About Google+

Google+Google+ is Google’s social network. Launched in 2011, Google describes Google+ as a “social layer” that enhances many of its online properties, like Google Search, Gmail, and more. They say it is more than just a social network like Facebook or Twitter.

Google+ is the 2nd largest social network in the world next to Facebook, with 300 million active monthly users.

Two of the main strengths of Google+ are photo sharing and the Google Hangouts feature. Google has 1.5 billion photos uploaded every week.

Google+ can be accessed via web browser at http://plus.google.com. You need to have a free Google account to access the tool. Google+ also has mobile apps for Android, and iOS devices.

Google+ Glossary

+1
A “+1” on Google+ is similar to “liking” something on Facebook. When you click the +1 button on another user’s post, they are notified.

Google+ Profile
Your Google+ Profile is similar to your personal profile on LinkedIn or Facebook. It provides information about you with relevant links, a photo, and a cover image. Learn more.

Google+ profile

Google+ Business Page
This is the equivalent of a LinkedIn Company page or a Facebook Page. It’s intended for business purposes. Having both a personal profile and a business page on Google+ can help you be found more easily in Google searches. Learn more.

Google+ Circles

Circles allow you to put various people that they are connected to on Google+ into specific groupings or lists. You can then share relevant content with just certain circles. Circles are private, so members of a circle don’t see who else is in a circle. For example, you may have circles for “Business Contacts”, “Friends”, “Family”, “Clients”, and then post relevant info to those circles. Learn more.

Google+ Circles

Google+ Communities
These are similar to LinkedIn or Facebook Groups. They are communities of people that share common interests, sharing ideas and information. Learn more.

Google Hangouts
Hangouts are video chats that you can host with up to 9 other Google+ users. Google Hangouts also feature text chat and other video and document sharing features. Learn more.

Google Hangouts On Air
This is similar to Google Hangouts, except that you are able to broadcast live to an unlimited number of people. The hangout is automatically recorded and uploaded to your YouTube channel and available for replay. Learn more.