testimonials illustrate someone's personal experience working with you and their brand.
When you are asking for a testimonial, make it easy. Give customers a link to where you want them to write about you whether it's your website, product detail page or one of your social networking sites. Also, check out these tips on customer testimonials.
To find out more about social media guidelines and how to best manage it for your business, we invite you to contact Energyhill today. Also, follow us online. Our handle is @energyhill. And, if you follow us on Instagram during the months of October, November and December, Energyhill with give you $100 in Google Ads credit.
