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Google+ HangoutsOverview, Best Practices and Checklist

I. OverviewGoogle+ hangouts help bring personality and context to conversations. There are both text chat hangouts and also video call chats. Specifically, 100 people are able to join text chats and 10 are able to join video chats (unless your account is corporate, then 15 is allowed).

Google+ Hangouts is a great social media marketing tool that enables a brand to get closer to its customers.

II. Best Practices Companies, brands, and individuals should create and verify their Google+ page. Once you’ve signed up and verified your Google+ account, get comfortable with the platform. When it comes time to initiate a Google+ Hangout, be sure to cover the following:

o Promote your hangout across other social media channels. Twitter, Facebook, etc.

o Select an appropriate host. Someone from your organization that has authority (CEO, Director, Manager etc.)

that is easily recognizable. o Answer questions.

When asked about products, services, or other things about your company, answer with a personal tone.

Answer questions from message boards or your website that customers ask the most.

o Explain what’s happening in your company and industry. Give a ‘state of the brand,’ to keep your customers in the loop.

o Provide demonstrations. When possible, demonstrate your products or services.

o Incorporate special guests. Invite a guest to your Hangout to add dialogue and to keep your viewers engaged.

o Stay on schedule and on topic. Try not to spend too much time on one question, issue, etc. Keep this in mind

especially if you have a predetermined schedule for your Hangout.o Have a community manager or company representative live Tweet the Hangout.

Live Tweet the event and create a unique hashtag for users to ask questions, promote the Hangout, and spread the social media love.

Tweet important information, memorable quotes, and even photos to show the behind the scenes of your Hangout.

Give participants shout-outs for being involved and thank them for the time they spent hanging out with you.

55 Gilbert Street North, Suite 3104, Tinton Falls, NJ 07701phone: 732.212.0823 | www.lotus823.com

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III. Google+ Hangout Checklist☐ Create a Google+ account, if you do not already have one.☐ Verify your Google+ account.☐ Create an invitation for your Hangout.☐ Make sure your computer mic and camera are functioning properly, prior to the Hangout’s start. ☐ Structure your Hangout.

Make a rough outline of how you would like your Hangout to flow. When planning, be sure to make time for questions and answers.

☐ Promote your Hangout. Promote your Hangout before, during, and after.

☐ Don’t forget to save and post the Hangout, for anyone who may have missed it, on your social media channels, YouTube channel, and blog.

IV. Conclusion and ResourcesHave fun and enjoy your time interacting face-to-face with your customers. Make the most out of your opportunity to connect with your costumers on a personal level, and continue building relationships that matter.

For more detailed information and help with Google+ Hangouts, visit Google’s Hangout help page: https://support.google.com/hangouts/?hl=en - topic=2944848

55 Gilbert Street North, Suite 3104, Tinton Falls, NJ 07701phone: 732.212.0823 | www.lotus823.com