Google +: The Arrival Of The Alternative

Google +, often referred to as G+ is a 'spanking new' social network powered by the search engine giant Google. Many see this platform as a challenge to Facebook's domination of the Social Media space. With more than 90 million users and a growing influence and new users in the hundred thousands daily. G+ has definitely emerged as a key player in the online marketing ecosystem.

When G+ was launched in June 2011, requests to have pages went viral and Google was suddenly put under pressure with more and more users wanting to join the new social media network. Although millions already Google fanatics, G+ was really tested considering that Google Buzz was a total disaster. It seems that Google had learned its lesson and started creating a social media network that actually communicated with people and more importantly used the Google jargon that we are all used to. And I have to say that they were quite creative and thoughtful in the thinking, for instance, in Facebook you invite people into your group or your friend list, and in Google you invite the into your circle, and circles were well received. 

A quarter of G+ user base signed up in December 2011, boasting a user base of 90 million and that was from reports in January 19, 2012. Independent analyst reported that G+ is adding 625 000 new users a day, which may total  400 million new members by the end of 2012. Currently Facebook has 800 million users and this is accumulated over the years. Are we really seeing the emerging of a new competitor and what is Mark Zackerberg thinking?

When creating a profile, you will not mistaken it for any another company. Google has done well to brand it with the Google corporate colors and yet stand out as one of the many valuable Google products that they have produced over the years. Once you have a profile, you have no choice but to play with all the apps they have included as part and parcel of the service. For social maniacs, this is social ecstasy, one can share almost everything you can think of vidoes using only one of the best in the market YouTube, chat, share music, stories and you can even have a webinar or a group chat using hangouts. If you are a Facebook fanatic, you can find a couple of things to complain about but if you can browse through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, then you can find your way around G+, besides, can one afford not to have a G+ profile.

 In November 2011, G+ launched business pages and marketers literally went insane making profiles and making loads of profits while they were at it. One could connect to clients much easier and given Google's history, they ensured that G+ credibility takes the brand to new heights, and since Google has made it to the social media network, you can be sure that its arrival has made a big impact...IN A BIG WAY