Only three months old and Google+ is already taking aim at Facebook's hold on the social media market by releasing Google+ Pages. This is a direct challenge from the online mogul to the Facebook fan pages.
The Google+ Pages will compete with the legions of Facebook "fans" who are loyal to a particular brand. Marketers spend copious amounts of money both creating Facebook fan pages, and on their unrelenting quest to get "fans" to pledge allegiance to the brand. However, Google's version will be open to a more diverse group of businesses, companies and brands. Anyone will be able to create a page for anything, a privilege not worthy of Facebook.
This is interesting for two reasons: first, Google+ Pages draws the line in the sand, letting Facebook they are ready to do battle; second, Google is concious of its users, and by allowing anyone to create a Google+ Page, it opens the door for much more business (and traffic).
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Rise of Google+ Pages
- Google+ Pages challenging Facebook's hold on the social media market by providing a platform for diverse businesses and brands to create pages.
- Competitive Battle for Fans
- Marketers will have to compete for fans' allegiance as Google+ Pages enters the scene, challenging Facebook fan pages.
- User-centric Approach
- Google+ Pages' openness to anyone to create a page opens doors for more business opportunities and increased traffic.
Where This Applies
- Social Media
- The rise of Google+ Pages and its competition with Facebook fan pages will impact the social media industry, requiring marketers to adapt their strategies.
- Digital Marketing
- Marketers will need to consider Google+ Pages as a viable platform to engage with fans and increase brand loyalty, evolving their digital marketing tactics.
- Online Advertising
- The introduction of Google+ Pages provides new opportunities for brands to advertise and reach a wider audience, impacting the online advertising industry.
