A few months ago I made a startling realization about Google+. You know, the social network that nobody pays any attention to?
Turns out, Google+ isn’t a social network at all. It is nothing more than Google itself in a new skin. Connecting with people on Google+ means that you’re more likely to show up in their search results, you’ve got a way to interact with them, and you can find them more easily.
It’s not a social network, silly – it’s how we will ultimately find and be found on Google.
So I’m doing a 30-day test. Here’s what it is – I hope you’ll join me.
The 30-Day Test
For the next 30 days, I’m going to be using Google+ as my full-time blog for all things – legal marketing, insights, news, and decisions of interest. My law firm blogging will still originate on Consumer Help Central, but I’ll be sharing additional insights on those topics as well.
I’m doing this as a test of the true nature of Google+. Not only findability, but also to see how the level of interaction changes when content is posted there as opposed to here. I’ve watched how people such as Mike Elgan do it, and it fascinates me that a well-known technology journalist such as him has successfully jettisoned his own platform in favor of using Google.
Why I Haven’t Done It In The Past
I’ve always advocated owned your platform because, in doing so, you own your content. Nobody can take away my blog content because it’s backed up daily and can be put onto a new site if this one crashes.
For some things, however, there are benefits in using another platform – speed and reach. If you were taking a 400-mile road trip, would you rather use your 1982 Toyota Corolla or a brand-new Porsche? I’ve begun to believe that Google+ is the Porsche, so I’m going to take it for a spin.
Why Now
I watch the online legal marketing folks talk about all these platforms, but it’s interesting that only a very few have ever marketed or built anything aside from their marketing businesses. They tell us how to get more clients online and raise our visibility, yet they have never needed to do so. You already know how sick I am of watching these folks fleece you, so I’m going to put my money where my mouth is.
After all, Legal Practice Pro fuels my marketing consultancy. Readers turn into clients, attendees at the Bankruptcy Practice Workshop, and advocates for getting me to speak at their local bar association events. So if this fails, my own business suffers.
Where To Find Me Until (At Least) November 18, 2012
If you’re actively on Google+, please circle me here.
If you’re not on Google+ or would like to get new articles by email, I deliver. Sign up for the daily version here and the weekly version here. If you’re reading this in your email program, no need to do anything – the information will continue to show up.
If you’re following me on Twitter, links to my articles will be there as well.
I will report back my findings in 30 days. Stay tuned.
