In the land of social media networks, Google Plus is one that seemed to leave as quickly as it came. Many people are asking today, “IS Google Plus still relevant?” So many have decided to give up on this network altogether, but it is still around. Could there be any benefit to using Google + today?
As a social network, Google Plus cannot compete with Facebook or Twitter, and other social networks today. While groups are still around, and you can post to G+, it’s rarely talked about anymore online or in social media circles. But occasionally people ask if it’s still worth using. So, should you ditch it altogether? Is there any reason to keep your account? Is there any reason to post new articles or blog posts?
Actually, it IS still relevant. There’s one good reason for this: SEO (search engine optimization)
Google is the king of search and when it comes to search engine optimization, a Google + profile can help your ranking in search. Google Plus is still very powerful as a search tool. When you use G+ and you post your articles and blog posts there, they can gain more traction and build more SEO than if you don’t.
Even if human users aren’t reading and seeing your posts, there is the SEO benefit that makes it worth it.
To understand why Google+ is still relevant, we need to look at why others think Google Plus is dead, what the current state of G+ actually is, and how you can use it to aid your business. So, let’s go!
A lot of people are declaring it obsolete because the number of users on it fell off quickly after it’s heyday in 2011. Certain features simply were not user-friendly enough, and Google didn’t seem able to keep up with the demands of the people. In 2015, Google rolled out a redesigned Google+ and it did bring some people back, but in a specific demographic (mostly male and tech types). Communities and Collections are now a bigger part of the G+ experience. That’s where the real magic lies these days.
Google+ Communities
- Can have more than one owner and moderator.
- Allows other users to join a Community and post their own content.
- Let’s other members of that Community to possibly see your posts in their home stream.
Google+ Collections
- Are created by just one person and only that person can post content.
- Let you follow someone else’s Collection, but you can’t share posts into someone else’s Collection.
So, it’s not dead yet and the SEO benefit alone can make it worth it to stay there. If you want to get the most of it, create a full profile, display all relevant info where it can be found, make the most of the SEO opportunities by linking and using keywords and take time to learn all about the G+ features like webinars, vlogs, workshops and more.
The Final Word:
Don’t write it off yet, as there can still be some benefits to the network, even if you don’t spend every day on it. Make it a part of your daily routine in posting, or even weekly routine is enough. Don’t discount it.