The most compelling feature of Google+ is the Hangout. Read on to find out what the value is for using Google+ Hangouts as part of your marketing mix.

Key excerpt...

The value of these Hangouts can be proven by using the four categories of measurement that I have determined to define success:

• Content – Struggling for fresh content? Hangouts are awesome for providing content, and content that can be repurposed. The Hangout recording syncs to Youtube and can then be embedded back into Google+, a blog or even a landing page. Transcribing the hangout can make for a great blog post as well.
• Engagement – The Hangouts that we hosted earned thousands of social signals in the form of shares/ +1/ comments etc. Better yet, some of these were from influencers in our space, which leads to better visibility while increasing the relevance that these signals show around our content to Google.
• SEO – Everything that is shared on Google+ has the potential of showing up in Google search. The more people who are sharing and engaging with your posts and content, the better chance you have of ranking in search. This is especially relevant for personalized results, but there is also evidence that it affects search rankings in general.
• Thought Leadership – Hanging out with influential folks from your industry and interviewing them live on air is a fantastic way to build thought leadership. Not only are you providing a platform for external thought leaders, but you are also building up your own influence.

Hangouts are in no position to replace a webinar platform, but hosting one is a great way to experiment and have fun within what is essentially your own television studio for the web.

Learn how to host your own Google+ hangout with these 5 simple steps to success.

Synopsis...

1. Set up a Google Event

When setting up your event make sure you check the “On Air Event” so that you can both stream the live recording and record it to YouTube. Add a keyword rich description of your event along with the topic and details around your participants and be sure to tag them as well.

2. Promote Your Event

Create custom art that can easily be shared across all the major social networks. Also create a Lower Third for each hangout participant. The Lower Third is the custom banner that displays on the bottom of each individual’s webcam that lists their name and affiliate. Each participant will have to upload their Lower Third when they join the Hangout.

3. Day of Hangout

Send a reminder from the event page to all the speaking participants, and invite them a few minutes early to check sound, connections, and camera angels. Using the G+ app selector, add the Toolbox option, and then upload your Lower Third.

4. During the Hangout

Remember that this is a hangout, not a webinar. Keep the conversation casual and on point, but let it run on a tangent if one comes up.

5. After the Hangout

Download the YouTube recording from your personal account, edit whatever is necessary, then re-upload it to your company’s YouTube account and drop the link back into the Google event. Finally, drop the link to the new recording into your G+ business page and announce the recording for those who may have missed it.