Any blogger knows they need to create a community atmosphere or else visitors will not be compelled to return! The fact of the matter is that most popular blogs have built their platforms off this sense of community and without it their blog success would not even exist. It is important to realize that the best blogging sites gain their traffic and popularity by creating an environment that is pleasing, stimulating and consistent! Are you up to the task because it is really not difficult.
Here are 3 ways in which you can create an atmosphere on your platform that will help give it the distinction of being one of the best blogging sites in your niche!
Clearly Establish Your Theme
This is the rallying point around which people will either be attracted to your subject or not. Initially people will determine whether they have an interest in your selection of the subject matter you will be blogging about. Some will decide to 'move on' while others will be inclined to return to view more of what you post. From this point forward your blog success will depend upon supplying these readers content worthy of their time to read!
Remember that the more these people return the more incline they are to interact and this is what leads to a greater sense of community!
Establish Your Tone
The voice and style in which you deliver your message will be very influential in as to whether visitors will maintain their interest or not. Your delivery style should be something you are comfortable with and proficient at since you can expect to be doing it for quick some time! Most popular blogs normally have a particular style or delivery that tends to be more suitable to the individual bloggers skill sets and/or personality.
Maintain Consistency
By consistency here I mean the quality of the material you update your platform with and your focus on the subject matter or selected theme. It is important here to keep your focus on the subject that initially attracted your readers or people might lose interest and drift away. Normally the best blogging sites do well by mixing their content in such a way as to offer some variety while still keeping it relevant to the theme!
Your consistency will help develop reader loyalty which in turn will lead to a stronger bond amongst visitors as they become more familiar and comfortable with each other!
It is important to create a community like atmosphere as a blogger being these platforms thrive off of reader loyalty and interaction. Without such an environment, your blog success will be very difficult to achieve. The key is to focus on delivering useful content, targeting a particular niche, in a consistent and interesting manner. By doing so reader loyalty will develop over time as will your distinction of having one of the best blogging sites in the niche. The 3 strategies suggested above serve to help you create the pleasing and stimulating atmosphere readers enjoy. These strategies are simple, time tested and in evidence at any of the most popular blogs you may visit online. By duplicating what appears to work within most blogging communities there is no reason their success can not be yours as well!
by: TJ Philpott
Read More..
11/28/2011
Internet Marketing Professionals—How to Earn Respect from the Online Community
Engineers, doctors, nurses, accountants, and lawyers.
They are what we call as professionals. They are individuals with recognized knowledge and expertise on a certain field of endeavor. They are entitled by law and existing policies to practice their respective professions. They are worthy of the standards of their profession, giving them legal licenses to practice their respective professions. Thus, they are the “authorities” in their respective field of endeavors.
Along with their tag as professionals, these individuals are bounded by proper etiquette with regards to their actions and behaviors. As professionals, they are expected to deliver required services to the public and at the same time deal with other individuals and professionals in an appropriate manner. They are looked upon as leaders; thus they are expected to act as real professionals when dealing with their work and other people.
Professionals are everywhere—in various construction sites, real estate markets, hospitals, county courts, and other places. Even the Internet marketing industry is surrounded by various professionals—Internet business consultants, web content writers, software developers, web designers, and others.
Thus, the Internet marketing is a pool of web-based professionals who are working not just for their personal interest but for the development of the industry as well. But what does it take to be considered as one of the Internet marketing professionals?
As previously mentioned, the definition of a professional revolves around the concept of “an individual who has recognized knowledge and expertise on a certain field of endeavor”. As a professional, you are considered to be worthy of the standards of your profession. You need to show to the world that you are really worth to be considered as a professional through creating a professional image.
However, building a professional image is not as easy as you think. In fact, it entails a great deal of time and effort. Your knowledge and expertise is not just the working factor here. You must also consider the conduct of your business in a professional manner, especially on the Internet where you are dealing with clients whom you do not know and you do not see.
Now, how will you start building your professional image? Consider the following aspects in creating your image on the Internet marketing industry.
• Your attitude is among the most essential aspects in creating your professional image on the Internet. It can either make you or kill your career in an instant. The manner you deal with your fellow Internet marketers, clients, and the concerns they want you to answer such as questions, comments, and compliments will reflect on your professionalism as a reputable Internet marketer.
• Courtesy is also an important factor. As previously mentioned, you are dealing with people whom you are not seeing and you do not know. Despite of that gap, make your “unseen” clients feel that they are very much appreciated. You must be respectful and warm in accommodating their queries and concern. Even in words, always express your gratitude to them.
• Honesty is the best policy. Do not mislead your web-based clients or else you will lose them. Remember that you have to earn their trust for you to build long-term relationships with them.
• When dealing with your clients, always go above and beyond their expectations. Always listen to the concerns of your clients. As a professional, you are expected to hear from your clients even if you know and understand most of the aspects of your Internet marketing business.
• Unsatisfied clients always complain about poor technical support. You need to make yourself personally available to assist your clients with their needs. If possible, respond to their emails and return their call as fast as possible.
• Although it is a loss if you will refund the money of unsatisfied clients, you need to. Do not argue with the issue or blast nasty things unto them. Always be apologetic, courteous, and know why they are unsatisfied. Remember the rule that “customers are always right”, even if you feel that they are wrong.
• Your website is the reflection of yourself and your Internet marketing business. It must be professional-looking, complete with product and contact information, and easy ordering protocol.
• Be respectful to your fellow Internet marketers. Keep in mind that you must build a friendly competition on the business and not on personal preferences.
Internet marketing professionals possess those aforementioned aspects. Thus, before getting respect from the Internet community, show to them that you are worthy of their respect and build a professional image on the Internet.
by: Theresa Truscott Read More..
They are what we call as professionals. They are individuals with recognized knowledge and expertise on a certain field of endeavor. They are entitled by law and existing policies to practice their respective professions. They are worthy of the standards of their profession, giving them legal licenses to practice their respective professions. Thus, they are the “authorities” in their respective field of endeavors.
Along with their tag as professionals, these individuals are bounded by proper etiquette with regards to their actions and behaviors. As professionals, they are expected to deliver required services to the public and at the same time deal with other individuals and professionals in an appropriate manner. They are looked upon as leaders; thus they are expected to act as real professionals when dealing with their work and other people.
Professionals are everywhere—in various construction sites, real estate markets, hospitals, county courts, and other places. Even the Internet marketing industry is surrounded by various professionals—Internet business consultants, web content writers, software developers, web designers, and others.
Thus, the Internet marketing is a pool of web-based professionals who are working not just for their personal interest but for the development of the industry as well. But what does it take to be considered as one of the Internet marketing professionals?
As previously mentioned, the definition of a professional revolves around the concept of “an individual who has recognized knowledge and expertise on a certain field of endeavor”. As a professional, you are considered to be worthy of the standards of your profession. You need to show to the world that you are really worth to be considered as a professional through creating a professional image.
However, building a professional image is not as easy as you think. In fact, it entails a great deal of time and effort. Your knowledge and expertise is not just the working factor here. You must also consider the conduct of your business in a professional manner, especially on the Internet where you are dealing with clients whom you do not know and you do not see.
Now, how will you start building your professional image? Consider the following aspects in creating your image on the Internet marketing industry.
• Your attitude is among the most essential aspects in creating your professional image on the Internet. It can either make you or kill your career in an instant. The manner you deal with your fellow Internet marketers, clients, and the concerns they want you to answer such as questions, comments, and compliments will reflect on your professionalism as a reputable Internet marketer.
• Courtesy is also an important factor. As previously mentioned, you are dealing with people whom you are not seeing and you do not know. Despite of that gap, make your “unseen” clients feel that they are very much appreciated. You must be respectful and warm in accommodating their queries and concern. Even in words, always express your gratitude to them.
• Honesty is the best policy. Do not mislead your web-based clients or else you will lose them. Remember that you have to earn their trust for you to build long-term relationships with them.
• When dealing with your clients, always go above and beyond their expectations. Always listen to the concerns of your clients. As a professional, you are expected to hear from your clients even if you know and understand most of the aspects of your Internet marketing business.
• Unsatisfied clients always complain about poor technical support. You need to make yourself personally available to assist your clients with their needs. If possible, respond to their emails and return their call as fast as possible.
• Although it is a loss if you will refund the money of unsatisfied clients, you need to. Do not argue with the issue or blast nasty things unto them. Always be apologetic, courteous, and know why they are unsatisfied. Remember the rule that “customers are always right”, even if you feel that they are wrong.
• Your website is the reflection of yourself and your Internet marketing business. It must be professional-looking, complete with product and contact information, and easy ordering protocol.
• Be respectful to your fellow Internet marketers. Keep in mind that you must build a friendly competition on the business and not on personal preferences.
Internet marketing professionals possess those aforementioned aspects. Thus, before getting respect from the Internet community, show to them that you are worthy of their respect and build a professional image on the Internet.
by: Theresa Truscott Read More..
11/27/2011
Who Should Use Forums to Increase Web Traffic?
People who are serious about building an online business know that traffic is the key to success. Internet forums are a great way to build traffic to your website and you can also build credibility and get great customer research for free at the same time.
Do you want to build your credibility?
Forums are full of people who have problems, and are looking for solutions. If you know the answers to their questions you can build credibility in your niche by getting stuck in and helping people.
These days people can be very suspicious of the internet so it pays to take the time out to build your credibility and help people to trust you. People who understand that you know your stuff and that you are genuinely helpful are more likely to buy from you.
Do you want to get great product ideas without spending a cent on customer research?
If you have no idea where to begin for your next product the you simply need to login to the forum and spend a couple of hours reading the threads and looking for the hot issues. Which threads get the most views, what topics are people talking about, what problems do members need to solve? There's usually a pattern which will allow you to make a note of the top ten burning issues.
All that's left is to write a short report, an ebook, or a membership site that tells people how to solve the issue or problem.
Do you want to get more targeted visitors to your site?
Nearly all forums allow you to add an outbound link into your signature and your profile page. Now this is where most marketers make a fatal mistake; they just post to as many threads as they can to try and build backlinks to their website.
The problem with this method is that not only can it get you banned from the forum for spamming, it's also the least effective way to benefit from forums. Driving targeted traffic to your website or sales page is simply a matter of taking the time to respond to people's questions and to be helpful to them and add value. Think of that signature in the same way you do a resource box on an article. By giving the other members helpful information so that they can solve their issues you are almost encouraging them to click on the link in your signature and see what else you can do for them.
If you want to build credibility in your target niche, find product ideas without paying a cent for research and increase traffic to your website then you should definitely invest some time and energy into forums.
by: Clare Swindlehurst Read More..
Do you want to build your credibility?
Forums are full of people who have problems, and are looking for solutions. If you know the answers to their questions you can build credibility in your niche by getting stuck in and helping people.
These days people can be very suspicious of the internet so it pays to take the time out to build your credibility and help people to trust you. People who understand that you know your stuff and that you are genuinely helpful are more likely to buy from you.
Do you want to get great product ideas without spending a cent on customer research?
If you have no idea where to begin for your next product the you simply need to login to the forum and spend a couple of hours reading the threads and looking for the hot issues. Which threads get the most views, what topics are people talking about, what problems do members need to solve? There's usually a pattern which will allow you to make a note of the top ten burning issues.
All that's left is to write a short report, an ebook, or a membership site that tells people how to solve the issue or problem.
Do you want to get more targeted visitors to your site?
Nearly all forums allow you to add an outbound link into your signature and your profile page. Now this is where most marketers make a fatal mistake; they just post to as many threads as they can to try and build backlinks to their website.
The problem with this method is that not only can it get you banned from the forum for spamming, it's also the least effective way to benefit from forums. Driving targeted traffic to your website or sales page is simply a matter of taking the time to respond to people's questions and to be helpful to them and add value. Think of that signature in the same way you do a resource box on an article. By giving the other members helpful information so that they can solve their issues you are almost encouraging them to click on the link in your signature and see what else you can do for them.
If you want to build credibility in your target niche, find product ideas without paying a cent for research and increase traffic to your website then you should definitely invest some time and energy into forums.
by: Clare Swindlehurst Read More..
11/26/2011
Using Internet Forums Effectively
Forum is one of the highly popular internet marketing strategies. It is a place where smart people share their ideas, give tips and suggestions on different topics.
But how effective is forum in internet marketing and driving traffic to your site?
There are actually different ways where in forum can help in marketing your website:
1. The basic thing you need to do is look for a forum or discussion board that is related to the theme of your website. In case you are looking for the latest software in web design, then you can look for a Web design topic.
2. Participating in internet forum can also build the popularity of you website online by sharing your suggestions or posting new thread.
3. In posting new topics, you should understand first the idea of the whole discussion board. In this way, you can think of where you can post your topic.
4. Once you already have a good understanding of the discussion board, then you can begin posting in your targeted marketing topic.
5. Forum allows signature posting wherein you can place a brief description about your website together with a link on it. In this way, it can help increase link popularity as you post new topics and contents.
6. Placing good keywords and contents in your posting. Popular keywords help to attract and drive traffic to your website.
Internet forum has a lot of benefits in marketing your website. It could be one of the safest environments to place your links; however you can be in a dangerous place if you disregard the following warnings:
1. Never make fun or Jokes on a Forum. Be serious and profound in posting your message. Keep in mind that forums are just like emails, the visitor can't see your gestures or expressions. The smiley and other emoticons can lift your message from serious to humorous to hilarious. And this might me misinterpreted by the reader. You can safely make a joke but be sure it is of relevance to the topic. Just avoid posting sarcastic messages.
2. Don't feel like an Internet Forum Drama Princess. The forum is not an appropriate stage to act your own drama effect. Don't feel like a star in the forum or else the other members will make fun of you. So, better be careful with your messages. Be kind and respect the opinion of other members.
3. Don't be a Forum Copy cat. Never post messages that have already been posted before. Have your own originality. Avoid also posting annoying messages such as "me too', and "I agree". It is very irritating to see those kinds of replies. So, be sure that you know what you're posting.
4. Don't Attack the Forum Administrator or Moderator. Usually, moderators removed messages that are not acceptable in the forum. Even before you sign up, you agreed that you will abide by the forum rules. And it is the right of the forum moderator to ensure that the forum is following the right standard. And so, no one has the right to attack or complain to the forum moderator. Keep in mind also that the messages you posted will be read by the public for years to come.
Indeed, forum is a very challenging internet marketing strategy. For those online entrepreneurs, be sure that you know and choose very well the forums before you get started. Good luck!
*********For more information about Internet Marketing Forums be sure to follow the link in the resource box below to receive your free home business Cd.
All rights reserved. Article may be reprinted as long as the content remains intact and unchanged and links remain active.
by: Anthony Harris Read More..
But how effective is forum in internet marketing and driving traffic to your site?
There are actually different ways where in forum can help in marketing your website:
1. The basic thing you need to do is look for a forum or discussion board that is related to the theme of your website. In case you are looking for the latest software in web design, then you can look for a Web design topic.
2. Participating in internet forum can also build the popularity of you website online by sharing your suggestions or posting new thread.
3. In posting new topics, you should understand first the idea of the whole discussion board. In this way, you can think of where you can post your topic.
4. Once you already have a good understanding of the discussion board, then you can begin posting in your targeted marketing topic.
5. Forum allows signature posting wherein you can place a brief description about your website together with a link on it. In this way, it can help increase link popularity as you post new topics and contents.
6. Placing good keywords and contents in your posting. Popular keywords help to attract and drive traffic to your website.
Internet forum has a lot of benefits in marketing your website. It could be one of the safest environments to place your links; however you can be in a dangerous place if you disregard the following warnings:
1. Never make fun or Jokes on a Forum. Be serious and profound in posting your message. Keep in mind that forums are just like emails, the visitor can't see your gestures or expressions. The smiley and other emoticons can lift your message from serious to humorous to hilarious. And this might me misinterpreted by the reader. You can safely make a joke but be sure it is of relevance to the topic. Just avoid posting sarcastic messages.
2. Don't feel like an Internet Forum Drama Princess. The forum is not an appropriate stage to act your own drama effect. Don't feel like a star in the forum or else the other members will make fun of you. So, better be careful with your messages. Be kind and respect the opinion of other members.
3. Don't be a Forum Copy cat. Never post messages that have already been posted before. Have your own originality. Avoid also posting annoying messages such as "me too', and "I agree". It is very irritating to see those kinds of replies. So, be sure that you know what you're posting.
4. Don't Attack the Forum Administrator or Moderator. Usually, moderators removed messages that are not acceptable in the forum. Even before you sign up, you agreed that you will abide by the forum rules. And it is the right of the forum moderator to ensure that the forum is following the right standard. And so, no one has the right to attack or complain to the forum moderator. Keep in mind also that the messages you posted will be read by the public for years to come.
Indeed, forum is a very challenging internet marketing strategy. For those online entrepreneurs, be sure that you know and choose very well the forums before you get started. Good luck!
*********For more information about Internet Marketing Forums be sure to follow the link in the resource box below to receive your free home business Cd.
All rights reserved. Article may be reprinted as long as the content remains intact and unchanged and links remain active.
by: Anthony Harris Read More..
11/25/2011
Top 5 Facebook Apps For Better Learning
Learning in this global age has always been very easy. But getting to the source that facilitates you, instead of wasting time is something difficult to identify.
Here are the top five Facebook applications that I consider the best.
We Read
It basically deals with books. The books you read tells about the person you are. If one some-one looks at the type of books other person read. He can easily identify the personality of other person. Books even separate you from average non- reader. Your talking reflects your intellect, if you are a good reader. So go on we-read browse for good reading material, post your reviews, find about the inn topic. You can even list, review and rate books that you have already read. All this help in building a paperless knowledgeable world around you. And after all reading is so much fun. Develop this habit and you will start enjoying.
Quizzes
Quiz making and taking makes your brain sharp. So go for Quizzes application. Here you can develop quizzes according to your interest and take quizzes to test the knowledge you already have. Thus also helps you in identifying your social circle and discover your identity on internet.
Interview
No, it is not about job interview. Interviews are not for jobs only. It is the application which deals with interview of your own self. So you can better identify, who you really are and were you able to become, what you wanted to be. You can also post it on your profile, so that everyone knows who you are. This help in better understanding of the people you are connected to. This will help in making good friends on this virtual network.
Cause
Working for yourself is something you all do. But working for a cause makes you noble. So utilize tgis application for the benefit of the society, you work in. You might be a foundation, company or individual with the spirit to bring change. Here is the platform, where you can talk about in-equality, injustice, discrimination, environmental hazards, education, animal safety, global warming, world as global village and its challenges.
My personality
My personality is quite an accurate application for judging your personality. The reason behind its being accurate is this that it is developed by postgraduate researchers specializing in psychology and psychometrics from the University of Cambridge and the University of Nottingham. Here you come to know about the fact that are you shy, out-going, introvert or extravert. Through it you can determine the path of career ideal for you. The areas which need to improve and the greatest strength you have.
by: Inkatechnology Read More..
Here are the top five Facebook applications that I consider the best.
We Read
It basically deals with books. The books you read tells about the person you are. If one some-one looks at the type of books other person read. He can easily identify the personality of other person. Books even separate you from average non- reader. Your talking reflects your intellect, if you are a good reader. So go on we-read browse for good reading material, post your reviews, find about the inn topic. You can even list, review and rate books that you have already read. All this help in building a paperless knowledgeable world around you. And after all reading is so much fun. Develop this habit and you will start enjoying.
Quizzes
Quiz making and taking makes your brain sharp. So go for Quizzes application. Here you can develop quizzes according to your interest and take quizzes to test the knowledge you already have. Thus also helps you in identifying your social circle and discover your identity on internet.
Interview
No, it is not about job interview. Interviews are not for jobs only. It is the application which deals with interview of your own self. So you can better identify, who you really are and were you able to become, what you wanted to be. You can also post it on your profile, so that everyone knows who you are. This help in better understanding of the people you are connected to. This will help in making good friends on this virtual network.
Cause
Working for yourself is something you all do. But working for a cause makes you noble. So utilize tgis application for the benefit of the society, you work in. You might be a foundation, company or individual with the spirit to bring change. Here is the platform, where you can talk about in-equality, injustice, discrimination, environmental hazards, education, animal safety, global warming, world as global village and its challenges.
My personality
My personality is quite an accurate application for judging your personality. The reason behind its being accurate is this that it is developed by postgraduate researchers specializing in psychology and psychometrics from the University of Cambridge and the University of Nottingham. Here you come to know about the fact that are you shy, out-going, introvert or extravert. Through it you can determine the path of career ideal for you. The areas which need to improve and the greatest strength you have.
by: Inkatechnology Read More..
11/06/2011
The New Facebook? Understanding Google+
It seems like everyone has been talking about Google+ lately, a new social networking conglomerate developed by the giant Internet search engine Google. Although the platform is still in its field trial stage and is available by invitation only, there is already a large buzz about the product. So, what makes Google+ different from Facebook, the current most popular social networking site?
Through its three main features – Circles, Hangouts, and Sparks, Google+ differentiates itself because it
1) Gives the user more privacy by allowing him or her to be in full control of what is shared
2) Has a group video chat feature
3) Allows the user to uncover content rather than purely share content
For the Facebook crowd at large who is unfamiliar with Google+, here is a quick glimpse into the nuts and bolts of the new site.
The Stream
Once you get the invite, (the word is that there are currently tens of millions of users, so ask around – chances are you probably know someone who is using it) just sign in with your Gmail, Picassa, or Youtube account. You are then prompted to create your personal profile, which consists of a profile picture, introduction, education, employment, places lived, etc.
On the home screen, there is a GChat bar on the left side and a black bar at the top of the page that connects with Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Photo, Reader, and Web. Below this, there are four tabs that are quite similar to Facebook: Home, Photos, Profile, and Circles. The vast majority of the screen is taken up by a live news feed with comment and +1, or the “like”, capability of your Circles’s activities. But wait – what exactly is this “Circles” mechanism that keeps being referred to?
Circles
One of the three main features of Google+ is Circles. Circles allow you to sort your contacts into groups, including but not limited to friends, family, acquaintances, and following (like Twitter). Ever go through your 1000+ Facebook friends and not know who certain people are and how you met them? Have no fear – Google+ will keep your contacts organized.
Additionally, Circles allows you to easily share posts and pictures with only a specific group of people. There is also the option of adding friends without a Google+ account to a circle, in which they will receive your posts via email. By giving the user control of essentially every post shared, Google+ can be as private or public as you want it to be.
Hangouts
The Hangout tool is a video chat function. After downloading Google’s Voice and Video Installer, you have the capability to create a Hangout and invite up to ten people in your network to chat. Rather than planning Skype sessions in advance, Google+ posts that you are “hanging out” in the live stream and gives others the chance to jump in. Another appealing feature of Hangouts is the ability for Groups to watch Youtube videos or movies together.
An analogous application to Hangouts, the Huddle feature allows users to group chat through text. This can be useful for creating plans for the night or making decisions on a work related project.
Sparks
Sparks allows you to not only share content, but also to discover it. By typing your interests into the Sparks page that appears in your sidebar, you can stumble external sites that are of importance to you. Generally, these include current articles, videos, and other relevant content. Specifically, when I clicked on Recipes, which is one of the current featured interests, I was directed to “Foodmakers May Change Recipes to Cut Fat for Fare Advertised to Children,” “New Restaurant Shares a New Blueberry Pie Recipe,” and more. You can also share your favorite links from Sparks–and from anywhere on the web for that matter – onto your Wall.
More on Google+
Similar to other social media sites, Google+ is available for those on the go. The native mobile app currently is available for the Android, but the web app is accessible for all smartphones, and SMS is coming soon.
It is still undecided when Google+ will be fully available to the public, for Google+ representatives have stated, “How long the testing phase lasts, and how the product evolves, will really depend on how it goes. We don’t have a set amount of time” (Google+ Press Site).
But, for those who have already snagged the invite, this ultimate question remains: Will you switch to Google+ or stay with Facebook?
by: Stephanie Wu Read More..
Through its three main features – Circles, Hangouts, and Sparks, Google+ differentiates itself because it
1) Gives the user more privacy by allowing him or her to be in full control of what is shared
2) Has a group video chat feature
3) Allows the user to uncover content rather than purely share content
For the Facebook crowd at large who is unfamiliar with Google+, here is a quick glimpse into the nuts and bolts of the new site.
The Stream
Once you get the invite, (the word is that there are currently tens of millions of users, so ask around – chances are you probably know someone who is using it) just sign in with your Gmail, Picassa, or Youtube account. You are then prompted to create your personal profile, which consists of a profile picture, introduction, education, employment, places lived, etc.
On the home screen, there is a GChat bar on the left side and a black bar at the top of the page that connects with Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Photo, Reader, and Web. Below this, there are four tabs that are quite similar to Facebook: Home, Photos, Profile, and Circles. The vast majority of the screen is taken up by a live news feed with comment and +1, or the “like”, capability of your Circles’s activities. But wait – what exactly is this “Circles” mechanism that keeps being referred to?
Circles
One of the three main features of Google+ is Circles. Circles allow you to sort your contacts into groups, including but not limited to friends, family, acquaintances, and following (like Twitter). Ever go through your 1000+ Facebook friends and not know who certain people are and how you met them? Have no fear – Google+ will keep your contacts organized.
Additionally, Circles allows you to easily share posts and pictures with only a specific group of people. There is also the option of adding friends without a Google+ account to a circle, in which they will receive your posts via email. By giving the user control of essentially every post shared, Google+ can be as private or public as you want it to be.
Hangouts
The Hangout tool is a video chat function. After downloading Google’s Voice and Video Installer, you have the capability to create a Hangout and invite up to ten people in your network to chat. Rather than planning Skype sessions in advance, Google+ posts that you are “hanging out” in the live stream and gives others the chance to jump in. Another appealing feature of Hangouts is the ability for Groups to watch Youtube videos or movies together.
An analogous application to Hangouts, the Huddle feature allows users to group chat through text. This can be useful for creating plans for the night or making decisions on a work related project.
Sparks
Sparks allows you to not only share content, but also to discover it. By typing your interests into the Sparks page that appears in your sidebar, you can stumble external sites that are of importance to you. Generally, these include current articles, videos, and other relevant content. Specifically, when I clicked on Recipes, which is one of the current featured interests, I was directed to “Foodmakers May Change Recipes to Cut Fat for Fare Advertised to Children,” “New Restaurant Shares a New Blueberry Pie Recipe,” and more. You can also share your favorite links from Sparks–and from anywhere on the web for that matter – onto your Wall.
More on Google+
Similar to other social media sites, Google+ is available for those on the go. The native mobile app currently is available for the Android, but the web app is accessible for all smartphones, and SMS is coming soon.
It is still undecided when Google+ will be fully available to the public, for Google+ representatives have stated, “How long the testing phase lasts, and how the product evolves, will really depend on how it goes. We don’t have a set amount of time” (Google+ Press Site).
But, for those who have already snagged the invite, this ultimate question remains: Will you switch to Google+ or stay with Facebook?
by: Stephanie Wu Read More..
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