An overview with tips and opinion on the recent changes to our favourite digital platform.

1. What's New?
Hey,
Google I/O 2013

2. The new Google+ layout harmonizes your Google experience across all
devices: smartphone, tablet and desktop.
- Recognizing importance of MOBILE.
The Layout: It's all in the CARDS.

3. Very "Google Now"
2 or 3 columns depending on monitor width.
View in single column mode
by clicking on "more" icon
on top toolbar.

4. Posts don't auto load.
To load new posts either click on the "blue box" in upper left
corner or press "L" on your keyboard.
Given the amount of
content visible in the 3
column view, allowing the
page to remain static allows
us time to enjoy the post
without having to play
"catch up".
Another advantage is that if
we are interrupted, we can
continue where we left off
on our return.
I give Google+ an "A+" on
this one.

5. Creating a Post? - Think like a journalist
1. Use SEO friendly headlines. It's got to stand out on the magazine rack. Think keywords.
Google indexes your Google+ posts faster than it does your blog.
2. BOLD your headlines - Asterix * either side of a word will bold
3. Use Hi-Res images and videos. The better the quality, the bigger the real estate it will
occupy on the page.
4. When sharing outside post, anchor with image, give a title (bold) and summary with link
to original.

6. Creating posts in G+ much the same - only prettier!
The post box is now
responsive, lying in
wait for you in the left
column until you click
it.
Then it jumps to centre
stage ready for you to
slide images, videos,
links or files into it.
Very cool and put your
creativity front and
centre.

7. #Hashtags: a fun way to search
Hashtags auto appears in post.
(Unless disabled - see below.)
Click to flip card to see
related post.
After 5 turns, receive list
of related hashtags.
To disable auto hashtags, go to settings and uncheck box.

8. Search Within Google+
General - People - Communities - Posts - Photos
Hashtags - Trending
TIP: from Martin Shervington:
Use the forward slash " / " and the cursor will jump into the Google+ Search box
saving you from having to pull down that section of the screen.

9. Notifications:
To explore your "mentions" and past posts, click on the ‘view all notifications’ in your
notification setting you will see ‘all posts’ ‘your posts’ ‘other people’s posts’ and ‘mentions
of you’
- this will make it easier to find the most important notifications and know what they're
saying about you.

10. So,what else is new?

11. Well, there's the Fancy Photos...
click image for video

12. The Brand new Hangouts
Voice chat with group video call option.
click image for video

13. And the Colourful Circles
click image for video

14. What do you think of the changes?
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