Google Hangouts Introduction

When Google launched its new social network, Google+, many in the business community thought that it would be comparable to Facebook. The basic functions are pretty much the same between the two networks; users can share information with their connections that they think would be worthy of their time.

Businesses have their own page on Google+ that functions much like a Facebook fan page, in that it holds information and allows the owner or staff person to share information. Of course, there are cosmetic details and some other functions that are different, but for the most part Google+ resembles the other social network.

However, one of the things that has been unique about Google+, is its application called Hangouts. Google Hangouts allow a user to broadcast video live in front of other users across the World Wide Web. For some, Hangouts are an easy way to conduct a conversation with someone, and be seen while doing so.

For others, it has been a way to conduct group conversations and meetings. Google Hangouts provides a place online for up to 10 individuals to have a private conversation online with video, audio and even their documents.

The response to Google Hangouts has been significant. Business leaders and marketers have been able to use Hangouts to connect with their buyers and prospects in very personal ways. At the same time, these Hangouts have allowed them to communicate information in a unique way across their organizations.

The best way to describe Google Hangouts and its benefit to small businesses, is to describe it as a television studio on the web.  Companies can gather staff, partners, and even suppliers together on one broadcast or live chat. These people can share ideas, documents and insight on whatever the subject is for the Hangout.

At first glance, this wouldn’t be any different than someone using voice over IP software like Skype in order to communicate with a partner, prospect or client. All such software allows video communication to happen within a small group of people.

What's different about Google Hangouts is your ability to broadcast the conversation to an unlimited number of people. You can literally have visitors go to either your personal website or a YouTube site, and watch the conversation as it is occurring live.

That brings a new element to your ability to get your message out. There are a number of ways that any small business can use Google Hangouts effectively, where other technologies have failed to be reliable.

Because Google Hangouts is in its infancy, there is still a technological hurdle to climb. A participant will need to be able to appear on a web camera and have the technical skills in order to make that happen. They'll need to have good lighting and good computer audio sound. While none of these things are insurmountable, they do take a certain level of technical savvy in order to connect them properly so that the Hangout will be effective.

However, with the assistance of local Internet marketing consultants, many companies are using these Hangouts in order to demonstrate the benefits of their business in a way that they have not been able to do before. Unmentioned until this point, is the fact that using Google Hangouts is largely free of charge (for both the company doing the presentation, as well as the individuals participating). This is important in that, if you can determine what your strategy is to use Google Hangouts, you'll have a solid tool to connect with your prospects and customers and get them to buy more, and a tool that you can use as much as your company deems necessary.

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