One of the biggest benefits..and there are many..to being on Google Plus is the how Google just keeps thinking of ways to make generating content easier.  That is probably why Google Plus will become the dominate social space…if not the ONLY social space to be in.  Still, there are things Google needs to improve upon or explain better on how to use.

The difference between the G+ Page and the G+ Community is where Google needs to do a better job of explaining.  To help those who are asking the same questions I am, I have posted here my take on the differences I see.  If you know of more, by all means post a comment.

Naturally, those who know me know I don’t mince words to create a elaborate document.  I just break it down as what I see the differences are from my practical experience. 

Google+ Pages

For businesses, Google+ Page is a good place to broadcast detailed information about your business product or services; post links to the business’ blog and other supporting information related to the business.  It works similar to a blog site but allows for more information on the business to be posted in the business page profile. 

Everything posted can be limited to a circle of people, places or things…or just to public.  All of the content posted is immediately searchable on the Google Search Engine, making the G+ Page one of the most powerful marketing tools available to businesses.  Google really cut down on business’ need of relying on a high level of the Geek Factor to help them promote their business.

Google+ Community

For businesses, the Google+ Community is a hybrid of the G+ Page.  It is a much faster streamline version of social networking on steroids.  The power of the G+ community is it ability to be a private domain where only the people you invite can participate in discussions.  G+ Communities also can be semi-private where those who are interested in joining the community can be screened to make sure their interests are pure.  And of course, the G+ Community can be open to the public making it nearly the same as a G+ Page.

The advantage of the G+ Community over the Pages is its integration into the G+ stream is powered by the Notifications.  Each time there is a post made to the G+ Community there is a notification send.  Of course if you don’t want to be notified there is the option to cutting notifications off.

Downsides

There are some downsides to the Community as there are for the Pages.  The posts made to the Community are posted in the person’s personal profile page stream.  To many who probably have too many people in their circles, this is aggravating..to others who are not out to play the number game, it is perfect. 

The exact opposite happens with the G+Page.  A person would have to have the page opened on another tab in the browser to know there is a posts made to a G+ Page or have to go to the page to see what was post to the page.

I am sure there are other downsides people have experienced, but for me, the Communities produce a much more open feeling of socializing which leads to getting know people..potential clients..better.

Lot More To It

Of course, there is a lot more to using Google+ Pages and Communities.  Even more to using Google+ as a whole, but the benefits are outstanding.  But don’t take my word for it, get on G+ and find out.  Just remember, G+ will not work if you are not social.  It’s all about social now.

Let me know how I can help.