Facebook v Google+. If you’re worried about further social network fragmentation and what it’ll do to your business — keep monitoring what’s happening and have patience.
Easy for me to say? Maybe. But it is simple to say that Google+ is only in private beta stage, so you would be wise to just keep a close eye on it — so you understand the network differences and similarities and who’s using it. And make your decisions later.
Google+
Here’s a few things to think about as Google+ emerges:
Numbers
Facebook has close to 750 million users — almost 153 million from the U.S.
Mashable (www.mashable.com) reported today that Google+ is approaching 18 million users, but that it’s “beginning to show signs that it’s losing steam.” Don’t take that last comment out of context if someone mentions it. Google+ has been by invitation only and is currently in private beta stage. Many are impatiently waiting to be invited.
What Google did in a week is hugely impressive, given that it has taken other companies years to achieve these types of numbers. But the biggest feat to imagine is Google+ winning over the majority of Facebook users.
Users
Right now Facebook leans a little female.
Online commentary is estimating Google+ may skew male.
Differences
The Atlantic Wire (www.theatlanticwire.com) reports Google+’s four key points of difference from Facebook:
- No boring set up. ”Circles are fun.”
- Webcams are more like a group hangout.
- Instant Upload of pictures streamlines waiting to share.
- Google+ values privacy.
The last bullet point is of interest (or humor) as Google+’s most-followed user, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, has been reported missing since he increased his privacy settings.
