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Facebook vs. Google+: Which Social Media Platform is the Best for You?

by Mary Cook on October 18, 2011 in Mary Cook, Social Media with 4 Comments

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate with one another, and like it or not, the platforms you’re already acquainted with are here to stay.  With that being said, how does each one measure up when compared with another?  Is Facebook better than Google+?  Is Commonred as user-friendly as Formspring?

It’s anyone’s say, really. Social media platforms ultimately have one goal in mind and that’s to give people alternative ways to connect with one another.  Each network, however, appeals to different cultures and are used in entirely different ways.  So, in all fairness, you can’t say that all social media platforms are created equally.  You can, however, decide which ones are the most worthwhile by giving them a test drive.  This allows you to see how each network stacks up against another.

If you’re pressed for time like I am, a short review highlighting the positives and the negatives of each social media platform is an immense help.  After researching some of the heavy-hitters, I came up with this review to help you determine which network is right for you.  Let’s start with the two most popular: Facebook and Google+.

google v facebook Facebook vs. Google+: Which Social Media Platform is the Best for You?Facebook. Love it or hate it, this network dominates.  A household name worldwide, it has 800 million active members and over 70 different language settings to choose from.  Not only do you have the ability to connect with people on a personal level through wall posts, photos, instant messaging, and private messaging, you can also create pages for your business, association, and group.  Facebook can also be accessed from a number of mobile devices putting you in control of your communications wherever you go.
Overall impression: Facebook is great for one-on-one conversations as well as group updates and messages.

Google+. Not nearly as popular as Facebook (yet!), the network has surpassed 25 million users (many of which were former FB users who didn’t like all the changes Mark Zuckerberg and his crew implemented on the site).  There are some really great things that this social media platform features. The first is its navigation bar.  Alerts on network activity are pushed through to you but never are intrusive. The star of the network, however, is the group video chat function, Hangouts.  It’s easy to operate and surpasses any other video chatting service currently available.
Overall impression: Google+ needs to ramp up its platform by getting more users on board and using the network.

Commonred. One of the newest social media platforms available today, Commonred brings people together through commonality.  You can link your Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts to connect to fans and followers that you may have not been formally introduced to. The platform uses the information that you post on your profile to make matches based on these common threads which ultimately expand your social circle.
Overall impression: Although the network is currently accessible through invitations only, it will only be a matter of time before the idea takes off.

Formspring. Perhaps the most basic of the social media platforms, Formspring allows you to ask your friends questions and respond when they have one for you. Registration takes a matter of seconds if you sign up through your Facebook account and from what I have experienced using the network, it’s a pretty solid way to learn more about the people, businesses, and groups that interest you. Formspring has visitors from every country in the world.  It has over 24 million accounts & 3.5 million unique visitors every day.
Overall impression: Having a mobile app has clearly helped the network become the success that it is today.

Social media networking is all about developing relationships.  No matter what platform you decide to use, one thing is certain - the faster you get yourself established, the more quickly you’ll reach people and change the way that you do business in the future.

Customer communications will grow in importance in 2011

by Varolii on December 30, 2010 in Airlines, Banks/Finance, Consumer Svcs, Healthcare, Industry News, Mobile/Telcom, Retail, Utilities with No comments

Customer communications are becoming a make-it-or-break-it aspect of businesses as technology proliferates and is increasingly adopted by consumers across a wide spectrum of industries.

"It's technology in its broadest sense that has empowered the consumer ... They have total choice in every category. They like the power they have and they use it. Sellers today live in a glass house ... They must retain customers, generate repurchases and advocacy for your firm and improve prospects to customer conversion," Business News Daily reports.

In 2011, the news source predicts that companies will see success based on how well they communicate with their clients and consumers. One of the biggest trends companies should be on the lookout for come the new year is simplicity.

Giving consumers heaps of complicated choices and technologies may not be the way to go. Nancy Michaels, CEO and founder of GrowYourBusinessNetwork, says that consumers want things that are fast and easy. They want quick responses to problems and proactive help.

The price of ignoring customer experience is high. According to Customer Think, the revenue impact from a 10 percentage point improvement in a company's performance could be in excess of billions of dollars.

Medical practices need to work with IT professionals to leverage new technologies

by Varolii on December 29, 2010 in Healthcare, Industry News with No comments

Industries today are adopting a variety of new technologies and strategies to improve outbound communications with consumers, and the health industry is no different.

The internet has revolutionized medical care, providing concerned patients with information on various prescriptions and reviews of practices. Now, however, physicians are moving online and gaining a presence using one of today's biggest communication tools: social media. Continue reading →

Companies increasing investment in mobile, social and collaboration technologies to improve customer relationships

by Varolii on December 14, 2010 in Airlines, Banks/Finance, Consumer Svcs, Healthcare, Industry News, Mobile/Telcom, Retail, Utilities with No comments

In today's current competitive business environment, businesses can rise and fall depending on the strength of their customer communications - and efficiency and innovation can help propel a company to the top of its industry.

There are a variety of customer relationship management technologies and strategies that are currently shaping the market. According to a recent study by Research and Markets titled Customer Relationship Management 2010/11, companies and firms will be increasing their use of mobile, social networking and collaboration and analytics to improve customer relationships.

In fact, the study shows that 40 percent of respondents are planning to increase their investment in CRM technology, and more than 50 percent of businesses will maintain their current levels of investment.

Additionally, the report found that collaborative technologies are changing how companies communicate internally and business-to-consumer, speeding up the rate at which business is done and raising consumer and client expectations.

Although the expansion of technology is allowing companies to reach more consumers quicker, businesses should not forget to personalize their communication efforts, as often a company's service efforts reflect its brand.