Google Plus Shuts Down! What this Means for You?

In December 2018, Google announced to shut down Google+ in April 2019 due to low usage and challenges in maintaining their social platform.

Launched in 2011, Google + (Plus) was Google’s own social media network that was aimed at being different from its competitors back in 2011, such as Facebook and Twitter. Google + was said to become the next big social media platform. If you are unfamiliar with Google +, it allowed users to organize their connections in circles like “family” or “acquaintances”, the names of which remain private. There were no friend requests, and users could be added to each other’s circles, reaching out to people and following their updates.

Like many products that never fully take off or get to the level of social media giants such as Facebook or Instagram - Google + eventually decided to shut down entirely in 2019. What does this mean for you?

If you or your business utilize Google + as another way to distribute information or post updates such as photos, you will want to download all your information before it all disappears.

As of right now (Feb. 2019) you will no longer be able to create new pages on Google + (Plus). On April 2nd, your Google+ account and any Google+ pages you created will be shut down. Google will begin deleting content from Google +. According to Google, photos and videos in your Album Archive and your Google+ pages will also be deleted. You can download and save your content before April. If you have photos backed up in Google Photos, they are safe and will not be deleted.

If you utilize the Google+ Sign-in button when logging into a website, these buttons will stop working in the coming weeks but in some cases may be replaced by a Google Sign-in button, according to Google. You'll still be able to sign in with your Google Account wherever you see Google Sign-in buttons.

With that said, this is another example of technology and social media ever-changing daily. It is important to adapt and have a great social media strategy that is adaptable. Social programs are very much like any other specialized task or responsibility in your business. There is a steep learning curve that requires full-time attention and a continual focus on changing technology. Need help or some tips. Contact us for more information.