Once you create a new blog post, what is the next thing you should do? Syndicate! Get the news out there to your feeds such as Facebook and Google Plus (and twitter too if you are there!) I find myself often jumping to blog posts to read that I just would not have found any other way.

Now welcome to Craig's Classroom, let me see if I can teach you something new today!

When you post a link to google plus, it offers a "default thumbnail" graphic as well as a snippet of article text which is approximately a couple of sentences long. Have you noticed however, that the default graphic is NOT the right choice for your post? It shows your avatar in most cases. This is NOT the lead-in graphic that you want for your specific post. The article is not about YOU!!

But don't worry, the solution is extremely easy and was hiding right under your nose!

As you hover over the graphic, notice that there are two arrow buttons that let you scroll through other choices for the thumbnail. It will show you the other graphics from your blog post to choose from. You are using nice graphics in your posts aren't you??

Once you have updated your thumbnail, the next thing you should do is put a little extra bait on your hook (we are fishing for readers!). Write a nice little introductory text to get people to want to click to read more!

Now finally, one last thing as more incentive to you. The google plus app on the smartphones was recently updated to a fantastic new interface. It shows the article thumbnails very large (full screen width) and overlays the intro text on top. Now what do you think this feed looks like if you DO NOT change your thumbanails? Well -- have a look below what I'm seeing now. And it is happening with pretty much ALL MY AR BUDDIES. :) (so you aren't alone)

I'm hoping that after you guys read this, the tide will soon turn!

(PS - Facebook thumbnails for your posts has the same principle to apply - however Facebook and AR aren't playing well together at the moment as far as thumbnails - see my related post "Is Facebook Doing This to Your Posts?" for more information how to work around it)

See you on google plus! I hope you learned something new today.

I'm doing my job if so!

About the
Author
  is a Technology Manager residing in NYC who specializes in applied technologies in the fields of Architecture and Real Estate. Craig focuses on finding the best uses of tech as can be used to help a business be more successful. He is keen on always seeing the perspective and viewpoint of his audience and he tailors his teaching to be easily understood. He teaches by means of this blog, online courses and webinars, as well as one-on-one remote sessions with persons located throughout the country and beyond.

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Post is included in group: Google's PLUS Tips and Information
Post is included in group: Google+
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63 Comments on Google Plus - Don't Accept the Default Thumbnail!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

MAY
29
2012
709,084 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Craig LOL, I just did one this morning & went back & deleted it.  Got rid of my 'face' and got the correct pic on the post. Thank you so much!  I'm sure others are tired of looking at my 8x10 face on their phones, etc. I knew this for FB.
9:39am • #44
222,210 Points Outside Blog

Thanks for the tip.  Google+ is a great way to get blog content out there so it indexes faster.
9:48am • #45
1,144,645 Points 125 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks Craig!  I wondered about this and now I know.  Do you have any tricks for chosing the picture for facebook if we use the AR button on top of our posts.  I don't like to use it as it's only our picture that shows up. We can't chose the photo - unless I missed something the last few weeks????
11:35am • #47
1,120,819 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Craig, I've been using this for sometime...Tammy Emineth told me about this special feature...sooo easy.
3:25pm • #48
818,542 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dude you are awesome and I love you!  I tried it and it was so easy!
4:43pm • #49
1,029,193 Points 16 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I would have never even thought of the issue, let alone your solution.  Thanks for the great post.
7:46pm • #50
201,122 Points Outside Blog

Thank so much for another learning lesson. For me, it pays to surf the AR daily.
11:46pm • #51
MAY
30
2012

Thank you ! Great information thanks for sharing a great post! Thank you!
5:08am • #52
738,012 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Craig...Jerry Re-blogged this post and sent us over...Thanks for the Great Suggestion.

Congratlations on your feature
8:35am • #53
512,327 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Craig, excellent point however, I heard Google Plus is now referred to as Google Ghost town.  No one really using.
2:03pm • #54
117,797 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I always find myself says "ah-ha" after reading your posts!  I will change my ways - thanks for the tip.
2:40pm • #55
225,266 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tom - for FB I assume, it is good to use your outside blog as landing anyway!

Jennifer - that's great

Sharon - sorry about the AR photos, I'm sure the devs continue to work out any issues

Christine - FB is supposed to work similarly - if your outside blog as links it sounds like it might, otherwise my workaround post is another option
6:47pm • #56
225,266 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Pamela - it sees tha avatar first, if it were "smarter" it would look for the main content pic

Kathy - so glad I could help

Rob - motivation is a good thing :)

Michael - you are very welcome

Peggy - you can't change once posted, but starting now onward is a different story

Debb - the AR g+ newsfeed is starting to have a different look with everybody doing better!
6:55pm • #57
225,266 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Lynda - the thumbnail complements the content!

Lyn - a whole new era hehe

Justin - feeding the google machine

Anna - nothing on the button to help, did you see my workaround? food for thought

Rebecca - teamwork we'll get the word out :)

Georgina - [smiles]

Gene - cool, glad to hear it

Kimo - value is here!
7:09pm • #58
225,266 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Peter - you are welcome!

Fred - I hope you get good mileage out of the tip, thx!

Bob - there is lots of activity on G+ - you just have to 'circle' the right people! :)

Francine - I like ah-ha moments :)
7:11pm • #59
MAY
31
2012
107,046 Points 1 Featured Post

Thanks very much for the information.  I will be putting this to good use.
7:49am • #60
JUN
04
2012
225,266 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

thanks for visiting Robert, glad you liked :)
12:22pm • #61
JUN
17
2012
372,091 Points 49 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Craig~since you are a master at Fatherhood as well as the internet, I just wanted to pass on a message of support for YOU for a great Father's Day (may it bring a bit of relaxation for you). You are a "FATHER" to so many of us in this social network, that I wanted you to bask in the glory of knowing how appreciated you are!

 

Happy Father’s Day, Craig!
9:33am • #62
NOV
18
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great tip. I've been focusing on Facebook and ignoring Googleplus.  That is about to change. 
8:58am • #63
MAY
09
116,496 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great post Craig! I love learning new stuff about technology, and though I'm not using Google+ much yet, I do use twitter, linkedin, and Facebook quite a bit.  Thanks for sharing!
9:58am • #64

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Craig Daniels - Technology Instructor/Project Consultant (located NYC - remote assistance everywhere! :) Ambassador_large

Craig Daniels - Technology Instructor/Project Consultant

Staten Island, NY

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