Mick Sharpe offers guidelines (good ones) for your first month on Google+.

Mick Sharpe offers guidelines (good ones) for your first month on Google+.

#newtogoogleplus   #googleplustips  

Originally shared by Mick Sharpe

Finding your way
making it through your first months on Google+

You’ve arrived, eager to find out what all the fuss is about, looking to make friends, generate business or improve your visibility in search. Possibly all three. You’ve heard that Google+ is a boundless ocean of opportunity. You want to dive in but aren’t sure about the depth, the splash you will make or where the current will take you. If this is you then the first word of advice is relax.

Rome wasn’t built...

There’s a phrase around these parts, often coined by martin shervington: Google+ is a marathon not a sprint. Once you take that deep breath and commit yourself to the long haul you’ll start to appreciate all this varied community has to offer. So…

Where to start?

First things first. Google+ is a public place and just as you would dress appropriately when out in public you need to make sure you have completed your profile information and uploaded a suitable headshot and cover image.

I’ve always been a strong believer in keeping a low profile when you first venture into unfamiliar territory. Put yourself in stealth mode and observe the interactions of other people. Of course to do that you will need some people in your sights. You can’t go wrong with any or all of the people in the 'Plus Your Business Academy' Founding Members Circle (http://goo.gl/t31MQp) I’m honoured to consider these people my friends.

Once you have added to your circles you should see some additional posts in your home stream. Take a look at both the posts and the comments. You should see a variety from short and humorous to lengthy and detailed. You should also see that in most cases the comments are helpful and move the conversation forward.

When you feel comfortable and you find a post or conversation that interests you then go ahead and click that +1 button (the original poster or commenter will notice). If you have a comment that will add to the conversation then by all means add the comment. Don’t be surprised if someone replies!

If you have nothing of value to add then I would always recommend restraint, keeping your powder dry!

For the skimmers

✔ Relax and take your time
✔ Add to your circles with care
✔ Start with comments
✔ Add value to the conversation

(Yes the last one is a biggie!)

Next steps

When you’ve built up some confidence it’s time to look at broadening your horizons. Remember Google+ is Google and the search bar at the top of the page is your biggest ally. Search for your area of interest/expertise and you’ll be met with a list of posts, people, communities and events for you to explore. Go on add a few more people to your circles, join some communities and watch some events. Always remember to add value when you comment.

Hopefully by this stage you are gaining a following of people who like what you have to say. Don’t worry if this is only a small number of people. It’s better to have a few like-minded, interested connections than hundreds of totally disengaged followers.  

Making your first post

It’s a sad truth that the majority of early posts are met by rapturous silence. So how do you avoid this? Remember the golden rule of Google+ to add value? Well one of the best ways to start posting is to share a post that you find interesting and that you think those who follow you will find interesting. Then add your unique perspective to the post in your introduction. Be sure to +mention the post author and you will almost certainly get an appreciative comment for sharing and adding your thoughts.

Making it yours

Variety is the spice of life and so it is with Google+. Don’t be afraid to experiment with formatting, imagery and post length.

With practice you’ll get to know what works for your audience and more importantly what works for you. There is no absolute right or wrong way to Google+ - there is only your way. Once you find your way the real enjoyment starts and lots of new opportunities present themselves. It is then that you truly come to appreciate Google+ and the relationships you make here.

Skimmers part two

✔ Join communities
✔ Watch and comment on events
✔ Share interesting and useful content
✔ Experiment and find your way

Produced as part of the #PYBAcademy Trailblazer course alongside a great many other posts from fellow trailblazers.

You know who you are ;-)

#googleplustips

[Image credit] Me!