Nearly everyone with an internet connection has heard of Google+, but many still percieve it as inferior to Facebook. Since Facebook’s launch in 2004 it has consistently been the premier social sharing website, currently touting over 900 million active users, with over 500 Million utilizing the social platform EVERYDAY. While Google+ has reported steady growth in its number of users since launching, the activity level of those users is actually said to be shrinking.
So how does Google+ get its users to interact more?
Just ask Tiger Woods to come “Hangout”.
In preparation for this weekends golf tournament, Woods is forgoing the pre-tournament media conferences and instead opting for some face time with his fans. Today at 4:00pm ET, Tiger Woods will host a “Hangout” on Google+ where he will answer questions from fans. (More About: HANGOUTS).
Is this simply a way for Woods to avoid the media barrage he faces week-in, week-out? Perhaps. However no one can fault the man for seeking opportunities to connect more intimately with his fans. Woods has a long way to go to regain the value his brand once had, having been one of the most recognizable and likable athlete on the planet prior to his career meltdown in 2010.
For Google+, even a “post-meltdown” Tiger has enough clout to make his “Hangout” gain national buzz. At least for a day, Google+ will have one of their sites most unique features on display, hopefully drawing users’ attention to the services they provide that their Facebook counterparts do not.
