In a press release distributed yesterday recapping Google's fourth quarter, the search (and social?) giant revealed that Google+ has now racked up 90 million users.
Sure, 90 million may seem like nothing compared to Facebook's giant 800 million user base, but considering the new social network has only been around a mere 7 months, the growth isn't easily ignored. In fact, the count has more than doubled since October, when Google's official count stood at 40 million. And when you also factor in Experian Hitwise's prediction that Google+ will amass 400 million users by the end of 2012, the power of Google+ is definitely not something to shrug off.
Google Now Requiring New Gmail Signups to Also Create Google+ Accounts
Considering Google is now practically forcing new Google+ signups with its modified Google account registration form, we doubt it'll have any trouble hitting that 400 million number.
Previously, anyone who wished to register for YouTube, Gmail, or other Google products were only required to provide an existing email address or set up a Gmail account. Now, new Gmail registrants must also provide their name, birthday, and gender, and a Google+ account is automatically created with these other signups.
The updated registration form even includes an opted-in checkbox that allows Google to use users' account information for personalization purposes. After new users complete the form, they are then taken to a profile set-up page, which confirms that new users will also be added to the social network.
While Google is guaranteeing an increase in registered Google+ users by this method, more users will really only be valuable if they're active. I'd guess that many of these new signups won't even really care that they've also been added to Google+. Google will have to do more than just drive registrations if they want to collect the valuable social data they're after.
Why Marketers Should Care About the Growth of Google+
But yes, you should care. Particularly if you're a marketer. Especially still if you weigh in the fact that it's not really about the individual power of Google+ as a social network. It's about how Google can leverage the social data of Google+. As we discussed earlier this month, Google+ is changing the web, whether you like it or not. And the more users Google+ attracts, the more social data Google can collect.
Not a believer? Consider the powerful changes we've already seen Google make since the dawn of Google+:
- July 2011: Google starts showing Google+ profile images alongside organic search results.
- November 2011: Google+ launches business pages.
- Early December 2011: Google integrates Google+ and Gmail.
- Mid-December 2011: Google+ enables multiple business page administrators.
- Late December 2011: Google starts pulling in Google+ status updates into organic search results.
- Early January 2012: Google launches 'Search plus Your World,' the controversial algorithm update that features content from Google+ and shows more personalized results for organic searches.
Google+ is obviously impacting search, but it's also giving Google the leverage it needs to dominate the web. Even if just for the search component, businesses can't afford not to jump on the Google+ bandwagon. If you haven't already done so, create your Google+ business page today and start optimizing your business' Google+ presence.
What do you think about the growth of Google+? Are you still putting off creating a Google+ business page?
Image Credit: xkcd
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Michael Dadona 5:38 PM on January 20, 2012
I do agree with your statement ~ "Google+ is obviously impacting search". an undeniable about it, as the result speaks itself for me. My site gained more visitors after sharing my "online sale products" stuff to my G+ Business page. This is my honest statement about it.
Bill Huston 5:45 PM on January 20, 2012
Google is going to become the social media platform of choice for businesses because of its ability to integrate many of its Internet assets into a total business package at a reduced price for users.
I was checking out the small business offer for only $50 a year. Google has lots of very smart people working for them and they seem to be very responsive to customers, and they have very, very ,very deep pockets.
Mena Aboud 4:17 PM on January 22, 2012
I thing they doing that but Facebook will still be there side by side with Google+. if one of the conquered the web the other will still exist. i guess.
I did started my page on G+ at the early beginning :).
The Psychic Philosopher 11:43 PM on January 22, 2012
I notice that for any post, the Google Plus One button gets far fewer clicks than FB Likes...which could indicate that if somebody actually clicks Plus One, that choice "counts more" than a FB Like or a Tweet, etc.
Any action taken before it's accepted as the norm usually indicates greater motivation than one that follows the status quo.
This could reflect greater selectivity or approval, & could be used by Google as having "cachet appeal" until it catches on.
Therese Torris 9:38 AM on January 23, 2012
"Google+ for Business" is, as usual for HubSpot an easy-to-read, clear and actionable eBook. Congratulations & thanks to author @mgieva
mike 12:51 PM on January 23, 2012
The fact that "a Google+ account is automatically created with these other signups" will surely result in more accounts, but like all social media the most important indicator of success is engagement. This is analogous to just focusing on the number of Likes, Followers, etc. that you have.
Pasadena Real Estate Agent 9:13 PM on January 23, 2012
I like Google plus because it creates "healthy" ? competition with Facebook. I also think that Google is trying to make sure that individuals are in reality posting content and it is verified with Google+ user accounts.