Google Is Destined To Become A Social Platform

David Beckham Hangsout on Google Plus

The popularity of Google+ is growing, quite rapidly to according to CEO Larry Page there are now over 90 million users. Celebrities are now starting to take to the service including Lady Gaga, who has over 18 million followers on Twitter, and even David Beckham who recently held a Hangout for fans on the platform. It's not just the amount of users and who is starting to use it that is most striking, it's the continued innovation that makes it increasingly important to everyday business. As it … [Read more...]

How To Claim Your Twitter Name

@SeanClark

A few weeks ago I wrote a post pleading for Twitter to release dormant usernames. The astute amongst you may have noticed that I now have my real name as my Twitter username @SeanClark. Thanks to a suggestion in a comment by @SeeBiz, Twitter transferred ownership of @SeanClark over to me in a matter of weeks. A Simple Process Under Twitter's Policy Information there is a section on Inactive Accounts but at this time there is no way to claim a username from an inactive account. As you would … [Read more...]

How Google Will Affect Your World

Personal Results

Since launching in in early 2011 Google+ is still seen by many as the "Geeks Social Network". There's no doubt that the Tech Savvy are in the majority on the platform, but underneath the discussion lies a potential that is just starting to surface. It almost goes without saying that Google's search domination was going to give it's foray into Social Media an unfair advantage over the competition. In recent months it has been noticeable that more Google search results are being influenced by … [Read more...]

Google are Scheming Again

Google Schemer

When a new social platform gets released and I have got over the initial "shiny new toy" syndrome, my next thought is "how can I use this for business"? Sometimes it's obvious, Facebook and Twitter, and other times, Google+, it takes a bit more thought about how it could be useful. If there is one thing about Google and Social Media, it's that they are willing to try all sorts of things. So when I got a beta invite (I have a few to give away below) to their new Schemer application, the process … [Read more...]

Twitter, Can I Have My Name Please?

10-4 Good Buddy

When I first started using the Internet anonymity was a practised norm. With the popularity of Social Media, being anonymous is no longer an option. Just like CB handles from the 80's, in the 90's the web was full of wonderful names, phillysteve, smithy65 and buckshot76 are examples of a common alpha numeric combination used by many. My own favourite choice, when available, was a cross between my name and what I did, seanEbusiness. Stupidly we were using these anonymous usernames and avatars, … [Read more...]

Why Google Is Such A Big Plus

Google Plus, the Opportunity

What do you mean my target audience isn't on Google Plus? The naysayers are back. With the launch of Google Plus Pages this week, the negativity drifts across the Interwebs yet again. Even hardened fans such as Robert Scoble found something negative to say about he latest update from the daddy of search. But wait a minute guys, it's not been 4 months since they went live, so what's with the scornful looks? A Reason to Use Google Plus I'm not sure, but now I have a reason to use Google Plus … [Read more...]

Google Plus Pages Open for Business

Google Plus for Business

We knew they were coming and Google didn't keep us waiting long. Google+ Business Pages are here. So what's the big deal? Unlike the enclosed environment of Facebook, Google+ is a lot more open. It's easier to follow and be followed, Circles are a great way to organise people who you are following. Then there are the potential SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) benefits. I did notice on setting up a Google+ page that as a business I can only follow people who are following my business. A … [Read more...]