how to build an audience on google+

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How To Build An Audience On Google+ By Mike Stenger http://www.mikestenger.com http://gplus.to/mikestenger http://twitter.com/mikestenger http://fb.me/mikestenger

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In this presentation, you'll learn how to best utilize Google+ to build engagement and an active audience. We first dissect the myths surrounding the social network and then dive into the good stuff. DISCLAIMER: I am not in any way shape or form associated with Google.

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Page 1: How To Build An Audience On Google+

How To Build An Audience

On Google+ By Mike Stenger

http://www.mikestenger.com

http://gplus.to/mikestenger

http://twitter.com/mikestenger

http://fb.me/mikestenger

Page 2: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Common Myths “Google+ is a ghost town”. Wrong. As of June 27th, 2012 there are 250 Million

users, 150 Million log-in minimum once per month, 75 Million daily.

“Nobody is engaging.” Wrong. While there are active people, also inactive

people. Circle too many inactive people and you’ll easily get no engagement.

“Google+ is only for geeks and the tech savvy.” Wrong. People from all walks

of life and industries are using it on a daily basis.

January 19th, 2012, did a quick survey asking how many hours per day people

use Google+. The results were pretty astonishing…

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 3: How To Build An Audience On Google+

A whopping 60% out of 116 people who responded, said they spend four

hours or more per day on Google+.

Interestingly, only 14% said they spent at least 1 hour per day.

Many people are using Google+, it’s all a matter of finding the right audience for

your niche.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 4: How To Build An Audience On Google+

How Do You Find People? First, who is your target audience?

Secondly, what are your goals? What’s your strategy? Jumping right in without

both is like going off a diving board and not knowing how to swim.

Many dive into Google+ without either and eventually left with nothing to show

for it. Focus creates results.

Put in place the building blocks first. Also, make sure your profile is filled out

effectively. Look at top users in your niche for best tips.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 5: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Search Is Your Best Friend Using the built-in search, you can find people that you’re looking for. Stay away

from suggested users list. Mostly broadcasters, not engagers.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 6: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Search Is Your Best Friend When you search for a particular keyword or phrase, there’s a box that says

“Everything”. Clicking that will give you a number of options.

To simply view posts, click “Google+ posts”. To find specific people, click

“People and pages”.

If people have the keyword or phrase in their about section, they will show up.

Quick tip: Click-through to their profile to make sure their content is relevant

and are actually active.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 7: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Shared Circles Similar to Twitter lists, shared circles are a group of people that you can add to

a new or existing circle with one click.

Easily one of the best ways for finding targeted people to connect with.

For a very comprehensive and categorized list of shared circles, go to

TheNextWeb.com and search for “Shared Circles List”.

Quick Tip: Add a shared circle to a new circle first. Then, once you’ve

determined it’s worth keeping, you can add to an existing.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 8: How To Build An Audience On Google+

You’re Following People. Now What?

Everything starts with great content. Scott Stratten says it best: “People don’t

share meh. People share awesome.” Bland and boring, people will move on.

Several ways of sharing great content.

1) Thoughts around a topic in your niche. Incorporating the use of bold and

italicizing text. To bold, surround a word or words with the * symbol. To italicize,

surround with the _ symbol.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 9: How To Build An Audience On Google+

You’re Following People. Now What?

2) Incorporating the use of images/video. Google+, like Facebook with the

EdgeRank algorithm, gives more weight to rich media.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 10: How To Build An Audience On Google+

You’re Following People. Now What?

3) Combination of the first two. This could also include sharing a new blog post

with a relevant image.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 11: How To Build An Audience On Google+

You’re Following People. Now What?

4) Sharing other people’s posts. Should already have high quality people in

your circles.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 12: How To Build An Audience On Google+

You’re Following People. Now What?

Should you post to circles, specific circles or public? All depends.

99% of what I post is public. Leads to more people seeing it.

If content you want seen only by specific group, then circles is better.

Can tag people in posts and when you choose who/what to share with. Make

sure it’s relevant, not overdone, or you’ll be marked as a spammer.

To reply to people in comments, type the + symbol followed by their name or if

using Google Chrome, install the “Replies and More” extension.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 13: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Beyond Broadcasting Anyone can post great content. That alone is not enough to build engagement.

Ask questions, start a dialogue. Open ended questions work best. “How are you

benefiting from XYZ?” “What’s your biggest tip to _____?”

Use bold and italics to draw attention to questions. Don’t overdo it. You’ll look

like a spammer.

Jump in the stream several times per day and interact on other’s content. This

drives interaction back to your content.

Goes without saying, but don’t spam or be a jerk. People will uncircle or block

you fast.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 14: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Utilizing Hangouts Hangouts are the breakout feature of Google+. Group video chat with up to 10

people total. Can invite specific people, circles, or allow anyone to join.

Chat box inside the hangout and numerous apps that bring added functionality

to a conversation. Share/edit docs, play games, watch videos together, etc.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 15: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Utilizing Hangouts Great way to meet new people and/or build existing relationships. Video is next

closest thing to meeting in real life. Builds deeper connections.

Very easy setup. Have a webcam and mic? You’re set. No additional software.

Use for brainstorming sessions, general conversation, focus groups, customer

Q&A, and the list goes on.

Engage in real time. Through video. With multiple people. For free.

Better quality than Skype. Also works great 1-on-1. Again, no monthly cost.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 16: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Hangouts On Air Most underrated tool of any social network. Same as hangouts, but the ability

to broadcast and stream live on Google+ and Youtube.

Connects to your Youtube account so video already there. No rendering or

uploading. Few clicks and done.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 17: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Hangouts On Air Great way to create content based around a specific topic. Since the video is

already on Youtube, easily embed on your blog or website.

Basic editing functions, though Youtube allows you to download video. Can edit

and then re-upload. Make sure original video is changed to “unlisted”.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 18: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Random Tips Extension for Google Chrome called “DoShare” that schedules posts on

Google+. Don’t overuse it, make sure to interact on a daily, consistent basis.

Need to clean up your Circles? Chrome extension “Uncircle Inactives+” helps

remove any inactive people.

Use hash tags here and there. Helps more people to discover your content.

Again, don't overdo it.

Take advantage of the cover photo. The dimensions are 940x180. Also, make

sure your about section is filled out, yet quick and to the point. Utilize rich text

and hyperlinks to bring attention/make more interesting.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 19: How To Build An Audience On Google+

In Conclusion Circle relevant people through the use of search and shared circles.

Post high quality content. Use images and rich text where applicable. Share

public, unless you only want it seen by a select few. Or if it’s private.

Ask open ended questions, start and build a dialogue.

Interact on other’s content. Add value to the conversation, not take away from it.

Invest daily. Don’t have to spend hours. Utilize Hangouts to build better/more

relationships and Hangouts On Air to create more high quality content.

Rinse and repeat.

www.MikeStenger.com | @MikeStenger | Gplus.to/MikeStenger | FB.me/MikeStenger

Page 20: How To Build An Audience On Google+

Found This Helpful? You may also enjoy “The 4 Pillars To Social Media Success”. Simply click here

and enter your email to get instant access!

Have any questions? Send an email to mike[at]mikestenger[dot]com and I’ll get

back to you ASAP.

Let’s make sure to connect!

@MikeStenger

Gplus.to/MikeStenger

FB.me/MikeStenger