Battle Royale: Google+ vs. Facebook

When Google+ was launched in June 2011, it was considered a significant test for Facebook, the world’s largest social network. Since then, Google+ has added an average of nearly half a million users per day. So which social network offers the best experience for real estate professionals looking to raise their profile and promote their business? Here’s a breakdown:

Users 

Facebook has the edge.

By the end of 2011, Google+ had about 60 million users, though some estimates project the network will have 400 million by the end of 2012. An analysis of Google+’s membership shows its typical users are software engineers and college students.

Facebook has more than 800 million users and its user base crosses virtually all demographic categories. Even your grandparents may be using it. And more than half of Facebook’s users visit the site at least once a day.

Features & Communications

They’re about even.

Google+ users can build profile walls, chat, upload and share photos, and play social games. “Circles” enable users to segment their connections based on real-life associations (e.g., friends, family, and so on). What sets Google+ apart in terms of communication are its group video chats and integration with Gmail.

Facebook users can build profile walls, chat, upload and share photos, and play social games. Facebook also enables friend segmentation, though its interface is decidedly less elegant. Facebook regularly rolls out new features for its network.

Web Presence 

Facebook comes out ahead.

As the product of the world’s leading search engine company, Google+ profiles have the potential to rank high in search results. If you’re searching the Web for someone while logged into a Google account, that person’s Google+ profile (if they have one) will be served up at the top.

Today, Facebook profiles often show up well above Google+’s in search results, even when you’re using Google.

The Bottom Line:

Google+ has great possibilities, but Facebook’s audience is currently too large, too widespread, and too engaged to be seriously challenged.