Facebook Smartlists finally arrive
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Top Reasons Google+ Could be the Future Facebook Killer
Is Google+ due to eventually cause the demise of Facebook? According to some industry insiders, social media consulting companies and social media agencies…maybe. Google+ started with an unfair advantage – a huge network of users that have grown up on the search engine. Then, by creating a content sharing platform that utilizes the interactive nature of social networks, Google+ might be the application that eventually kills off the competition. Lest you think it unlikely, remember that Facebook itself was originally in tight competition against MySpace…that long forgotten early entry into the social media realm. However, Google+ has some very real advantages that lead many to think Facebook is quickly falling behind…
1. Unlimited Photo storage courtesy of Picasa. Frankly, Facebook photos’ are a constant source of irritation among users; combined with limited space and minimal editing, Google+ is a clear leader.
2. Robust “About” profiles. Add links, photographs, QR codes and much more. Let’s face it – Facebook leaves a bit to be desired in their skimpy profile pages.
3. Easy integration for mult-media. YouTube already integrates easily with Google+ but users can expect new enhancements to include music, podcasts and other audio applications in the near future.
4. Android integration. Yet one more reason to get a jump start on Google+…mobile marketing is one of the fastest growing methods of reaching out to clients and consumers. Although still in the early stages, the recent purchase of Motorola and other mobile investments could make for interesting shifts.
5. Live Video chat. As soon as you try this you will understand the potential cost savings and benefits to be derived. Whether just keeping up with family and friends or conducting business meetings in the most responsive yet inexpensive method possible, this is a powerful contribution to the collaborative computing effort.
6. AdSense Integration…And More! Google+ not only integrates with existing marketing efforts but holds the potential for powerful upgrades in the near future. For example, the +1 button may enhance SEO, sharing of content via Circles could outpace Twitter and other applications for SEO and G+ could eventually target blog feeds and WordPress comments into AdSense and other measures.
7. Rich Digital Publishing. Google+ is likely to allow full multi-format publishing by integrating an audio, vidoe, photo, text , links and location/GPS into a full project. Add in “checkout” and location based “nearby” via Circles and you can create instant sales in real-time, online auctions, big bash parties or just the next display of talent or information.
Google+ Short Cuts
Searching for the best Google+ short-cuts? Well you have come to the right place! Despite quickly becoming one of the most successful site launches in history, Google+ still has a bit of a learning curve to overcome. Besides, increasing productivity and saving time never goes out of style!
1. People love to see their name in print so put it to good use by sending out a quick congratulations or plugging a local partner in your post…just add + or @ in front of their name. They will be automatically notified of the message!
2. Personalize a message. Although Google+ is a great way to stay in contact with multiple users all at once, occasionally it’s necessary to send a single message to an individual connection. Send a private message to one or more persons by sharing a post with them and disabling “reshare”.
3. Permalink by clicking the “timestamp” feature on a post. It’s a great way to display a post with a permalink.
4. Posting via +1. It seems some users are confused about the +1 button…here’s the skinny, using +1 while scanning the web will result in the page or article being listed on your +1 page – it will compile all your +1 posts to a single source for easy future viewing. However, using the +1 on a post will not list it on your page.
5. Circles – you can follow people via Circles without their having to follow you!
6. To add photographs, links or video to your posts, just drag and drop directly in the “share” box.
7. Find friends by clicking on “circles” page then going to “people who have added you”. Use the “sort by” function to select “not yet in circles”…send an invite to connect with friends or family you may have missed.
8. Hot Key Legend:
- J=Single post down
- K = Single post up
- Q = Chat
- Return = Start Comment
- Tab/Return = End Comment
Facebook SmartLists Finally Arrive
It’s finally arrived! Facebook SmartLists and Special Friends. Now rather than trying to target various messages to all your contacts at once, it’s possible to sort and segment according to the type of affiliation. For example, the following segments are now possible…
Family – Add all those Aunts, Uncles and others to your family list for fast updates on the happenings of the family.
Co-Workers – Stop the madness of informing coworkers about the latest gossip; instead, create a list targeted to your peers. Now it’s easier than ever to share those inspired ideas without broadcasting the late night hang-over from last weekend.
Classmates – Taking a journey down memory lane is fantastic but not every business contact may be equally impressed by your prior reputation as a prankster in high school.
Local Friends – Sort messages by location to create highly targeted yet interactive features of interest.
*Acquaintances – Stay in touch with those occasional contacts courtesy of the acquaintances list. Now you don’t need to send out those daily birthday greetings to people you barely know!
*Close Friends – Keep it all in one place with the close friends button. Reserve this for the people that know you best and want to stay in touch with all the day to day events.
* Currently, the “close friends” and “acquaintances” features are not pre-made but available via the customized features.
How to Create Your Own Customized List
1. Go to the “edit profile” page on your Facebook user account.
2. Select “friends and family” via the left navigation menu.
3. Look under “featured friends” to the “Create new list” option.
4. Select desired friends and add to your new list.
5. Name and save.
Remember, each list will have its own newsfeed yet users will still be able to see all other friends unless restricted. When posting, you will have the option to share with everyone or specified groups.
Mike McLaughlin
Maximize Social Media, LLC
Copyright Maximize Social Media LLC 2011.
All Rights Reserved.
http://maximizesocialmedia.com/
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About the author:
Mike McLaughlin is the COO & President of America’s top
social media agency for medium-sized businesses, Maximize Social Media.
* As a television producer, he was a key player on several nationally televised shows and worked side by side with celebrities such as Ed Koch, Mills Lane, and Harvey Levin.
* He also used his creative talents to support Fortune 100 companies Lockheed Martin and Publix Super Markets, as a project manager of large-scale training and communications projects.
* At Maximize Social Media, Mike supervises a team of over 200 social media professionals that provide consulting and management services to businesses in more than a dozen verticals.
* Follow Maximize Social Media on Twitter: http://twitter.com/maximizesocial
* Join the Maximize Social Media Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/MaximizeSocialMedia
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