We might be one of the first PR firms to join Google+ (or “Google Plus” in case the addition symbol conjures bad math class memories). While the initial hype around Google Plus talks about its “Facebook killer” potential, what’s been lost to some extent is the public relations potential. After playing around with our new Google Plus profile the past few days, here’s our initial take:
• It helps (A LOT) to be first. The media have apparently proclaimed Ford Motor Company to be the first major brand on Google Plus. That kind of media attention means a great deal because it promotes the image of Ford as very social media-savvy and trend-setting – and the move cost, well, $0. Well played, Ford!
• Much faster editing = more control over posts. Unlike Facebook posts, which only have one editing option – total deletion – Google Plus let you go back and change or edit post content. This simple feature will make the jobs of many social media managers much easier.
• New territory, so look for excitement and mistakes. No one can accurately say what the future holds for Google Plus, so in that sense we’re in for interesting developments and also mistakes to be made by users along the way. Think about Twitter’s rise in popularity bringing about effective and not-so-effective tweeting tactics. Look for the same dynamic to unfold with Google Plus.
• Curiosity will bring lots of eyeballs… for now. Google Plus is something new and different, so it’s got lots of people clamoring for invites. That means the platform will continue to get a good amount of media attention, so we’ll continue to see the PR potential of this service play out in wide view.
And with that, we’ll take our seats. What are your thoughts and predictions for the public relations industry and Google Plus?
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