How To Build An Audience On Google+

How To Build An Audience
On Google+
By Mike Stenger
http://www.mikestenger.com
http://gplus.to/mikestenger
http://twitter.com/mikestenger
http://fb.me/mikestenger

Common Myths
“Google+ is a ghost town”. Wrong. As of June 27th, 2012 there are 250 Million
users, 150 Million log-in minimum once per month, 75 Million daily.

“Nobody is engaging.” Wrong. While there are active people, also inactive
people. Circle too many inactive people and you’ll easily get no engagement.

“Google+ is only for geeks and the tech savvy.” Wrong. People from all walks
of life and industries are using it on a daily basis.

January 19th, 2012, did a quick survey asking how many hours per day people
use Google+. The results were pretty astonishing…

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

A whopping 60% out of 116 people who responded, said they spend four
hours or more per day on Google+.

Interestingly, only 14% said they spent at least 1 hour per day.

Many people are using Google+, it’s all a matter of finding the right audience for
your niche.


How Do You Find People?
First, who is your target audience?

Secondly, what are your goals? What’s your strategy? Jumping right in without
both is like going off a diving board and not knowing how to swim.

Many dive into Google+ without either and eventually left with nothing to show
for it. Focus creates results.

Put in place the building blocks first. Also, make sure your profile is filled out
effectively. Look at top users in your niche for best tips.


Search Is Your Best Friend
Using the built-in search, you can find people that you’re looking for. Stay away
from suggested users list. Mostly broadcasters, not engagers.


Search Is Your Best Friend
When you search for a particular keyword or phrase, there’s a box that says
“Everything”. Clicking that will give you a number of options.

To simply view posts, click “Google+ posts”. To find specific people, click
“People and pages”.

If people have the keyword or phrase in their about section, they will show up.

Quick tip: Click-through to their profile to make sure their content is relevant
and are actually active.


Shared Circles
Similar to Twitter lists, shared circles are a group of people that you can add to
a new or existing circle with one click.

Easily one of the best ways for finding targeted people to connect with.

For a very comprehensive and categorized list of shared circles, go to
TheNextWeb.com and search for “Shared Circles List”.

Quick Tip: Add a shared circle to a new circle first. Then, once you’ve
determined it’s worth keeping, you can add to an existing.


You’re Following People. Now What?
Everything starts with great content. Scott Stratten says it best: “People don’t
share meh. People share awesome.” Bland and boring, people will move on.

Several ways of sharing great content.

1) Thoughts around a topic in your niche. Incorporating the use of bold and
italicizing text. To bold, surround a word or words with the * symbol. To italicize,
surround with the _ symbol.


2) Incorporating the use of images/video. Google+, like Facebook with the
EdgeRank algorithm, gives more weight to rich media.


3) Combination of the first two. This could also include sharing a new blog post
with a relevant image.


4) Sharing other people’s posts. Should already have high quality people in
your circles.


Should you post to circles, specific circles or public? All depends.

99% of what I post is public. Leads to more people seeing it.

If content you want seen only by specific group, then circles is better.

Can tag people in posts and when you choose who/what to share with. Make
sure it’s relevant, not overdone, or you’ll be marked as a spammer.

To reply to people in comments, type the + symbol followed by their name or if
using Google Chrome, install the “Replies and More” extension.


Beyond Broadcasting
Anyone can post great content. That alone is not enough to build engagement.

Ask questions, start a dialogue. Open ended questions work best. “How are you
benefiting from XYZ?” “What’s your biggest tip to _____?”

Use bold and italics to draw attention to questions. Don’t overdo it. You’ll look
like a spammer.

Jump in the stream several times per day and interact on other’s content. This
drives interaction back to your content.

Goes without saying, but don’t spam or be a jerk. People will uncircle or block
you fast.


Utilizing Hangouts
Hangouts are the breakout feature of Google+. Group video chat with up to 10
people total. Can invite specific people, circles, or allow anyone to join.

Chat box inside the hangout and numerous apps that bring added functionality
to a conversation. Share/edit docs, play games, watch videos together, etc.


Utilizing Hangouts
Great way to meet new people and/or build existing relationships. Video is next
closest thing to meeting in real life. Builds deeper connections.

Very easy setup. Have a webcam and mic? You’re set. No additional software.

Use for brainstorming sessions, general conversation, focus groups, customer
Q&A, and the list goes on.

Engage in real time. Through video. With multiple people. For free.

Better quality than Skype. Also works great 1-on-1. Again, no monthly cost.


Hangouts On Air
Most underrated tool of any social network. Same as hangouts, but the ability
to broadcast and stream live on Google+ and Youtube.

Connects to your Youtube account so video already there. No rendering or
uploading. Few clicks and done.


Hangouts On Air
Great way to create content based around a specific topic. Since the video is
already on Youtube, easily embed on your blog or website.

Basic editing functions, though Youtube allows you to download video. Can edit
and then re-upload. Make sure original video is changed to “unlisted”.


Random Tips
Extension for Google Chrome called “DoShare” that schedules posts on
Google+. Don’t overuse it, make sure to interact on a daily, consistent basis.

Need to clean up your Circles? Chrome extension “Uncircle Inactives+” helps
remove any inactive people.

Use hash tags here and there. Helps more people to discover your content.
Again, don't overdo it.

Take advantage of the cover photo. The dimensions are 940x180. Also, make
sure your about section is filled out, yet quick and to the point. Utilize rich text
and hyperlinks to bring attention/make more interesting.


In Conclusion
Circle relevant people through the use of search and shared circles.

Post high quality content. Use images and rich text where applicable. Share
public, unless you only want it seen by a select few. Or if it’s private.

Ask open ended questions, start and build a dialogue.

Interact on other’s content. Add value to the conversation, not take away from it.

Invest daily. Don’t have to spend hours. Utilize Hangouts to build better/more
relationships and Hangouts On Air to create more high quality content.

Rinse and repeat.


Found This Helpful?
You may also enjoy “The 4 Pillars To Social Media Success”. Simply click here
and enter your email to get instant access!

Have any questions? Send an email to mike[at]mikestenger[dot]com and I’ll get
back to you ASAP.

Let’s make sure to connect!
@MikeStenger
Gplus.to/MikeStenger
FB.me/MikeStenger

How To Build An Audience On Google+

Recomendados

Recomendados

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Destaque

Destaque (6)

Último

Último (20)

How To Build An Audience On Google+