Google Launches The New Google Plus

A New Era For Google Plus

As of now Google Plus has changed in look and focus. As we reported some time back Google were keen to reshape its flagship networking platform and a s of now it has indeed changed its look and functionality.

Research Based

Google report that they have based their changes to Google Plus to the feedback that Google Plus users have provided. Specifically the lion's share of voice confirmed that there were two key platform aspects that were crucial to the popularity and appeal of Google Plus. 

Namely the Google Plus Communities which are averaging over 1.2 million new joins each day

and the recent addition of Collections which launched just six months ago and experiencing an even steeper growth curve than Communities.

Infinite Possibilities

Whether it’s the realm of Comic Book Collectors where people can are discussing their favourite Batman super villain or Antique enthusiasts that discuss the best in the  world of antiquing, these and other equally passionate cul de sacs of passion and enthusiasm are where enthusiasts of all descriptions engage and discuss their thoughts with other like minded individuals from around the globe. 

Redesigned, Refined and Mobile Friendly

As of now then Google+ has been redesigned and refined and has as its primary focus Communities and Collections where a persons interests can also take centre stage.  

Additionally with the changes from April 21 this year, Google Plus has been made more mobile-friendly, were regardless of your mobile choice, be it Android or iOS, each user will be certain to receive a better and more even experience, regardless of what device they are accessing Google from.

Opt In Process

To access this new platform, each user will need to opt-in to this new version of Google+ to be able to see the changes and begin to take fully advantage of these exciting new areas of engagement.

Further Information

 

To learn more about all things digital and social media sign up now for a one day course and book at:
http://www.vecci.org.au/business-solutions/training/short-courses/marketing-sales-and-service/social-media-fundamentals

So until next time, good luck and good marketing.
Regards,
Daniele.

Pinterest Introduces Its New Visual Search Tool

Innovation

 

I know how much I seem to talk about innovation and doing things a little better and a little bit differently as a basis for differentiation, but only every now and then do we get industry initiatives that meet the challenge of meaningful differentiation.

Two Key Criteria

 

From a previous post you may remember we set up two key criteria for meaningful differentiation that would in any case have the potential to add significant value to your brand.

They were:

 

1. A difference that related to an unmet need

2. The ability to sustain that feature over time.

Visual Search Tool

 

So with that as the background let’s see how Pinterest’s new feature stacks up.

Consider that as you’re looking through your favourite images you may often see something that you think:  “yes that’s exactly what I need”. But what is it called. You know it as one thing and yet its common name is something else under which it will be listed. A scenario that may lead to some frustration as you search in vain to find it.

Well, now with this new identification tool Pinterest have provided a means of locating things that you are not sure how to name and properly classify.

Simply when you spot something in a picture that you are interested in, simply click the search tool in the corner. Then highlight that portion of the image that you are interested in and Pinterest will automatically find the types of products that this highlighted section represents. Pinterest even allow you to further drill down in terms of filtering the search results by topic to more accurately focus in on the specific area you are interested in.

In this example provided by Pinterest by honing in on the lamp we find that what it’s called (“Antiqued Metal Funnel Pendant”), and from a commercial perspective, even more importantly where the lamp can be purchased.  

Within the same picture if you want to learn about other objects within the same image, all you need to do is just move the selected section around and reformat it to the size and shape of the next item you are interested in to obtain the same information.

Mobile and desk top functionality

Thank fully this exciting new tool is completely compatible to both mobile devices and non-mobile devices and promises to now to deliver greater value to people searching the net. 

Further Information

To learn more about all things digital and social media sign up now for a one day course and book at:
http://www.vecci.org.au/business-solutions/training/short-courses/marketing-sales-and-service/social-media-fundamentals

So until next time, good luck and good marketing.
Regards,
Daniele.

Pinterest Buyable Pins Expand To Android

 Android's Turn

Earlier this year we discussed that Pinterest had introduced Buyable Pins in the USA for apple based hardware such as iPhones and iPads and from that initial introductory phase, Pinterest have recently announced from earlier this month that they are now expanding the use of Buyable pins in the US market to Android as well.

Incredibly Pinterest have reported that there are already over sixty million available buyable Pins that platform users can buy from and do so whilst still staying on the Pinterest platform.

How to buy on Pinterest

1. Any product: that displays the blue price button will allow you to buy that product online.

2. Simple process: After deciding to purchase a particular item simply click the 'Buy It' button to  complete the transaction in a few short steps. As well it is good to know that Pinterest have told the market that they will save your information and therefore you will not be required to refill the same information time and time again.

3. Secure Purchases: Naturally online security remains a high priority for this and all other e-commerce sites globally so it is no surprise that the Pinterest transaction is protected ensuring your details will not fall into the wrong hands. Additionally each seller that applies for the blue button will be individually reviewed to ensure their credibility and integrity.

Welcome to the Pinterest Shop

In another related announcement, users and buyers will be able to access the best range of brands selling on Pinterest  at the all new: Pinterst Shop. The listings will be constantly updated and showcase the best in quality, range and value that are selected by Pinterest themselves. 

World renowned brands such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.  The Pinterest Shop will be phased in fully in the next few weeks and you will be able to locate it when available simply clicking the Explore icon then click Shop.

Global Roll Out

Again there has been no official announcement as to when these exciting new features will be made available beyond the US but if the initial success within the US is any guide, non US markets will not have long to wait.

Further Study

To learn more about all things digital and social media sign up now for a one day course and book at:
http://www.vecci.org.au/business-solutions/training/short-courses/marketing-sales-and-service/social-media-fundamentals

So until next time, good luck and good marketing.
Regards,
Daniele.