First Take: Google+ Gets Features Right –But Offers No Reason to Leave Facebook

I agree with you. There needs to be a real motive for making the switch, however, do you think it is possible for the two social networks to co-exist and perhaps compliment each other.  For example, google+ refines group communication in such a way that it can be a very versatile teaching and training tool. Also, if someone is a world renowned expert on something, I could see the potential market in that the expert could charge a fee to join the circle and get exclusive interaction (chat, video, resources, etc). What do you think?

[...] Jeremiah Owyang, Partner of Customer Strategy at Altimeter Group (added 7/29), says Google “gets their social networking offering down right” this time around, but “there’s no compelling reason to pick up camp and move over (from Facebook)”. [...]

Thanks Terence.  Good point on them co-existing.  In their current state, we can see Google just catching up, but it’s not clear on how it be a different use case.  

Bottom line is, this is a ‘me too’ but hasn’t shown us why it’s a plus.

I think that the entire Google
suite of tools makes G+ VERY compelling, once they hit their stride. I’m not sure FB can or wants to
compete with that level of engineering. As a creator of social experiences and  apps I can tell you we’d much rather write apps with Google’s set of api’s than Facebook’s any day.

Google just needs to keep making
things easy, something they are quite good at, to win. I’m not sure the switch needs to be sudden to be victorious. This could unroll much like the gradual adoption of gmail addresses. People saw value and dropped their old accounts.

I think that the entire Google
suite of tools makes G+ VERY compelling, once they hit their stride. I’m not sure FB can or wants to
compete with that level of engineering. As a creator of social experiences and  apps I can tell you we’d much rather write apps with Google’s set of api’s than Facebook’s any day.

Google just needs to keep making
things easy, something they are quite good at, to win. I’m not sure the switch needs to be sudden to be victorious. This could unroll much like the gradual adoption of gmail addresses. People saw value and dropped their old accounts.

[...] If you would like to read more about Google+, I recommend that you check out Gini Dietrich’s article, John Jantsch’s article, and Jeremiah Owyang’s article. [...]

If Google+ doesn’t inspire people to leave Facebook, will people on Facebook use Google+ as well? Will most Facebook users pass on Google+? Any thoughts? 

I see a great need to discuss certain topics with “my” audience, public or private instead of a discussion within a specific news paper or blog. This could further disrupt online news papers.

I see a great need to discuss certain topics with “my” audience, public or private instead of a discussion within a specific news paper or blog. This could further disrupt online news papers.

I see a great need to discuss certain topics with “my” audience, public or private instead of a discussion within a specific news paper or blog. This could further disrupt online news papers.

I see a great need to discuss certain topics with “my” audience, public or private instead of a discussion within a specific news paper or blog. This could further disrupt online news papers.

If they’re offering nothing really new and cool for early adopters, they’re relying on attracting a large group of people in the middle of the bell curve for whom Facebook is important enough, and lacking enough in minor experience details, to overcome the switching cost of moving platforms. Seems unlikely, and they’re smart enough to know that. Maybe, as Steve Brennan pointed out, they’re embracing an osmosis strategy–but I suspect they’re just putting the foundation in place for something more compelling down the road. I’m guessing they don’t even know what that is yet, but know they need parity with Facebook as a baseline. 

I’m mostly drawn to the idea of starting over and focusing on my actual friends this time around. Other networks, while full of lovely features, are just too noisy at times. I like to think of Google+ as a quieter place, at least the way I anticipate using it.

I’m mostly drawn to the idea of starting over and focusing on my actual friends this time around. Other networks, while full of lovely features, are just too noisy at times. I like to think of Google+ as a quieter place, at least the way I anticipate using it.

I’m mostly drawn to the idea of starting over and focusing on my actual friends this time around. Other networks, while full of lovely features, are just too noisy at times. I like to think of Google+ as a quieter place, at least the way I anticipate using it.

I’m mostly drawn to the idea of starting over and focusing on my actual friends this time around. Other networks, while full of lovely features, are just too noisy at times. I like to think of Google+ as a quieter place, at least the way I anticipate using it.

I’m mostly drawn to the idea of starting over and focusing on my actual friends this time around. Other networks, while full of lovely features, are just too noisy at times. I like to think of Google+ as a quieter place, at least the way I anticipate using it.

I’m mostly drawn to the idea of starting over and focusing on my actual friends this time around. Other networks, while full of lovely features, are just too noisy at times. I like to think of Google+ as a quieter place, at least the way I anticipate using it.

I’m mostly drawn to the idea of starting over and focusing on my actual friends this time around. Other networks, while full of lovely features, are just too noisy at times. I like to think of Google+ as a quieter place, at least the way I anticipate using it.

I’m mostly drawn to the idea of starting over and focusing on my actual friends this time around. Other networks, while full of lovely features, are just too noisy at times. I like to think of Google+ as a quieter place, at least the way I anticipate using it.

Google+ will never be the new Facebook (though all the similarities), I think the most interesting possibilities lies in new combinations of social functions and existing products in the Google portfolio. Think about Google+ combined with Google Docs – a better way to collaborate and share documents in groups.  

@jowyang google+ offers option to export all data out, open vs closed especially for photos is +1 over facebook

[...] Erste Eindrücke des neuen Social Networks Google+, welches sich zurzeit in der geschlossenen Beta-Phase befindet: Eine kurze Vorstellung der wichtigsten Features inklusive passender Videos findet Ihr hier. Wie Google+ funktioniert, ist hier nachzulesen. Zwei interessante Einschätzungen darüber, ob das neue Google Network der zukünftige „Facebook Killer“ werden könnte, findet Ihr hier und hier. [...]

Google needs a better communication strategy around how they are differentiating their offering compared to Facebook et al.  I can’t see switching to Google + until they offer a a few compelling reasons that I can’t get out of FB.  More, the lack of “apps” and a robust 3rd party development platform renders the release a weak “me too”, Johnny come lately, Facebook light platform.  My initial take on Google+ is that like Buzz and Wave it has some interesting features, but G+ will probably share their same fate.

So far everything I’ve done on Google+ has been completely different than what I do on Facebook. I’m not seeing it as a “me too” at all. 

A huddle works similar to a Group.Me conversation — the FB functionality for group communication in this manner is not that compelling. A hangout (either professional or personal) for collaborating on projects or catching up with friends face-to-face. Seeing there’s a potential for YouTube integration there (there’s a link, but I haven’t seen it work for anyone yet), hints at the potential for sharing YT views while in a hangout. I’m sure that docs sharing will follow once they figure it out. Also, I think the ability to segregate content based on ties to others feels a lot more granular than what FB offers — or at least feels easier than what FB offers.

So far, my vote is that this is a unique experience. I get that the Google+ stream and the FB wall are highly comparable, but the overall Google functionality and future possibilities are giving me more reason to want to spend time there than on FB. Of course, I’m not sure how easy the experience is for the average user. But who knows, FB’s UI/UX hasn’t always been the easiest and people have managed.

Google+ is not a Facebook clone.  Google has 2 distinct advantages Photos and Mobile

(1) Photos. Sharing photos from Flickr, Picassa and other web sources is very easy.  There’s also no limit to the amount of photos you can store or share on Google+.  This is not the case with iCloud (supposedly 1000 before they disappear). Photos is the carrot that would make me want to return.  Also the ability to share with groups of people or individuals is very appealing. 

(2) Mobile.  The UI/UX on mweb is actually an enjoyable experience.  There’s a nearby feature similar to Colors.  But what’s great is ability to upload photos from mobile.  From Android this is even easier because you’re always logged in and can share seamlessly.  

[...] | anmut und demutUnd wie sehr mir das Aufmacherbild zum Artikel gefällt, hehe.First Take: Google+ Gets Features Right –But Offers No Reason to Leave Facebook « Web St…xkcd: Google+Migipedia – Deine Sicht auf unsere DingeProdukt-Wiki / Forum / Crowdsourcing der [...]

I think you hit it, it is the opportunity to throw away the cluttered FB experience and start over.  Just like apps learn from failed experiences, users (FB) can start over and avoid the mess that they’ve help create.  Even if Google+ were a complete knockoff in every feature, my ability to re-lauch my own social life–MySocialLife V2.0–would compel me to give it a try.

As of now.. Google+ is Google Buzz +1 but Facebook -1. Good start and there is opportunity for Google+ to thrive where Google social efforts have not, but I really hope it doesn’t become another FriendFeed or Buzz for a few people to talk about the product and nothing else.

[...] First Take: Google+ Gets Features Right –But Offers No Reason to Leave Facebook « Web Strategy by… (tags: google google+ facebook) [...]

[...] Shared First Take: Google+ Gets Features Right –But Offers No Reason to Leave Facebook « Web Strategy by…. [...]

Nobody has addressed what the impact will be on brands or corporate accounts. Is this, and will it continue to be about people/ individuals or are you seeing a Page or something so entities can play in this space,too?

google has gotten it right this time . and with the power of android integration the possibilities are endless. just thing of it phones and computers with cameras being able to talk to each other regardless of platform ,the future looks great for the google and the fall of facebook is near. you all may laugh now but in 2 years facebook could look like myspace.

[...] quien dice que no ofrece ninguna ventaja adicional, que la gente normal tardará en entrar y que no ofrece nada [...]

[...] stelt althans de bekende social media expert Jeremiah Owyang. Gisteren lanceerde Google een testversie van haar eigen sociaal netwerk met belangrijkste [...]

I don’t believe Google Groups are the same as Circles. Circles are merely lists of friends who are unaware who else is in that Circle. I would argue that there’s a huge need for Google Groups in Plus so that people can collaborate towards common goals. Circles seems serves the same purpose as Facebook friends lists.

they are similar but its easier to use than Facebooks version. the people on your lists dont need to know which list they are on. all your friends in real life dont know just how close each is to you or to each other ,thats not what the circles are for. its to stop people from sending out shouts or alerts to the wrong groups.like the little girl that sent a birthday invite to 15000 pepole.

Marion – I’m confused. Isn’t stopping people from sending the wrong updates to the wrong people the same as sending the right updates to the right people? Again, I think Circles are similar to Facebook friend lists, and Facebook Groups are similar to Google Groups.

right but facebook hasnt made it easy for folks. im very computer savy and dont like all the hoops i have to jump through with facebook to send an alert out to the people whome you want to.everyone loves facebook because all there friends are there not because its easy to use.ive been there early on and dont really like it but if you dont use it no one hears you.just would like some real competition.

right but facebook hasnt made it easy for folks. im very computer savy and dont like all the hoops i have to jump through with facebook to send an alert out to the people whome you want to.everyone loves facebook because all there friends are there not because its easy to use.ive been there early on and dont really like it but if you dont use it no one hears you.just would like some real competition.

[...] Web Technique by Jeremiah Owyang | Social Media, Internet Advertising Posted in Marketing Strategies | Tags: Facebook, Features, First, Gets, Google, Leave, Offers, Reason, Right, Take, –But [...]

[...] var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};Dat stelt althans de bekende social media expert Jeremiah Owyang. Gisteren lanceerde Google een testversie van haar eigen sociaal netwerk met belangrijkste [...]

[...] First Take: Google+ Gets Features Right –But Offers No Reason to Leave Facebook – Jeremiah Owyang [...]

[...] card–the ubiquity of the search bar. While it’s still early days to predict a victor, expect more skirmishes as–for the first time in a while–we see real competition in the social networking [...]

[...] quien dice que no ofrece ninguna ventaja adicional, que la gente normal tardará en entrar y que no ofrece nada [...]

I don’t see why people would have to leave Facebook for Google+ to be successful. Most people I know who use social media have a presence in more than one social network. If Google+ offers something of value that’s a bit different from what’s currently on offer, is it not possible that people will use it in addition to other social media options that they currently use? 

[...] Owyang wrote an informative post on Google Plus, but I have to disagree with his comment about Circles being a newer version of Google Groups. I can’t image Google not eventually adding Groups into the Plus [...]

[...] quien dice que no ofrece ninguna ventaja adicional, que la gente normal tardará en entrar y que no ofrece nada [...]

[...] http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2011/06/29/google-gets-features-right-but-offers-no-reason-to-lea... [...]

I agree with other posters that Google+ doesn’t have to be called a replacement for Facebook, but the converse of your article’s title can be argued just as easily, once you’ve got enough people to follow in Google+ that your stream is worthwhile (which took me less than 3 days).  You say Google+ doesn’t offer a reason to leave Facebook, but my reaction has been that I can’t think of a compelling reason to continue to use Facebook.
My wall on Facebook is already a joke compared to my various Google+ streams.  Every time I log into Facebook, my feed is full of junk from new stupid app invites for me to block, a hundred invites to events I don’t care about, and 30 friend requests from people I’m not sure whether I’ve met.  Since the “friend” relationship has to be two-way on Facebook, you can’t toggle which friends can clutter your feed without removing them entirely, which takes away their ability to see anything you post as well. In contrast, Google+ lets me have a stream full of great tech blog info by letting me create circles full of people I like to read, whether they know and follow me or not.  Twitter works the same way in terms of showing me only posts from people I choose to follow, but in Twitter I have one stream to sift through.  In Google+ I can quickly change my stream to show me only what my co-workers or family members are chattering about with a single click.  If I have a gig someplace I can announce it to just the circle of people likely to be interested without cluttering the streams of people who won’t care about it, or creating an invite and hand selecting recipients. As even your article states, audiences are far easier to manage with this circle model than Facebook groups.The +1 button is far from analogous to “Liking” something on Facebook, as long as you use it outside the Google+ site.  In Facebook, if you like a band or company profile, it adds nothing but a little link to their Facebook page to your profile, and a bunch of spam to your “News” section.  In Google+ people have an optional profile tab that displays all of their favorite sites, articles, media, etc. to exactly the audience they want to see it.  As a visitor to someone’s profile, that’s infinitely more useful in telling me something about a person or providing me with useful information I may not have found otherwise.It’s hard to say that Facebook’s photo albums are anything but dwarfed by Picasa’s feature set, the Facebook calendar is nothing compared to Google Calendar, and a lot more people use their Gmail address book to store their contacts than those trying to accomplish the same thing with their Facebook friend list.  If you’re an Android user, your Google address book is the same as the one in your phone by default.  Google Groups gives your group members better control of notifications than Facebook groups and offer you a lot more moderation tools.  Gtalk offers video chat, XMPP,  and better integration with 3rd party clients, website integration and mobile device support than Facebook’s chat feature.  They’ve even taken that a step further with the Hangouts feature in Google+.  

I can see what you’re saying about how Google should integrate some of these things into Google+ better, and maybe it’s in the works, but check out that toolbar at the top of your browser when you log into Google+ (or check out the attached image).  You’re already logged into any Google service you want to use and can share any content you generate using other Google services with your Google+ circles and contacts.  You choose only the features you want to use, and everyone in any circle you share with is already logged in using their own Google accounts as well, so it’s already integrated into a single browser session.

A lot of it might take a gradual change in the way people think about sharing, and about what they’re expecting from their social networks.  Perhaps those that already use Google products in tandem will be quicker adopters as well, but if Google+ lets me say things I would never say in front of a potential employer or my mom without making me “unfriend” those people, and it offers me a more useful feed than my Facebook wall, and it does every single thing Facebook does (minus the stupid games so far) either directly or by using a completely developed free-standing web app integrated with the same account, what compelling reason can you give me NOT to stop using Facebook and spend more time on Google+?

[...] finally got the formula right that will spur on adoption.  In my initial reactions, I stated that Google+ was pretty much mirroring Facebook’s features, and didn’t give a compelling reason for many mainstream users to port over.  While just [...]

[...] competition with Facebook. You can read more about the first impressions of this new platform here and here. Watch the introductory videos below to learn about Google+ features: Sparks and Circles. [...]

articles about facebook…

[...]First Take: Google+ Gets Features Right –But Offers No Reason to Leave Facebook « Web Strategy by Jeremiah Owyang | Social Media, Web Marketing[...]…

[...] to call it, is the new social network on the block. You can read great overviews here, here and here. The curious thing is that it gets no coverage in this month’s Wired [...]

I totally agree with your point of views.But Google is manipulating its algorithm and including the content from Social media in its search results.So it’ll be mandatory for the webmasters to use G Plus.Isn’t it so?