When you’re new to Google+ finding people to connect with can seem daunting. To make it less daunting, here are some ideas for finding people to add to your Circles, keeping in mind that who you add is a personal choice and I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to go about it. Generally these tips are relevant for Pages as well as your personal Profile.
1. Go to People on the left hand navigation
On the Find People tab you can see Google+’s suggestions for people to follow. If you’ve linked your email address, click on that option on the left and you’ll see your contacts who are on Google+. Keep in mind that although someone has a Google+ profile, they aren’t necessarily active on Google+. Personally I only add people to my Circles if they have a Profile photo, and if they have recently shared updates (you’ll need to click through to their Profile page to check).
Also click on the tab called “Discover” and review the People and Pages listed.
2. Add authority figures, blogs and publications you love reading
When you’re reading content online, have a look if the person or blog has linked to a Google+ Profile or Page, either at the start or end of the article, or via a Google+ icon wherever they promote their Social Media Profiles.
3. Add people from communities that you’re active in
Join Communities related to topics that you’re interested in and get to know people by interacting their posts. When you find people you’d like to connect with further, add them to your Circles.
4. Connect with people you already know from other social media
Share a link to your G+ profile on other social media platforms where you’re active and encourage friends and contacts to connect with you.
5. Go to the Profile page of people that you know and see who’s in their circles
Personally I would never just Circle a whole list of people, but this is where you can find the Google+ profiles of joint business contacts and friends. For example, I find this useful if there is someone you know well from other social media eg Twitter, who has been on Google+ longer than you and therefore has had time to connect with more of your mutual Twitter contacts who are active on G+.
Once on the person’s profile page, go to the About tab and you’ll a section called People which lists People in Common, People in his/her Circles and People who have him/her in their Circles.
Note that because you have a choice of whether or not to display your Circles publicly this information might not always be available.
6. Search for hashtags related to topics you’re interested in
In the search box at the top of the page, type # then a keyword and in the search results you’ll see Posts by people that are relevant to your keyword. For example I could type #GooglePlusTips to find people to follow who are using sharing Google Plus Tips. You’ll also see Suggested Hashtags, similar to the screen shot below, which you can also explore.
Once you’ve added People and Pages to your Circles, get to know them by +1’g, commenting on and resharing their posts.
What other tips do you have for finding people to add to your Circles?
Until next time
Mel
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Melinda aka Mel is a Google Partner, Google Ads & Consultant, Speaker and Trainer and co-owner of Click-Winning Content.
Mel provides results-driven services to organisations around the world and is committed to never using an acronym without explaining it first. She also likes greyhounds as pets, grand slam tennis, cracked pepper and Melbourne sunsets.
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