In our last blog post, we told you why hanging out on Google+’s Hangout is good for your business. Today, we are telling you how to do it and what to do when you’re hanging out, courtesy of Social Media Examiner’s Marc Pitman.
Of course, this assumes that you have navigated the unknown social media landscape that is Google+. If you haven’t, call your social media agency or your Internet business consultant because it is high time that you do. If you’ve been following the Internet news lately, then you know that Google has announced that it is considering including Google+ activity as a factor in determining natural search engine rankings. So take that as your cue and dial your Internet business consultant for a quick meeting.
In the meantime, let’s look at the three very easy steps in setting up a Google+ Hangout.
1. Click on the “Start a Hangout” button. It’s on the right side of your Google+ profile.
2. Fix your hair. This is a visual hangout so make a good impression. Google+ gives you a virtual green so you can check your hair before going live.
3. Invite people you want to chat with. Make sure to invite individual people. Your Hangout shows up in your timeline, by the way. And in those who have you in their Circles. Remember what we said the last time: give your Hangout a cool and intriguing name so people will want to join you.
Aside from the normal chatting, Hangout also lets you share YouTube videos (via an integrated button). You can even start a Hangout from YouTube. Google’s online hub also gives you freedom to control audio and video so if something comes up that you don’t want your online pals to see or hear, you can always turn off the microphone or the video.
Like we said earlier, make sure to give a good impression by dressing up properly. It doesn’t have to be a coat and a tie all the time. It really depends on why you are hanging out. And don’t forget the background. Your Internet business consultant should tell you that your background is part of your overall branding strategy so choose wisely.
Here’s another great thing about Hangout: if no one shows up, your Hangout is removed from the timeline so you don’t have to worry about an embarrassing post that you went on a solo hangout.
With Google+’s Hangout, your main investment would be mostly time. And given the changes that are rolling out in the online marketplace, it is in you and your Internet business consultant’s best interest to take advantage of this feature. It all goes back to what we always say about social media—building relationships is key.