Google+ New Menu

If you haven’t heard by now Google+ has undergone a dynamic face lift and unlike that of Facebook changes this one was welcome with open arms. Although navigating through it does some getting use to.

Google Plus New Menu

This one feature is something I truly enjoy. Unlike that of Facebook where you have the top menu as well as the left side. All of which takes up valuable real estate. G+ has decided to make it hidden until you hover of click on “Home”.

In this the menu becomes more dynamic and gives you the ability to jump to right to he area you need to.  In the “What’s Hot” section its the same as say what is trending on Twitter. While “Communities” are specialized groups…like Facebook. Then “Events” are scheduled Hangouts on specific topics. I could see this gaining traction as each event that is created that you attend is held for review while new ones have a unique url that can be promoted.

Custom URL’s

This is one thing I was really hoping would change in the new rollout. Until then I’ll be stuck with:

https://plus.google.com/u/1/104142742027486123695/about

That is until getting ‘verified’ becomes standard.

Why be on Google+?

I’ll touch on this later but the benefits outweigh the cons. The bottom line is if you have a blog / website / company…you need to be on G+.

I have to say for North Canton’s first WordCamp they really put on a good one, even with the hiccups of not getting in on time and power going out once during an afternoon session. This being my first time speaking at a WordCamp I felt inspired. The topic was SEO: creation to execution. When it comes to SEO I can talk hours on one aspect of it so 45 minutes with Q & A might seem a little short. Yet, going over some highlights of some of the SEO-type plugins and the importance of connecting Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools seemed to be on point.

The one thing I truly enjoy at WordCamps is that we are all trying to work together and eager to help. There were a few instances where people were having trouble with their site or not sure how to connect tools. Thanks to Dustin (another presenter at WordCamp) over at Your Website Engineer for showing me some new tools on WordPress and giving me idea on possible jumping into podcasting down the road.

The highlight of WordCamp? Getting to kick it with Beau Lebens and Justin Shreve who both work for Auttomatic.

I am already looking forward to next year…keep me in mind North Canton.

If you haven’t figured it out by the title I will be speaking at this years WordCamp North Canton. The topic SEO: Creation to Execution. I am crafting the presentation and will be posting on here right after the event. This is my first speaking engagement at a WordCamp and am extremely excited.

If you have a chance come on out to North Canton and get your WordPress fill.