Must Have Blog Resource: Google + Communities

In my ongoing look at Google +, today I will focus on Google + communities.  I like to think of G+ communities akin to making lists in Twitter or defining your friends in Facebook.  You are "hanging out" with other users that you have something in common with.  

To start getting familiar with communities, click on the "Communities" icon on the left menu bar within Google +.  You will be taken to a main page.  If you belong to any communities already, those will be listed at the top.  Then, there will be a "Discover Communities" section where there will be some suggested communities based on your user habits, as well as a search box to discover topics on your own.  On this same page, if you feel so inclined, you can create your own community, too.

Communities are either public or private.  Most of the communities I am a part of are private.  I have received personal invitations from fellow bloggers to join their community.  But occasionally there will be public ones, too.  I think the private communities are a little more personable and focused.  

Once you are a member of a community, it is important to be involved.  Visit your communities' board much like you would Facebook.  Thoughtfully scroll through what people have shared.  Most communities will provide subcategories for people to share to.  For example, if a blogger wants you to pin something for them, there might be a sub-topic called "Pinterest" or "Pin Pals".  On a given day, if you just want to click on a subcategory and browse only that section of your community, you can.

When users share something within the community, you will receive an email notification of the share (if you have enabled email notifications within your settings). You will also see a notification in that bouncing red box on the top right corner within any Google application.  I like using that notification box if I am short on time; I can quickly scroll through recent posts by others and see if any are must reads. 

One of my favorite communities I am a part of is Blog Billion, started by Krystal Sousa. She runs two blogs:  Sunny Soirees and Krystal's Kitsch.  Here's what she had to say in regards to why she started her community:

Why I Started Blog Billion:

I have so many articles, ideas, and websites that I find throughout the day that not only help me but would help others. I really wanted a forum where people could connect and I could share all these helpful links! I also thought that Google+ is a new and developing platform. Facebook is constantly changing and I worried with all the changes a community would get lost in everyone's newsfeeds. I thought Google+ would be efficient (basically everyone has a Gmail account anyway!), and it would be a great way for others to learn how to use communities.

Benefits:
Another place to share your blog links and connect with bloggers. Since we have started, link up partners have been found, collaborations have begun, and our group has grown to over 60. I hope to make that number 100 at the end of the month.

I'm proud to report that she is up to 95 members!

So, have fun, network, and use Google+ communities to your advantage!

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