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Google+ for all now with Google+ invites a matter of the past

Though initially when Google+ was launched it was permitted and accessible only on invites, it is now open for everyone and does not need specific invitations. Facebook too is not far behind in its developments to counterattack and retain its popularity over Google+. Facebook is trying to introduce some exciting new features such as News Feed and a brand new friend’s list to keep the competition stiff.

Google+ as a social networking site platform is all set to take on the likes of Facebook and other social media platforms. Google+ is a direct competition of the more popular social networking site Facebook which saw immediate success and has a large and ardent fan following. It finally seems search engine Google has something more exciting which is bound to have some attraction for the youth who revel in this pastime. Google did previously come up with Google Wave and Google Buzz which did not see much success and crashed as quickly as it came into existence.

Google+ now promises users to be more attractive as compared with Facebook and is hoping that there will be an exodus of users from Facebook to Google+. Let us see if that really happens. Facebook users in the meantime are quite hassled by rampant changes that look too similar to Google+.

Google+ works based on multiple popular Google services

Google+ was developed under a code name Emerald Sea. It is Google’s attempt to draw attention away from Facebook and towards a novel way of social interaction. Today most interaction happens online and gone are the days of letter writing and sending birthday wishes by post. Gmail, Picasa and Google Maps are integrated in Google+ so users are not troubled with signing into various services to connect with friends and interact with them.

‘Circles’ in Google+ a big plus as compared to Facebook’s wall

Formation of a ‘Circle” in Google+ is a way of having a few friends within your group and chatting and sharing information and photos that cannot be viewed or shared by anyone else. All conversations can be kept within the circle and you can form various circles such as colleagues, friends, relatives, etc, so that they are all together yet apart and privacy is ensured. Facebook is oly just letting user’s group people.

Google + ‘Spark’ features and Facebook feed

Sparks is a feature in Google+ that permits you to choose some areas of particular interest. There are some things that are of particular interest to you and your group of friends which may not be of any interest to others. Google+ Sparks allows you to deliver any information of any particular interest be it music, restaurants and movies and just about any topic that sort of lights a ‘spark’ in you. You can share this information with likeminded friends. This is now being challenged with an even more active Facbook news feed.

What are the aims of ‘Hangout’?

Hangout plans on bringing this select group of friends together for meetings with multi person videos. People and groups of friends from different corners of the globe can “meet” through Hangout and catch up with friends even though separated by miles and time differences. In competition, Fcaebook now allows users to video chat through the chat window.

Android Phones and Google+

Google+ is cashing in on a large number of smartphones and Android devices entering the market. Google+ allows you to add your location to every post that can be shared in your ‘Circle’. Instant upload of photos through your smartphones directly to Google+ takes care of some forgetful souls who snap away and forget to upload much to the annoyance of their ‘Circle’. This is something Facebook hasn’t yet been able to master.

Video Editing Feature for YouTube users to edit videos onsite

In an attempt to keep offering new opportunities to YouTube users, the company has come out with a new feature which is sure to keep users engaged for many hours. Users not satisfied with video content on YouTube can now alter, edit, add and delete at will. YouTube has ensured that an option of editing videos and adding new content is all in the user’s hands at the click of a button.

Some exciting news is in offing for YouTube users. Wednesday saw the announcement being made of some new features being launched which will now enable YouTube users to edit videos onsite. This has caused some excitement due to the endless possibilities that this feature will offer its users. The facility which is being launched on a global basis will enable users to edit uploaded YouTube videos though the same video ID would be retained. This would enable view counts and comments to continue in the same way as will links to the videos. Users of YouTube would just need to click on Edit Video on the video page or on My Videos page to begin the editing function.

Quality Improvement and Enhanced Features for Youtube

Mr. Jason Toff, Product Manager of YouTube said that it has been noticed that many users were uploading videos onto YouTube which were not up to mark and could be improved in some way. This system of editing videos would enable some improvement in quality and content. In that sense a video uploaded by an amateur, can be refined and improved upon by another professional. Thereby improving the quality and the content depicted in it.

In a blog by Mr. John Gregg, Software Engineer at YouTube, he mentions that editing facilities are available since Wednesday and users will now be able offered a variety of options to help in improving videos. It would be possible through this technique to stabilize hand held footage, rotate videos as desired and enhance color and contrast to bring out its real effect. An even more enhances feature would be ‘I’m Feeling Lucky’ option which would enable color modification with just one click. Thus giving video viewing a whole new dimension, based upon ones likes and dislikes.

Processing and saving video edits on Youtube

Together with Picnik, which was taken over by Google in 2010, YouTube is also offering options of adding filters, contrasts and cartoons to videos. Jason Toff mentioned that one can even alter audio on videos from a range of options on tracks. It was also possible to delete some video if users felt there was extra footage either at beginning or end of video.

This new concept can alter the way we view videos online and introduce a whole range of options for us to use. The effectiveness of new feature will only be proved with time. Till then one can go out there and experiment and try this new feature. Possibilities are limitless when it comes to features and techniques online. I cannot wait to try out this new feature and improve my video making skills.

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Google+ circles just what was needed

Brett Van Zuiden, engineer for Google+ has now come to the rescue of users providing the convenience of getting Circles reordered. All those who are already users of Power Google+, find managing these Circles quite a frustrating experience. Now, due to the availability of a long list at the bottom, it is possible to hide the Circles that are most used. When people are added, the stream or ‘share’ is viewed and it is this Circle list that works best for you. Google+ is a network that is thriving top brass and having the circles launched on Google+ is the cherry on the cake.

Google+ circles a first step that involves drag and drop

All that is needed to be done is to get the Circles dragged and dropped to get them reordered in the Circles tab. Depending on the order that has been determined; it is on the social network itself that the Circles start appearing. Besides this the feature can also be dragged up into a particular space where all the people of that circle can get a chance to view your gang. The term ‘Circle in Tab’ can be used by all those needing to access this space.

This is an addition that may seem minor but this particular update can help ease off the pain from all users of Google+. All the different kinds of connections that you may have socially in real life can be well organized virtually with Google+. It does not matter whether the group comprises alumni, family members, music buddies or colleagues as all these groups can be organized well with Google+. With people who have the same links, relevant content can accordingly be shared and depending upon the content posted by people, it can be followed, especially if it is interesting.

For example, there is an engagement announcement to be made and only a particular group or circle has to be intimated, then from the circle a post can be sent which has been created to reach out to a segment only. For the circles, information on the personal profile can be customized as well. On the circle containing a group of your friends, details like information on your relationships, contact as well as location details can be made visible. The circle related to alumni associations can have access to information about current employment and qualifications. Circles has been implemented and created rather well, especially in comparison to creating a friend list on Facebook or on Twitter.

Google Cirles+ adds personality to social networking

‘Circles’ in Google+ provides it with the personality it deserves. When actions are performed, the animations that appear are quite cute and besides this, the functionality of drag and drop is an addition that is welcomed by all. A variety of features like Sparks which is a great addition for all those interested in plugging into news of their choice and video chats with a group of people are amazing. Google+ isn’t completed as yet. As users keep using it more, more tweaking will accordingly unfold! In comparison to the rest of the Google programs more attention has been given to the animations that are truly cute and delightful, like the overall + appearance.

A first look at whether Google+ is a male or female preference

The latest social network called Google+ is being reviewed to find out whether it is more male dominated or female dominated. However if at all statistics that are unofficial are to be believed, it is discovered that google+ is not really a male dominated social networking site as is commonly understood. A report on this has been released by the founder of Ancestry.com, Mr. Paul Allen. It is this report that states that estimates are set to reach around ten million users and the ratio of male to female users is not as disparate or vast as estimated or indicated in some of the reports.

There is no clarity yet regarding dominance of G+ users

Reports declare stats not as diverse and/or severe as they have actually seemed to appear. As of July 14, 2011 it has been reported in the latest figures there is a large number of female Google+ users as compared to males. In fact 33% is considered (which is a good number as far as female Google+ users are concerned) is on record. However it is still felt that this new social network is largely dominated by males as per the reviews conducted. There are other statistics also received mentioning that a large audience of Google+ is generally males.

As far as statistics of Google+ estimates are concerned, they are found to vary from one source to another. The methodology has been well described by Stan Schroeder of Mashable, a few days back. From the census bureau, a list of surnames was first taken as part of the data, and compared with users of Google+ along with recorded surnames. The popularity of surnames was first compared with each of the names on Google+ and from this an approximate percentage was accordingly calculated.  It is on the basis of this that the ratio of female to male users of Google+ has been accordingly ascertained to find out the number of users all over the globe.

Difficult to determine gender using G+

Depending upon the statistics received it is difficult to apply the census data to find out which gender is popularly using the new social network. One thing is however certain that over a period of few weeks the gap is certainly closing. As far as the marketing of Google+ as well as the videos are concerned a lot of emphasis has been laid on the woman user as well, which just indicates that women have been largely targeted by Google+ too.

Ever since the service has been launched, a large number of women have been joining the social site, as per scientific estimates. This just indicates that there is a steady growth in female users of Google+. A proper balance has not been maintained between the male and female ratio among Google+ users according to online journalists. It is estimated that the balance in the ratio will be attained gradually over a period of time. But, male or female, one thing is for sure. Google+ is sure getting an edge with each new interface and toolbar addition made to the site.

Google + Accounts will be verified to do away with fake accounts

Not to be left behind in the race for popularity, Google+ is treading the path to success already paved by Twitter.  Google + has realized that famous brands and well known personalities including movie stars and icons need a way of identifying themselves on Google+.  Google is all set to do just that. As reported by CNN, all identities of celebrities will be verified by Google on its social network site.

Google will definitely like associating with popular persons in the Hollywood circuit as reported by Brett Schulte.  The company is in the process of devising various methods to enable easy verification.  Though yet unverified and unofficial till today, Google+ has told brands and personalities to stall creation of Google+ profiles till further notice as they are working on an improved system just for them.

Twitter verifies such high end profiles but Facebook does not though they do get rid of fake profiles as per users demand. All this is simply to protect identity and all some privacy due to high end and high class customers and brands which require some degree of confidentiality.

Google+ fan following of over 10 million users determines its popularity

Google + has a fan following of over 10 million users which has ensured that Google + is emerging as one of the most popular and most sought after social network sites of today.  It is due to this popularity that Google+ has to continuously update and refine its operations and services to the public at a faster pace than competitors Facebook and Twitter.

Top businesses and brands have been told not to create Google+ profiles and put plans on a back burner till further notice.  Mr. Christian Oestlien, Product Manager of Google+ said that his team of experts would be working round the clock to offer businesses a unique opportunity to connect and be accessible to the general public.

Businesses and brands using Google + accounts would help them reach great heights.  Oestlien has stated that his policy team is working with profile owners to blackout certain redundant profiles. Ford, Breaking News and Mashable have already joined Google.   More businesses are expected to join once they get the green signal from officials at Google+.

Some will have to wait till end of 2011 to avail this Google + experience.  In the meantime, the company is experimenting on a small scale to test their viability and has even opened a Google Spreadsheet where non users can submit an application for the program.

Google+ doing all that’s necessary to be viable for brands and the who’s who

Google + still has a long way to go before this can be offered to brands, businesses and celebrities on a long term basis.  In the meantime one has to wait for reports on their preparedness to accept such high end users. Google should have been more organized in their launch of Google +.  The same thing was noticed with Google Buzz and also with Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare, as with many other social networking sites in the past.

Verification of accounts is definitely of prime importance in these days of uncertainties and will be required to make this social networking site more popular with well known personalities and celebrities.  Google+ should learn mistakes of Twitter and Facebook to come out victorious.

Google+ a platform for social networking is creating ripples in the social networking industry

Competition continues in every sphere, even on the internet. Google is a leader as far as search engines on the internet are concerned. Just as Facebook, ‘the’ social networking site introduced some time back continues to make a headway, in the same way Google+ a platform for social networking is creating ripples in the social networking industry. For Facebook, one of the latest rivals is Google+.  When it comes to services related to social networking, history that is strong enough is not Google’s forte but it continues to remain a popular search engine and that makes a difference. It has been seen that Google Buzz and Google Wave have not yet successfully caught on.

A lot of effort, money as well as time have been invested in the Google+ venture, to compete with rivals like Facebook. On many of the destinations on the web which are major-in-command, the tweet button has already become commonplace. With +, despite being introduced on the web for just about 30 days, it has already gained popularity. A platform provider for search engine services called BrightEdge has conducted analysis of the largest sites (amounting to ten thousand in number) and for the Google+ button placement has found a surge of 33% within just a few days.

As compared to Facebook, Twitter, as well as, Google trail way behind

To a ratio of about 4.4%, the Google+ button is up on those sites as discovered by the company and in June has further gone up by around 3.6%. It has been found that up by 3.4% is the plug-ins of Twitter on display. In comparison to Facebook,  Twitter, and Google trail way behind. Plug-ins of Twitter is on the front pages of sites amounting to 20% upswing. In comparison, if in perspective Facebook is considered, the ‘Like’ button had showed up on websites totaling to around fifty thousand in number in just seven days since its announcement by the company in the month of April.

Twitter, Facebook like, and Google+ all in contention

Last year in the month of August, publishers were made available the tweet button for Twitter fans. On the front pages, the adoption of links to twitter, as well as, Facebook pages was also noted. As compared to buttons, such links are much more popular. Studies indicate that on the front pages of at least 51% of the sites, there are no links of Twitter or Facebook. At a very fast pace, Google+ is growing with a huge market share win due to help from Google+ Tweet extensions. Inside the account of Google+, upscale features now make friend surfing fun.

Twitter is managed well by Google more than Twitter is able to manage itself. This is experienced when you take a close look at Google realtime, but it is unfortunate that realtime stands cancelled. One of the latest attempts made by Google in the creation of a social networking site, Google+, has been developed under the Emerald Sea protocol and is more than a product, it is largely considered as a project by Google.

Blogger

This is where thousands of successful webmasters started off their journey to internet marketing. Blogger still reigns as the easiest to use blogging platform. There are rumors that Google likes to place Blogspot blogs at the top of its results, though years of experience have made us skeptical of this claim. Starting a Blogger is still a great idea for most webmasters, since it gives them almost all functionalities that other blogging platforms do, plus easy integration with Adsense.

Analytics

Once you have your Blogger blog set up, and promotion campaigns are on the road, you would do well to create an Analytics account to monitor the traffic coming to and leaving from your site. It does much more than just showing you how many users visited your site. It shows you which categories of articles users liked, where in the world they came from, whether they followed an external link to leave your site or just closed the tab directly and more. All these help you refine your site for the best user experience. Failing to learn how to use Analytics is a mistake that thousands of failed webmasters have made. Maybe you could be smarter.

Youtube

While users are pouring in from other traffic sources, you might want to head over to Youtube. An entertaining evening isn’t exactly what we are suggesting. What we are suggesting is for you to get acquainted with the video site and find out how other webmasters are using it to drive traffic to their sites. Learn how to make and upload videos that will entice users to visit your blog. Boring videos won’t be watched. Videos with fake titles will be flagged. Spammy videos will be flagged too. Getting visitors from Youtube is an art more than anything. An art that you might take months to master, but is worth every minute spent on learning it.

Adsense

By this time, we are hoping you are actively monitoring your Analytics account as Youtube drives traffic to your Blogger blog. There’s no revenue yet, though, is there? Adsense, with its easy integration with Blogger, will allow you to place ads wherever you want to. Just be careful that your blog contains some material of use to people, and is well within Adsense policies.

Doubleclick for Publishers

Simply placing ads doesn’t guarantee clicks. Users won’t click on ads that are completely irrelevant to the content on the page. Besides, if you have to manually manage ads that you sold individually as as Adsense slots, you are in for a major headache. Again, it’s Google that provides the solution. Doubleclick for Publishers (DFP) allows you to manage all ad slots via DFP’s great UI.

Combining these five great Google services are the quickest way to online riches. Mastering the art of using them all in conjunction will take more than a little time, but in the long run no education will be worth more.

Google: the biggest advertising agency

It turns out that we know a little bit about advertising.” – Vic Gundotra, VP Engineering at Google

For the average person, online search and the Android OS immediately jump to mind when Google is mentioned. What many fail to grasp is the fact that more than anything, Google is an advertising agency. It gets all its money from advertisers. That’s why, when they are delivering a keynote centered on advertising, you should have an open ear.

Growth of Android

We have more than 160,000 of these things shipping globally every day.”
– Eric Schmdit, CEO of Google

The one single reason why Android OS is becoming an increasingly lucrative medium of advertising is the above statement by Eric Schmdit. With 160,000 new people getting their hands on an Android device every day, your target audience is growing by leaps and bounds.

The new advertising formats

The number of new advertising formats introduced by Google is humongous. You can have ads targeted locally, ads that allow users to call you with a single click, ads that play a video and various combinations of all these formats. You control which apps show your ads and which don’t. Google provides you so much control, we are sure there is a way to target a single person if you’d so like!

Future of advertising in apps

10 years from now, will you be sad if you did not get into mobile advertising today? You sure will be. – Karsten Weide, research vice president, Media and Entertainment on idc.com

Advertising within apps has only recently begun to gain momentum. The sole reason is that the technology behind this is still in its nascent stages. Apple and Google both had to make significant acquisitions in order to bring the service to the level at which it is today. This is an advantageous situation for you, since the field is still relatively empty. Contrast this to advertising on Google’s search results where the competition is fierce. Now is the perfect time to get your feet wet in mobile apps advertising.

Spending on mobile ads in 2010 is expected to touch $500 million. In comparison, global online advertising revenues were more than $17 billion in Q4 of 2009 alone. It’s evident you will have a easy time perfecting your strategies in this field right now.

Throw DoubleClick for Publishers in the mix

Double Click is one of my favorite advertising programs because it has impressive features for publishers not found elsewhere.
– brocation on imreportcard.com

There’s another great service that Google offers – DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP). It lets you target specific target audiences. Let’s not mix up DFP with advertising in Android apps however. So far, these services are totally different. However, DFP lets you target ads solely at Android users. So if you have a website based on Android or Android apps where you get a lot of visitors from Android devices, you’d do well to use to DFP to target those users specifically.

Once you’ve chosen keywords, use them naturally in your website content. If you’re using a key phrase such as “diamond engagement rings,” break up the phrase so it flows naturally. Use your keyword once in the first paragraph, once in the last and a few times in the middle paragraphs. Concentrate on one keyword on each page; if you use secondary keywords, use them only where it’s natural. For optimal SEO, each page should contain approximately 200 words at minimum.

Good SEO is only part of a successful business website. Don’t sacrifice readability in your website content—each word has impact and works to sell. If you can balance good SEO with good sales writing, your website is sure to be a success.