10 Guidelines of Using Google Buzz for Business

Since Google Buzz was enabled on Gmail accounts last month, I’ve observed quite a bit, and experimented a little on my own, and have been seeking feedback about what Marketers think about Google Buzz.  Thanks to those of you who took time to either comment here, or respond on Twitter or Buzz.  Thinking further last week I did my best to create an illustration of where Google Buzz fits in (graphic designers be forewarned with my web communications, I ran across an interesting Buzz Stream exposing a plagiarist and this week looked at an SEO Consideration of Google Buzz vs. Twitter. This post will round out Buzz talk for a while here as I share a 10 Guidelines of using Google’s latest social service.

10 Guidelines of Using Google Buzz for Business

I think there is potential with Buzz, and it needs to be a part of your social marketing plan, finding the balance can be tricky.  Here are some things I’m considering to make the most of Buzz for marketing purposes.

1-Follow Only Those You Have Interest In

If you follow too many, you will be inundated with Buzz streams, and will miss out on meeting cool people who comment on your cool people’s buzz streams (which is a great way to get targeted followers).

2-Participate in Those Conversations

As you participate in existing Buzz conversations, you will attract others who want to know more about what you have to say, that translates into followers.  Think if  you have knowledge, an experience, or a resource that can enhance the Buzz of someone you follow, and help those who read it.

3-Share Links/Videos When Possible to Juice up the Buzz Stream

This is a great feature. When posting a Buzz, support your comment with pictures, videos (YouTube), and links to content on the web.

4-Make sure your Google Profile is Up to Date

So if people want more from you, they can find out how to get it.  There are several good reasons to do this listed here (how to) and here (SEO).

Don’t…

5-Hook in Your Twitter Stream

If you update Twitter fairly often, followers may be put off by this “robotic” approach.  This constant set of Tweets coming in as buzzes will annoy those following you, not to mention it fragments the conversation and can be confusion (do I respond with Twitter, Buzz, or both?).

6-Reveal Who You are Following

I didn’t want my followers to get a bunch of follow request as a result of others trolling for followers.  This was enabled by default on my profile.   Verify the third checkbox is disabled when editing your profile.  Mine was next to the profile picture.

7-Follow Everyone Possible

Be selective, and don’t obsess over the number following you, this is an intimate following and as far as I can tell should be grown naturally.

Sidenote: I was following an internet marketer (Keith Wellman) who unfollowed me right away, because I was exposed to conversations that were not appropriate (and I didn’t need to be a part of).

Do…

8-Add Value to Those Who Follow You

Like #2, enhancing the conversation is key here, as you do, you’ll be appreciated more, and will attract new followers.

9-Post Content and Info That Will Attract Your Target Audience

If you are focused on speaking the language of your market, with tidbits, and helps here and there, you will attract the right followers, and bring them to the Hub of Your Social Marketing.

10-Recognize that Buzz is a Stream of Conversation

Any new Buzz you start has the potential to create an ongoing thread of discussion, a discussion that may be seen by many.  As new participants chime in a given stream, it floats to the top of buzz for all the buzz owner followers.  This is very different from Twitter, in which the conversation fades to the background with each new tweet.  This is a major problem, that Twitter has not yet solved, and may never be able to.

This any good?  You paying any attention to Buzz, or is it one more thing you are ignoring as a marketing tool? Other ideas? Chime in below.

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