Google Plus, though no longer operational as of April 2019, was once a social network where businesses and individuals could engage with influencers and build their online presence. If you’re interested in how engagement with influencers might have worked on Google Plus, here’s a detailed overview of the process and strategies that were effective:
Understanding Influencer Engagement on Google Plus
1. Identifying the Right Influencers
- Relevance to Niche: Look for influencers whose content aligns with your industry or interests. For example, if you’re in the tech industry, identify key figures who frequently share updates and insights about technology.
- Engagement Metrics: Assess the influencers’ engagement levels, including the number of followers, the frequency of posts, and the quality of interactions (likes, comments, and shares) on their content.
2. Building a Relationship
- Follow and Circle: Start by adding influencers to your circles. This allows you to see their posts and engage with their content.
- Engage Consistently: Regularly comment on and share their posts to show genuine interest. Be thoughtful and add value to the conversation, avoiding generic or spammy comments.
- Direct Interaction: Use Google Plus’ private messaging feature to reach out directly. Craft personalized messages, introducing yourself and your interests. Be clear about why you’re reaching out and how a collaboration might be mutually beneficial.
3. Creating Valuable Content
- High-Quality Posts: Share valuable, relevant, and well-crafted content. High-quality posts are more likely to get noticed by influencers.
- Tagging and Mentioning: When you share content that is relevant to an influencer, tag them in your posts. This can draw their attention and encourage them to engage with your content.
4. Collaborations and Partnerships
- Content Co-Creation: Propose collaborations such as guest posts or joint events. This can offer mutual benefits and increase visibility for both parties.
- Interviews and Features: Offer to interview the influencer or feature them in your content. This can be a great way to build relationships and leverage their expertise for your audience.
5. Utilizing Google Plus Features
- Communities: Engage in relevant Google Plus communities where influencers might be active. Participate in discussions, share your content, and connect with influencers within these groups.
- Hangouts: Use Google Plus Hangouts for live video chats. Invite influencers to participate in these sessions, providing them with a platform to share their insights while reaching your audience.
6. Measuring and Adjusting Engagement
- Track Engagement: Use Google Plus’ analytics tools to monitor the effectiveness of your engagement efforts. Track metrics such as interactions, follower growth, and the performance of tagged content.
- Adjust Strategies: Based on the data, refine your approach. Focus on strategies that are yielding the best results and consider experimenting with new tactics.
7. Maintaining Relationships
- Consistent Interaction: Continue engaging with influencers even after initial collaborations. Building long-term relationships is key to ongoing influence and partnership.
- Show Appreciation: Acknowledge and thank influencers for their contributions or collaborations. Recognition and gratitude can foster goodwill and encourage future interactions.
Lessons from Google Plus for Modern Platforms
While Google Plus is no longer in operation, the strategies for engaging with influencers on it can be applied to current social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok:
- Identify Relevant Influencers: Use social listening tools and platform analytics to find influencers in your niche.
- Build Genuine Relationships: Focus on authentic engagement and long-term relationship building.
- Create and Share Quality Content: Ensure your content is valuable and relevant to both influencers and your target audience.
- Utilize Platform Features: Leverage features like Stories, Live Video, and Groups to engage with influencers.
- Measure and Optimize: Continuously monitor the impact of your influencer engagement strategies and adjust accordingly.
By applying these strategies, you can effectively engage with influencers and harness their reach and credibility to boost your own online presence and achieve your marketing goals.