The competition between Facebook and Google+ is heating up. Based on a new report from Global Web Index, Google+ bragged about having 343 million active users in 2012 and it is now thought to be the second most active social media site on the internet.
It’s not hard to see why Google+ is on the rise when you look at the intelligent linking of its services online. As well as this, the vast increase in the use of smart phones and tablets is definitely working to Google’s advantage. Google+ has so many new and exciting features: here are 3 key reasons why it’s proving to be a real competitor:
Better connections: Even though Facebook is the prime way that most people stay connected online, rather than assisting you in spreading your network, it focuses more on connecting with your existing groups. Google+ is designed to help users build new links and engage with interesting people that share content that you enjoy.
More privacy: Facebook is a fast moving company and it has been accused in the past for lacking respect for user data privacy. Google+ has been set up in a way that allows people to be in full control of their privacy online. You can define exactly what you want to see by using Google circles. You can choose what content you want to post and control every circle in your news feed. Running a social network means having a responsible stewardship of any users’ personal information and I think that Google+ has achieved this.
Highly interactive: There is no denying that Facebook is still at the top of the charts in terms being a highly effective social networking and interactive site. It has all the features you need to form groups and chat with your connections. However, Google may have beaten Facebook in the area of ‘chat’ as by using their ‘Hangouts’ you can be part of live, virtual meetings with a chosen group of friends or colleagues on video. Furthermore, Google+ now has a new Huddle mobile app that allows users to hold group chats via text messaging.
Google Plus is already a favourite among business users with its various apps and analytic tools. It seems that people are enjoying this new overall feel of sharing and collaboration online. On the other hand though, the real question is whether Google+ will ever knock Facebook out of their top spot. I am still inclined to believe that it will never beat Facebook and these are my 3 main reasons why:
Partnerships: Many companies are built around Facebook credits because it is already so well established. Facebook also holds an Open Graph platform that effectively enables developers to create immersive apps that links them even closer to the Facebook platform. Some of Facebook’s partnerships include Spotify, Nike and Zynga.
Better features: Partially in response to the establishment of Google+, Facebook has designed some new tools in attempt to outdo those belonging to Google. For example, it is currently rivalling Google’s circles with its ‘Smart Lists’ that puts your information into an organised list and allows you to control who can see your data. They also released their Facebook messenger app in response to Google Huddle which is already proving to be a big success.
No space: Most people would argue that there is literally not enough room for two competing social networking sites. Google+ symbolises a fresh start and if we are becoming tired of Facebook this could be the reason people are getting excited about it. However, in reality, no matter what social networking site that you use the underlining need is being able to communicate with others. Are we really concerned with having to grasp the idea of endless numbers of new features? Google+ and Facebook are too similar in their functionalities and there is simply never going to be a big enough place in the market for Google+, especially while Facebook remains so many streaks ahead.
I would really enjoy hearing people’s thoughts on this subject. Do you support Facebook or Google+? Contact me @Megwhdigital
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