Google+’s timing for the launch of it’s Business Pages is not only
questionable but the new feature appears to fall short of Facebook’s
even at this initial stage and it has already received some criticism as
lacking in “innovation” and “interest”. Their Business Pages would have
to at least possess these qualities in order to justify the timing,
give Facebook something to compete with and launch with a sense of
excitement and curiosity. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the
case. While the design is typically clean and simple of Google,
the initial features are very basic and therefore the Business Pages
are in no way distinguishable from any other Google+ user pages in a way
that makes any impact or creates buzz.
Google’s networking platform also comes across as inflexible as it seems incapable of integrating with the business’s own apps, service offerings and third party programs. So, without this integration the business pages themselves offer very little engaging content, useful information or incentive for spending time exploring the page. Overall it doesn’t seem to take the user beyond the actual page itself.
At this point, Facebook’s Business Pages offer even superior standard features to Google+. Google+’s familiar clean layout makes for easy readability and its standard features include a list of breaking news posts and links to footage, ability to comment on posts, share posts and of course add the business page to your circle of Google+ users. Photos can be viewed within an album and basic company information is provided. But, even at this initial stage, is this enough? The communication between user and business seems almost non existant as Google+ offers little opportunity for each party to engage with the other in any meaningful way.
In addition to more superior basic features with wall posts, an info
page, photos and video pages, locations page and an events page,
Facebook has also created a space with which businesses and users can
communicate with one another through the wall. This is crucial for
businesses who enter into the social media environment. More
importantly, Facebook allows businesses to integrate outside apps such
as third party content with their Facebook Business Page for a richer
more interactive experience. This may include job listings, a Twitter
feed or access to company merchandise that takes the interaction between
business and user even further. Sooner rather than later Google will
have to roll out their API to allow third party developers to do the
work for them by building a variety of applications on top of Google+
before users lose interest.
Despite the initial criticism, Google does acknowledges that it has a long way to go before it is satisfied. The official blog stated
that “With Google+, we strive to bring the nuance and richness of
real-life sharing to software. Today’s initial launch of Google+ Pages
brings us a little bit closer, but we’ve still got lots of improvements
planned, and miles to go before we sleep. So stay tuned.”
Google’s networking platform also comes across as inflexible as it seems incapable of integrating with the business’s own apps, service offerings and third party programs. So, without this integration the business pages themselves offer very little engaging content, useful information or incentive for spending time exploring the page. Overall it doesn’t seem to take the user beyond the actual page itself.
At this point, Facebook’s Business Pages offer even superior standard features to Google+. Google+’s familiar clean layout makes for easy readability and its standard features include a list of breaking news posts and links to footage, ability to comment on posts, share posts and of course add the business page to your circle of Google+ users. Photos can be viewed within an album and basic company information is provided. But, even at this initial stage, is this enough? The communication between user and business seems almost non existant as Google+ offers little opportunity for each party to engage with the other in any meaningful way.
