The Only Way Google+ Will Rival Facebook

I got an invite for Google+ the other day and after signing up I took a look around. I have to say I quite like the extras which they decided to include, however, overall it has a very Facebook feel, but with a few extras thrown in to make it different.

Small Changes

When Facebook came along, it was very different from MySpace; hence the reason everyone took to the new website and left MySpace to rot. This is the problem with Google’s recent attempts to rival Facebook; it does the same but expands on the formula and adds features which Facebook doesn’t have. Unfortunately, Facebook then adds those features, or features which are similar, and due to the fact that that is where all the users are, they are going to stay there, even if it takes a week to get the newest feature.

Big Changes

I have to say though that I do enjoy the feel of Google +. Its new, the circle features are very nice, and it’s by Google, love or hate them, they are a useful company.

But, I think the only way Google are ever going to rival Facebook is to make a social networking website which isn’t known to be run by Google. We need something to come out of nowhere. Obviously because it is made by Google and people know it they get plenty of free promotion, which in turn drives traffic to the website and then they will get lots of sign-ups in the initial few months. However, as with most of Google’s attempts, it will then die down and we will see it slowly fade away.

I don’t think this will happen so much with plus, as they have really put the effort in and made a good website, but if Facebook holds on, there doesn’t seem to be much use for another social-networking website, unless it becomes a niche for one type of internet user.

Get Rid of the Google

By getting rid of people knowing it is from Google, I think people will be more inclined to try it out, and not just straight away think it is another attempt to carry on being the biggest internet company. If we don’t know it is Google, it will take longer to build up, therefore the first users will most likely be the ones who are willing to test features and build the social networking website into what they, and the public, want. Consequently this website can grow organically and gradually gain ground on Facebook. After gaining ground, Google can attach its name to it, which will bring in even more publicity than it would have if it attached its name straight away. This will be because it will be more shock news, instead of ‘here we go again’.

Following?

I hope you are following my idea. There are many ‘buts’, ‘therefores’ and howevers’.

To End the Discussion

Without having their name on it, the new website will seem like a nice, new, clean social-networking website which isn’t trying to take back market share, but which is just come along with new ideas. In turn it will be friendlier and make people more inclined to try it, when with Google + people feel the need to try it.

Please add your comments to this idea below.