In the past couple of years, I have been learning more social media platforms and have reached a point where I feel diversified enough. Yet, I am far from making the best out of all my social media and am still learning to improve my presence everywhere. This means that I must learn to interract better with others. One of the few platforms that proves most troublesome for me is Google+. I make sure to have an up to date profile and do solid link sharing (whether other bloggers’ or my own). I still don’t use it much more than for link sharing. My next step is to become active in Google+ Communities. So far, I have joined six of them, all writing and publishing oriented. I am not planning to join more at this stage as I want to be able to get to know other people in them instead of spreading myself too thin. So, I was curious to know about others’ experiences with Google+, especially with the communities. Do you use them? If so, do you have any tips to share?
Source: Unknown.
Natacha Guyot 
I don’t use Google + because I have Facebook and LinkedIn, so Google+ is pointless to me.
But let me just say that Google drive has been responsible for about 50% of my stress for the latter half of the school year. My students and I (and some colleagues) are all finding out interesting tidbits about it but also find irritation. It’s user friendly only in that it’s easy to move things around and share things. Also it auto-saves. But not everything is intuitive, searching on a non-Chrome browser can be tough and if you move something it takes 5-10 minutes to find it.
I hate Google but it’s like…not much else is good if you need additional contributors who don’t own the content.
LikeLike
I remember seeing you complaining about Google Drive. I never use it anymore, unless I need to share things and there is no other way. I had to use it when I served on the OTW a few years ago. And I don’t use Chrome either. I did once upon a time but I’m a Firefox person.
LikeLike
Sorry, Natacha, I can’t be helpful today. I don’t use Google+ as I should. It’s on my list of things to do, so I’ll be keeping an eye on the thread for useful tips too! 😀
LikeLike
No problem, Melissa! I have read a lot about Google+ but save for link sharing, I still prefer other platforms.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re the same as FB groups, except G+ pages can join them if you allow it. There is more functionality, like the ease of posting into the group media like videos, etc. The use of gif images. There is also hangouts that can be created.
If you’d like to join one of ours to see some basics, you’re welcomed: https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/106168554235801442145
https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/111542373976311651845
LikeLike
I prefer not being part of too many groups, whether FB or G+ (or even LinkedIn). I’ll check the links out, thank you. I’m trying to stick to writing/publishing communities for the time being though. 🙂
LikeLike
Sorry, Natacha. I currently use Google+ mainly for sharing. Despite being part of various groups, I do not really often have enough time for interaction…
LikeLike
Time can be a problem, this is why I tend to stick to social media where I am more comfortable and that doesn’t require group joining. I much prefer being able to keep interaction one on one. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Look out for my post at NOON, London, UK time today Natacha 😀
LikeLike
What you are saying is that my question had perfect timing? I’ll go check that post now! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL – your question triggered my seek and reveal brain cell Natacha 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I pretty much ignore Google+. People add me to their circles and I just delete the emails with that notification. My social media is more or less limited to FB and Twitter, and I’m fine with that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I much prefer Twitter and FB. For the longest time, I didn’t use FB as part of my professional/public network, but I’m glad I took the leap and set up a page!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only use G+ for a link depot, too. Basically, I see G+ as a really easy to find Social Media ID card (because you can link ANYTHING), but its layout still isn’t good. I think it should auto send people to your About tab, rather than your shared stuff. I haven’t tried communities, because as you said, there is a danger of spreading myself too thin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have carefully selectioned a few communities but I have no idea whether I’ll be active in them. I’d like to, at least in one or two, but social media can be so time consuming. Even these days, I mostly interact on FB/Twitter/Wordpress and otherwise just share links in other places. And I agree that the layout on G+ could be much better. It’s not so intuitive or good looking compared to other places.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, if you want to join a fiction writers group on Facebook, I admin for one that I can recommend. 🙂
I still get surprised when I get a notification that someone is actually viewing the stuff on my G+, haha.
LikeLike
Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll get back to you. Groups, whether G+ Or FB aren’t what I’m most comfortable in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand. 🙂 They’re not for everyone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mainly use G+ for sharing on my profile. I have joined some communities and have posted in them a few times, but I’m not very active in them, mainly due to time constraints.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time constraints can get in the way. That’s why I have been prioritizing my social media presence. I’d really like to make better use of G+ but I am still unsure of how it may or may not happen.
LikeLiked by 1 person