Issue #808 April 12, 2014
Publisher: Joan Stewart
“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”
In This Issue
- The Power of Google+ Communities
- Twitter’s New Look
- Is It OK If I Call You?
- Hound Video of the Week
This Weekend in the Hound House:
I was feeling achy all over until I bought a new rock-solid, extra-firm mattress. After my first night’s sleep on it, I felt 10 years younger. My sisters say it’s like sleeping on a slab of concrete. But I’m in la-la land until, hours later, I realize there’s no snooze button on a dog that wants breakfast.
1. The Power of Google+ Communities
One of the big myths of Google+ is that its Communities are just like groups on LinkedIn and Facebook.
If you fall for that, and avoid Google+ for whatever reason, you’re sunk.
That’s because Google’s top brass has said that your participation on Google+ is part of what it considers when ranking your website on search results. In other words, if you ignore Google+, Google will ignore you.
There’s a steep learning curve. But if you feel uncomfortable trying new technology and new ideas, you aren’t growing. It’s time to get uncomfortable, Hounds, and hop aboard the Google train before it leaves without you.
Google+ Communities are far more powerful than those on LinkedIn and Facebook because they have features not found on any other social platform. These include Google Hangouts which are seamlessly integrated into YouTube, arguably the most powerful video platform ever. Eat your heart out GoTo Webinar.
“GooglePlus is the evolution of Google, and the gateway to Google search,” says BL Ochman, a digital pioneer, CEO of Maximum-Plus.com and a Google-certified coach who specializes in teaching Google+ and YouTube strategies to large companies and solopreneurs.
Unlike Linkedin, where only human users can join Groups, Google+ allows organizations to create and join Communities and participate in discussions. And unlike Facebook, which is always asking for your credit card number before it shares your content, Google+ shares everything except the content you want to remain private, but only with those people who specify.
BL put me on the Google+ fast track last year when she told me to spend the majority of my time in Communities. What a difference! I’m meeting influential people who have shared my content with their massive audiences, invited me to guest blog, and featured my expertise on their Google Hangouts.
Don’t make the mistake I made two years ago by convincing yourself that Google+ is a giant waste of time and “too complicated.”
Join BL Ochman and me for a webinar that we’ll present in a Google Hangout from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, April 17. If you aren’t on Google+, that’s OK. You can participate one of three ways. Get all the details and register here.
2. Twitter’s New Look
Twitter has a new look. Well, maybe not a NEW look because it looks just like Facebook.
The new web profile lets you use a larger profile photo, customize your header, and show off your best tweets.
If you’re tempted to use the same background photo on Twitter that you use on Facebook, don’t. The two sites look so similar that your fans and followers will be easily confused.
3. Is It OK If I Call You?
Your feedback is important to me.
I’m talking to customers, newsletter subscribers and others who follow me because I want to know how I can serve you better. I want to talk to you over the phone, not email or text.
Will you give me 15 minutes of your time between now and May 1? I’d be so grateful. And who knows? You might even get a treat.
Before we chat, I promise to park my ego at the dog house door. You’re free to comment on this newsletter, my blog, my products or services or anything you want that I’m not providing. I want to know what you’re struggling with in the areas of marketing, PR, publicity, social media or creating content.
If you can help, go to my online calendar and sign up for a 15-minute time slot.
4. Hound Video of the Week
Watch the CNN story about Obie, the obese Dachshund that got a tummy tuck.
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