Google recently unveiled Google+ (Google Plus), their alternative social network to Facebook. Now in invitation-only testing, Google+ aims to improve on current social media with features like Circles for better friend grouping.
As invites trickle out, here’s a primer on setting up your new Google+ social hub:
Table of Contents
Securing Your Invite
Currently, Google+ requires an invite code from an existing user to gain access. Supplies are limited during this growth-constrained preview period. If you don’t have a code, try:
- Requesting from friends already on Google+
- Checking forums and social media for invite giveaways
- Signing up to get invited to future tester rounds
Once obtained, you can begin the new profile creation process.
Setting Up Your Profile
The Google+ profile setup flow is intuitive and straightforward. Start by:
- Entering basic profile info like name, location, occupation etc
- Uploading a profile photo
- Searching for friends already on Google+
- Populating Circles to categorize connections
Additional profile fields allow further customization, like adding a tagline or description.
Early Features to Check Out
Once set up, dive into Google’s unique take on social:
- Circles for organizing friends and followers
- Sparks for engaging content across interests
- Hangouts for group video chat
- Huddle for temporary group messaging
- Mobile apps for Android & iOS
And much more as the platform rapidly evolves!
The invite process creates exclusivity during these initial days. But as the service opens up, Google+ presents an intriguing new paradigm for connecting online. Give it a try!
