©iStock.com/cogal
For the past few days, I’ve been using Google+, which (in case you haven’t been following the tech news) is Google’s much anticipated entry into social media.
I’d never call myself a social media expert, but I do use social media as a tool to help market my freelance writing business and share my blogging efforts. So, when Google+ became available to me I decided to take a look.
This post contains my first impressions and in particular my thoughts on how freelance writers may be affected.
The Google+ Learning Curve
In my opinion, the type of learning curve writers will experience learning Google+ depends partially on whether or not they have some prior social media experience. Experienced social media users will find the basics of the tool fairly easy to pick up (although there are some features that may not be obvious at first).
In fact, if you’ve used social media before you’ll probably find yourself making a running comparison as you discover the features of Google+. I know I kept a running list in my head of similarities and differences between Google’s social media tool and other tools I’ve used.
For first time social media users who are starting on social media with Google+, the learning curve may be steeper. Of course, this steeper curve would exist for any social media tool if the user was brand new to social media, but I think it’s particularly true for the Google+ tool since many of the features are improvements to tasks most of us already perform in social media.
The New Social Media Scene
For some time, there have been three major social media tools that freelance writers had to focus on if they wanted to effectively market themselves or their freelancing business:
That’s not to say that other tools aren’t useful and shouldn’t be used. There are many other social media tools that can offer specific advantages for certain writers in certain situations. However, if a writer had a strong presence on the “Big 3” listed above, they could almost be assured of meeting a healthy percentage of their social media marketing needs.
I can see Google+ changing this formula. For now, it’s too early to tell whether Google+ will change the “Big 3” social media tools to the “Big 4” or if it will take one (or more) tools out of the equation. I think writers would be well-served to learn all they can about Google+ and opt in at their earliest convenience.
Of Particular Concern for Writers
I see three other areas that may change for writers because of Google+:
- All-in-one platform–Google+ has the potential to become an all-in-one tool for writers since it can combine social networking with business tools such as email and Google documents. And don’t forget that it’s owned by the biggest search engine company out there. The real question is: do we really want to combine all of these functions into a single platform? (It seems an awful lot like putting all your eggs in one basket to me…)
- SEO copywriting specialists–Freelance writers who specialize in producing copy designed to work around the search engine algorithms will ultimately find themselves further impacted by Google+. Of course, the Panda update eliminated some poor content problems, but now social media users themselves will have the opportunity to “vote” on the value of content and ultimately impact search engine rankings. In the future, this may well make SEO copywriting obsolete.
- Possible improvements to privacy concerns–With its Circles feature, Google+ has directly tackled one of the biggest concerns that many freelance writers (and others) have about some social media tools. Most writers worry about sharing the same information with their family and their clients. The Circles feature eliminates that worry. In Google+ all contacts can be assigned to one or more Circles. You decide which Circles get to see which content.
Other Resources
This post is based on my preliminary opinions. I may not be a social media expert, but I can share some additional links with Google+ information from those who are. Here are some posts about Google+ that I found helpful:
- The Google Plus 50 from Chris Brogan
- Google+: 50 Helpful Posts to Get You Started from Deb Ng on Kommein
- How to Get Started With Google+, Your Complete Guide by Kristi Hines on Social Media Examiner
Of course, new Google+ posts are popping up almost every hour. So by the time that you read this there may be even better resources online. If so, feel free to share them.
What Do You Think?
Does Google+ make a difference for freelance writers? Will you use Google+ ? Share your thoughts.
18 responses so far ↓
1 Sharon Hurley Hall // Jul 5, 2011 at
Thanks for this clear assessment, Laura. I missed the window and have not been able to get in, even with an invite. I’m waiting eagerly for them to open it up again and this will be a useful resource (as are the other posts you mentioned). I’ve been reading up so I’m ready. 🙂
2 Laura Spencer // Jul 5, 2011 at
Hi Sharon!
Well, these are really just my first thoughts and impressions. I’ve been using it a few days.
Technically, those of us using it now are Beta users, but they’ve got a momentum going with all the media coverage. I don’t imagine you’ll have to wait too long for it to open up. 🙂
3 Matt Keegan // Jul 6, 2011 at
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Laura. I responded to the invite and have been adding on the Google + symbol to some of the various websites I manage.
Time is a huge factor for me at the moment as vacations and deadlines loom large. Come August, I’ll likely investigate further, which means I’ll be following what you and others have to say to help me make an informed decision.
4 Today’s Reading List – Dead Tree Edition // Jul 6, 2011 at
[…] Google+ and Freelance Writing from WritingThoughts by Laura Spencer […]
5 Shakirah Dawud // Jul 6, 2011 at
Thanks for your thoughts on Google+, Laura. I’ve not had the chance to look into it. I have a Gmail account, but use it only when I have to for certain groups I’m part of, and of course for analytics. I think you raised a good point about the all-in-one. I’m not sure what to think of the voting system yet, either… I wonder how many will really begin to use it. And then of course, there’s always the concern for people like you who are immersed in social media already that Google will become just another thing to check.
6 Laura Spencer // Jul 6, 2011 at
Thanks Shakirah. I’m already feeling the strain of having “another thing to check.” I’m not sure I like the all-in-one either. I know it’s coming and I get the convenience, but I’m not so sure it’s a good thing.
7 What Freelancers Should Know About Google+ | Cohere Coworking Community // Jul 11, 2011 at
[…] WritingThoughts | PGC.org | […]
8 Tim Warren // Jul 13, 2011 at
I tried checking out Google+, but it looks like you need to be invited. It’s getting so much hype, yet really hasn’t proven it’s worth, other than it’s backed by Google. I should be excited, but I’m stressed about the idea of learning another social media platform—I’m so busy, there isn’t enough time in the day.
9 Should Writers Replace Their Writing Blogs with Social Media Participation? : WritingThoughts // Jul 13, 2011 at
[…] on this topic, your blog is your property. A social media platform, even one as new and exciting as Google+, is […]
10 Laura Spencer // Jul 13, 2011 at
Hi Tim,
If you have a Google profile already, you may be able to get in. Otherwise, someone may have to invite you. I don’t think it will be long before it is more widely available, though.
11 Genuinely Curious Monday: Will the Social Media Triumvirate Become a Tetrad? | Deliberate Ink // Jul 18, 2011 at
[…] spare you my thoughts. But the invites and the circles and the ruminations, cautious optimism, analysis, and even love is already showing up in a few of the circles I run in. But along with it is a […]
12 20 of the Best Google+ Guides and Tutorials to Get Freelancers Up and Running – Your online guide for finding a job // Jul 20, 2011 at
[…] Google+ and Freelance Writing. A thoughtful post on how Google+ can potentially change social media marketing for writers. […]
13 20 of the Best Google+ Guides and Tutorials to Get Freelancers Up and Running | Freelancing Help // Jul 22, 2011 at
[…] Google+ and Freelance Writing. A thoughtful post on how Google+ can potentially change social media marketing for writers. […]
14 Best Google Plus Guides, Tutorials, Plugins And More // Aug 4, 2011 at
[…] Google+ and Freelance Writing – WritingThoughts […]
15 Best Google Plus Guides And Tutorials | Cristian Moldovan blog // Aug 10, 2011 at
[…] Google+ and Freelance Writing – WritingThoughts […]
16 A Beginner’s Guide to Freelance Writing | Freelance Critique // Aug 23, 2011 at
[…] Google and Freelance Writing WritingThoughts – Freelance writing – what you need to know about good writing and more. For the past few days, I’ve been using Google+, which (in case you haven’t been following the tech news) is Google’s much anticipated entry into social media. I’d never call myself a social media expert, but I do use social media as a tool to help market my freelance writing business and share my blogging efforts. […]
17 Khatia Caroline // Aug 24, 2011 at
I think LinkedIn is no longer necessary. Professional contacts can be made and discussions can happen on google + LinkedIn is missing it’s chance to do something with their network and people the same.
I am not sure about Facebook. Most people use it now, but depends on how well google + will market its services and how many people will start using it…
Whatever, I am not giving up my twitter accounts. Tweeter is something very unique and not at all identical with other services. Therefore google + or twitter can’t replace each other.
🙂
18 freelancing // Oct 9, 2011 at
This is great website. I know much more about freelancing