Google+ is still the new kid on the block, even those it has been around for quite awhile. Unlike other social networks, it is a bit harder to label if Google+ is a true social network or not. Vic Gundotra, Google’s senior vice president of social business, is quoted as saying that Google+ is not trying to be a social network, but an upgrade of Google.
Out of all of the social networks being utilized, Google+ has the most potential and the least active users capitalizing on it. We want to breakdown what Facebook has become and how ministries can use it better.
- Google+ Is An Integration of Web Apps
Google+ is but one of several web applications designed to move all computing users from a desktop application system to a web application system. Google+ has done well to better integrate these features and become the social element in a one-stop shop for all (well, almost all) your computing needs. Ministries with low budgets can actually do all of their admin work on this without spending a buck and having a whole cloud experiences. Go the extra mile, by a domain and integrate Google’s web apps into it so that your [email protected] actually goes into your GMail account. - Google+ Impacts Search
Every social network has some kind of impact within the network, but Google+ has something more (even if it is within the whole that is Google). The content, friends, and +1’s you receive within Google+ actually can directly impact search results by logged in Google users and if you are like me with a GMail or YouTube account, you are always logged in. Ministries need to be using Google+ hangouts with missionaries overseas, posting their blog articles on theology, and sharing YouTube videos of their congregation serving their community. Such potential! - Google+ Is Still In Its Infancy
This concept that Google+ being young is not a drawback. The power to change with an audience that wants to see it change allows for great innovation. Your voice as an active user still has the power to help shape what Google+ can become. Get to know what this network is, how it can benefit your ministry, and what is lacking so that you can utilize it more effectively.
If you are on Google+, share your handle. If not, why?
Vicky Johnson says
I just activated my G+ account with a great deal of hesitancy, lol Hopefully it will be a positive experience. I am vicky johnson on g+
seventy8Productions says
Just added you to my circle!
seventy8Productions says
Added too!
TC Johnson says
I really dig G+. I’ve gone so far as to use it as an email client. You can add anyone to a circle via their email, regardless if it is gmail or not. Whenever you want to send a message to that group of people (for example, the team I do youth ministry with) I post the G+ equivalent of a “status update” but only send it to my ESM Staff circle. The whole group gets the message whether they use G+ or not. (I believe if they do not then they get a link in the email to join)
I posted this using my G+ account so I think you can just click on my name or photo to get to my page.
seventy8Productions says
It didn’t link to your G+ account, but would love for you to share it with the world!