Google Wave, Google Buzz…Google+! Is this third time lucky for the web giant?

Made Essential Reading on 03 August 2011 Felix Hemsley

I’ve often been vocal about Google’s half baked attempts to enter the social space, however Google+ brings a lot more to the table.

Positioned as a direct competitor to Facebook, Google+ sets to leverage the massive influence of parent company Google to become a key player in the ever growing social space. Having just hit 25million visitors, it is well on its way to making its presence known and by creating a ‘Beta’ stage where users must have been invited it has not only added to the exclusivity, and dare I say excitement, but also created the ideal platform for a global launch.

Current visitors to the registration page will be greeted with the following message:

“At the moment, we’re testing with a small number of people, but it won’t be long
before the Google+ project is ready for everyone. Leave us your email address
and we’ll make sure that you’re the first to know when we’re ready to invite more people.”

Is Google+ the new Facebook?

I’ve been pondering this question over the past few weeks as Google+ has grown rapidly (faster than any other social network’s rise) and I believe we’re seeing an additional platform rather than an alternative and here’s why.

• Those who are on Facebook are already familiar with its interface and mechanics
• Facebook still has over 500 Million users
• Integration of Facebook functionality is already widespread across the web
• Existing Facebook users already have their circle of friends
• Digital social dynamics will have been formed amongst online friends and groups of contacts

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Google+ will wither away and be forgotten, but I don’t believe that it will suddenly be taking the Facebook user base away. As we have become more accustomed to the concept of social networks, individuals are more experimental, happier dabbling with other options. Personally I believe that it is this intrigue and “want” to be part of something which everyone is talking about which has driven the rapid adoption and exploration of this new platform. Just as we saw for twitter during its “summer of love”, the growth is rapid, the drop off is quick and what remains are millions of unmaintained accounts.

In an ecosystem which is potentially saturated with social networks and options for every imaginable interest, I’ll be waiting with baited breath to see how Google+ sells its USPs to the masses. The Google+ “Circle” function which allows users to select which members of their community receive which updates is indeed ingenious, but is it really enough to be a deal breaker?

Google, I’ve enjoyed your starter but I shall wait for the main course before passing my final verdict. Bon appetit!