Google + Is Anybody Out There?

Google + has been operating now since early July; up until 3 weeks ago it was open only to those with the illusive invite and seemed to be attracting users in their millions. Whilst Google can boast nearly 45 million sign-ups since the launch of Beta, it seems the difference between sign-ups and actual active users is vast.
I’ve been using Google + myself since the Beta stage and had hoped that it would quickly become a great way to market myself and my business. However so far things seem to be moving quite slowly.
To date I have made contact with quite a number of co-workers, colleagues and clients all of whom have Google + accounts. This should be a good thing right? Well yes it would be a good thing if any of these profiles were actually using Google + actively.
So why aren’t sign-ups actually using G + to communicate? Well – I think there are a number of reasons.
Fear of the unknown:
It’s always difficult for users when they start exploring a new platform. It doesn’t work the same way as previous platforms they’ve tried (particularly Facebook) and perhaps it’s a bit daunting being part of something new.
No one else is using it:
This is where the vicious circle begins. When I have asked friends, family and colleagues why they are not actively using Google +, the most popular answer seems to be ‘because there’s no one else using it’. It’s like getting that first job, you need experience to get the job, but you can’t get the experience until someone gives you a chance.
Old habits die-hard:
One of the main reasons for new sign-ups shying away from using Google + is that they are way too comfortable using the likes of Twitter or Facebook and don’t like the idea of change. Facebook has long been the leader in the Social Networking arena and people are slow to change to another platform. The answer to this problem is to see Google +, not as an alternative to Facebook but as a totally different, stand alone application.
Aimed at professionals:
Another reason I have come across is that users are under the impression that Google + is not as diverse as Facebook. Sign-ups seems to be under the impression that Google is a more serious application and not aimed at those who just want to play a game or stalk their exes! This is a common misconception, however, as Google have been keen to point out.
The Bottom line on this is, that if Google don’t do something fast to get people talking on G+ then they could be in for a very bumpy ride indeed. Perspectives need to change and they need to change fast. Personally I like G+ and I think it has a lot of great benefits to offer. Google + Hangouts are a great addition and the easy use and manipulation of ‘circles’ is a pleasure to use as opposed to Facebooks ‘friends list’ option.
Come on Google, get your act together and let people know that you are the new kid on the block, one who is not going to lay down easily.

Izaak works for an SEO Agency in London.  He blogs on all things techy related, as well as for some of his clents, who incude a commercial gritting company and an operator of Gatwick Airport Lounges.