You CAN Use Google+

If I can use Google+, then you can too! Some of you are already on there and having a great time! But so many of you are like me and thinking that you can't learn how to use one more social media site. And when you stop by Google+ {G+}, well, it's just so different than Facebook. Ah, but different can sometimes mean better!

I admit, I took a while to set up my profile on G+, and even then I still hardly used it, because I just didn't get it. Also, it seemed like very few people that I knew were on there. Much later on, I decided to give it another try. As I started dipping my toes in to figure things out, a food blogger found me that just happens to be a Google+ expert! Not only has he written a very helpful series on G+, but he also hosts hangouts on Fridays with guests to teach more about G+. I've already learned so much!  

That expert is Chef Dennis Littley and you don't need to be a food blogger to follow him and get the benefit of his extensive G+ knowledge. First, check out his series on Google Plus. I highly recommend that you read everything he's written about it - so helpful! And try watching Chef Dennis' first Good Day Google+ hangout for great info, including tips from David Amerland {author of Google Semantic Search}. Feel free to watch the other HOA's also - even if you can't attend a hangout when it's happening, you can watch a recording later.

Another big help as you're starting out on G+ is to read this post by Jenny Melrose of The NY Melrose Family: How to Grow Your Google+ Following. And she has a monthly linkup called Grow Your Google+ Circles Hop. I just did that for the first time this month and I added several new people to my circles and lots of people found me too!

While you're learning how to use G+, get started by setting up your profile if you haven't already done so! Start adding some people you know to your circles {you can add me too!}. Try posting a status on there first and then try sharing a link to an article. It's not hard to do! Next, try clicking +1 on someone's post that you like. See? You're doing it! Be sure to follow the tips from the resources I've listed in order to use G+ properly {there are wrong ways to use it which could make it harder for you to build a following} and to make the most of your time on there.

You CAN use Google+!

It's not only a great opportunity for exposure for your blog or business, it's also a fantastic way to connect with new people! C'mon - give it a try!

Are you on Google+? Have you been successfully using it? What's your best G+ tip? If you're not on Google+ yet, what has stopped you from trying it? Share in the comments!

Day 18 of #31Days. Find all the posts in this series by clicking the pic...

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Have a blessed day friends!

Are You Social Media Savvy?

Ah...social media. I guess I have a kind of love/hate relationship with it. I have been very blessed by it and have seen great things happen through it. I have made beautiful friendships and found blog readers through social media. But it can also be addictive and keep me from doing what I need to in my "real life." And sometimes it can feel a little false and even pointless.

I do think it's necessary to be active on social media if you have a blog, or you're an author or a public figure, or you have a business or a ministry. In fact, if you aren't active on social media you may be missing out on some wonderful blessings and opportunities. But balance is key! It's not necessary to be everywhere online all day long. A little here and a little there does it.

Are you social media savvy? You do have to learn how to properly use all the forms of social media you decide to be active on - if you want to use them effectively. I'm not the expert or the best person to tell you how to use these services, but there are many great resources available. {Gretchen Louise has lots of helpful info. Christin Slade has some helpful posts. And I have some good links on my Blog Tips Pinterest board.} Let's help each other out by sharing our best social media resource links in the comments!

I'm just curious as to how much social media you engage in? What services do you use regularly and what do you prefer? I decided to make a little survey for you at the bottom of this post - I promise it's quick & easy {seriously, it'll just take you a minute}! If enough people take the survey, I'll be sure to share the results with you. If the survey isn't showing, you can Click here to take survey.

Enough about social media!! I better go get some non-virtual things accomplished! :)

By the way, my next post will be #1000 here on my blog!!! Woo Hoo! I'll get that posted later in the week - there will be a little giveaway on that one, so do stop by! Thanks for hanging out with me here and stopping to smell the chocolates in Life!

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Have a blessed day friends!
Lisa :)
 

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