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The Benefits of Google Plus for Bloggers
Google Plus
Why You Need to Get on Google +
As many of you know, Google is doing away with the Google Friend Connect gadget for non-blogger users this coming March. Even though I am a Blogger blogger, I don't like that they're getting rid of GFC for Wordpress and other users because I don't want to lose them as followers and I don't want it to be more difficult for them to read my posts. As unhappy I am about the upcoming change, I am trying to look on the bright side.
With the disappearance of GFC, comes Google Plus swooping in to [possibly] save the day! If you're not on Google Plus yet, I suggest you sign up (and I'm not writing on behalf of Google, but I just think this could be a practical answer.) and start building your "circles".
Creating a large following on Google Plus will help you in the following ways: You will have another "follower number" to share with potential advertisers as a reason they should sponsor you; you'll have another site to promote your blog posts; and I think Google Plus is going to become like Google Reader.
I have a circle on my G+ called "Bloggy" where I put all the people who have blogs. Google Plus allows me to view all updates from this circle, and in this way I'm able to go through and see everyone's blog posts. Google even lets you choose a picture to go with the name of your post. This really helps remind me about other great blogs so I can click and comment on their posts. In the same way, of course, others will see your posts.
After you sign up, make sure you add the "Add to Circles" Gadget (pictured right) to your blog so people can easily follow you on Google Plus. I know that when I'm visiting other blogs, and I see the "Add to Circles" box, I click every time. However, when I just see the G+ logo, I am far less likely to click because I know there are going to be several more steps in order to follow that person. With "Add to Circles", it's just one simple click.
From what I've seen and heard, Google Plus is really blowing up right now. I think one of the main reasons for this is that GFC is going away and Wordpress and other non-blogger users are going to want to stay connected. Google Plus could be the glue that holds us all together. I think it could possibly become better than GFC / Google Reader because in my opinion, it's easier to navigate than those other gadgets.
See my Similar Hubs: How to Gain Google Friend Connect Followers who are LOYAL!
and How you Can Create a Media Kit for Potential Blog Advertisers