Don't just hit that Google + button...take 1 more simple step

Reblogger
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Catherine Cornelia Real Estate

It is very easy to go the extra step and make sure you have the picture you want in the Google+ post. I tried the second one, also very easy but once I added a picture I couldn't find the link option that was on the Google+ toolbar where I was updating my status. 

So much to learn, so little time. All these posts help because I have a tendency to overthink this. I started in social media when it was a baby, back in 2007. 2009 it began to get legs and now, it is so much easier. I need to let go of all the stuff you needed to do before and use the new sharing techniques built into my iPhone and iPad. And yes, I will write posts like this that will help everyone.

Original content by Debbie Gartner

google plus buttonI'm so glad so many Active Rainers are starting to use Google Plus and they are getting more active.  That is great news for you biz, your website as well as for AR.

 

Last week, Active Rain made a change to help prompt us to share our posts across google +, face book and linkedIn. In concept, this is great.

 

HOWEVER, in practice, the implementation of this is SUBOPTIMAL and I'm sure most people don't even realize it...and the good news is that it is SIMPLE to fix!

 

Here's is what shows on Google Plus when you just hit the button:

active rain button on google plus

What does this have to do with your post?  Nothing!  And, I see it over and over again on Google Plus...in fact, I start to tune all those posts out...they look boring and almost look like spam.  And, it doesn't look like anyone is engaging here.  I've seen tons of people doing this...including Nikesh Parehk and Bob Stewart.  I'm sure no one realizes they are even doing this.

 

Can we do better?  Yes!  What if you posted the picture that you used in the post instead>  Wouldn't that look better?  Wouldn't it communicate your idea better?

 

NEWSFLASH: It's fast and easy to insert your own picture! I'm first going to show you the easier way, and then the better way...either is head and shoulders above what most are doing now!

The easy way:  If you hit the G+ button, but BEFORE you hit submit, hover over the picture...you'll notice some arrows at the top...click the arrows to select the picture of your choice.  Then, hit submit.

The better way:  Go to Google plus and do your status update from there.  Write an intro line.  Then add a picture to the picture box...this way, your picture will be much larger and more impactful.  (I wish I could get a screen shot for you).  Then, in the text section, post a link to your post.  This takes a bit more time, but it looks much better.  Because it looks much better, you are more likely to get additional + 1's, comments, shares and clicks to your website.  I think it's worth the extra time.

 

Edit:  Check out comment #15 from Kathy Nielsen...she has visually shown the difference between the 2 options.  It's huge!  And, you can see it below. Thank you Kathy.  Tell me which looks more impactful.

The easier way....

laminate flooring on google plus

The better way...

large version of picture on google plus 

 

That is my tip for the day.  Please at least do the easy way.  It will make a big difference.  I hope that you will join us on Google +.  We have a very active and supportive group from Active Rain interacting, learning and sharing together.  Here is a link to my Google Plus account Debbie Gartner.

 

Note to fellow Active Rainers on G+...if any of you can get some screen shots to demonstrate, feel free to add to the comments.  My program isn't working and I need to reinstall it!  uggh.

Hardwood Flooring - Carpet - Tile/Natural Stone - Laminate - Refinish Hardwood - Backsplashes

The Flooring Girl logoDebbie Debbie Gartner - Westchester Hardwood FlooringGartner, Owner

"The Flooring Girl"

Floor Coverings International Westchester NY

You can download our free flooring guide.  Or, visit our flooring selector - 2,000 options.  We install hardwood floors, carpeting and runners, tile floors and backsplashes.

Call us for a free estimate 914-937-2950. 

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Comments (4)

ba`B Ratliff
Robert Ratliff Realty - San Antonio, TX
"Sold with Bob"

Sounds like some great tips, thanks for sharing your experiences

Nov 19, 2012 05:11 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Catherine - thx so much for reblogging.  Yes, adding the picture is easy.  Then, you just add the link to the text section (copy and paste) and after you submit, it shows the link.  That's how the post above is done.

Nov 19, 2012 05:50 AM
Michele Cadogan 917-861-9166
Fillmore Real Estate 2990 Av U, Bklyn , NY 11229 - Brooklyn, NY
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker -

Thanks for this reblog- new to using Google+  so this will be quite helpful.  Aslo Have a Hapy Thanksgiving..

Nov 19, 2012 10:45 AM
Catherine C Capasso
Catherine Cornelia Real Estate - Eastchester, NY
Cottage or Castle, What's Your Dream!
Thanks Debbie and Michele. Re-blogging is a great way to help others learn new features especially in the changing world of social media and social marketing.
Nov 20, 2012 12:12 AM

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