CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-09 21:06:57 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Are You A Board Gamer?

Some of my close friends and I have enjoyed spending evenings playing various board games. These include Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Betrayal at House on the Hill depending on what we are in the mood for.

What board games do you all like to play? We're looking to expand our collection!

2013-04-30 16:11:02 (2 comments, 3 reshares, 26 +1s)

No doubt what Archer uses to stay fresh.

2013-04-30 15:06:57 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

I remember sinusoids in trig and calc, but my sine waves never looked like this...

#math   #pokemon   #nerd  

2013-04-30 14:41:48 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

How to Build Traffic Through Google Plus

We often hear that you cannot Tweet too much. Although there are some social media users online all day most of them just hop on when they get a chance. As I started to increase the amount of content I produce and share on Google Plus I naturally saw my traffic start to increase.

In fact, I went from 300 visitors a day to over 1500 visitors a day in just two months. It is not easy, it takes hard work and you must have a social presence. That said, it is possible. If you create amazing content and share it to people that want to read it you will find your readership grows quickly. For more on this go here: goo.gl/tEt4N

This does not even begin to scratch the surface on all the SEO benefits such as social shares and link backs. That is another article for another time. Have you seen your Google Plus traffic grow over the last... more »

2013-04-30 14:29:39 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

+Mark Traphagen does a great job explaining Google Authorship and the potential of its fabled counterpart, Author Rank.

More importantly, in my opinion, he answers a question that comes across my desk frequently: Is Authorship useless without Author Rank?

Read on, and find out!

2013-04-26 22:43:02 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

My favorite "Hole in the Wall"

You know those places whose existence is spread by word of mouth? The kinds of places that tend to be in an alley down a creaky, foreboding stairwell? That's what I found in Taneytown Deli, and I can't wait to uncover more...

What is your favorite place to eat that no one knows about?

2013-04-25 16:16:08 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

When One Door Shuts, Another One Opens.

We all have our various struggles through life. Opportunities come and go, and failure goes hand in hand with experience. Then there are the shining beacons that cast a friendly beam when darkness begins to cloud around you. For me, one of the beacons is Google+ and the connections I have made through it.

You see, Google+ opens doors. It provides new opportunities. Read on, and see for yourself.

Also, please pardon the rather simple layout. I only started the site yesterday! :)

2013-04-24 23:11:47 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

I just got my Google Glass last night, and it's been a long time since a tech gadget has had me grinning ear to ear so often. I was at the #tech4dem  event, and let +Marci Harris and +Macon Phillips try on my Glass. Both of them quickly got the same big grin!

It's not at all what people expect!  It's a magical experience.  I haven't yet been quite able to put my finger on why it feels that way, but I think it's the immediacy. Rather than fumbling for your phone, then opening the camera app, you can take a picture or a video with a touch, and share it with another touch. You can also talk to the device, taking pictures, doing google searches, getting directions, or sending emails or texts, without ever touching the devices. (You can wake it up with a touch or by tossing your head slightly.)

A couple of comments:

1. People have this notion thatit&#... more »

2013-04-24 19:34:09 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Why Google Analytics is Part of My Website Strategy

After a fun and interesting talk with +Brian Gundersen I realized that some people need a refresher course in why Google Analytics is so very important. I have no idea how I would live without this products. It tells me where my visitors are coming from and what they are reading. How can you create readership without knowing these details?

I know there are alternatives. I think +Sean Murray mentioned one recently. I prefer Google Analytics because it was created by that small company you may have heard of that starts with Go and ends with ogle. Read more here: goo.gl/7kyI1

Are you an Analytics user? How often do you look at Analytics? What is your favorite metric?

#google   #analytics

2013-04-24 19:11:02 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

WordPress Themes

Imagine yourself sitting at your computer. You've just started a new blog and installed WordPress. Then a dark shadow muddles your thoughts... your arms begin to tremor as you are soon overwhelmed. "What theme do I choose?!"

Now imagine yourself as me. Your advice is appreciated! The blog will cover multiple topics, so no need for a specific field.

2013-04-24 14:40:14 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Can Google Glass videos be transferred to a computer so you can edit them before uploading to YouTube?

I've been searching for the answer but have had terrible luck so far, so I turn to you! Thanks.

2013-04-23 18:10:15 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

More Twitter accounts hacked. This time the false tweets claim 2 explosions at the White House and the President being injured.

I don't know what's more disturbing, the fact that Twitter is so easily hacked, or that over 100 people favorited that tweet.

2013-04-23 16:11:40 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

This article states a 2014 release and also quotes a NYT article saying the price range Google is aiming for is between $200 and $600 for a consumer price.

2013-04-19 19:03:54 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 12 +1s)

I never thought I'd face the hardest part of my life at 26...

... but watching my father battle pancreatic cancer this past month and a half has been difficult. No, I wish that word began to describe it. I've watched my hero deteriorate to practically skin and bones while facing a myriad of physical ailments. But surprisingly, that's not the part that has caused me to weep.

It's not that saying "I love you dad" feels synonymous with saying goodbye.

It's his unwavering spirit.

He's still so strong, and somehow this ordeal has found a way to make improvements to a loving father and a stalwart citizen. "Your dad's sick buddy," he told me during a hospital visit, "but I don't plan on leaving this world yet. I still have things I want to do."

I know you do dad, and I want to do those... more »

2013-04-15 20:48:32 (0 comments, 3 reshares, 2 +1s)

We have launched Person Finder to help people caught in the explosions in Boston. Learn more.

http://google.org/personfinder/2013-boston-explosions

2013-04-03 16:42:44 (3 comments, 1 reshares, 10 +1s)

Why You Should Start Paying Attention To Google Places Reviews

This may be the first official quote I've had on someone else's website.
It also happens to be the only Google Places review I've written.

That being said, I'm smacking myself in the head right now! Imagine all of the other websites I could be quoted on for my reviews! And, if you're a business, these reviews are a great place to look for positive comments to put on your site.

2013-04-02 17:33:21 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

#ifihadglass  has now come to a close.

We’ve sent the last invitation that we have right now for the Explorer Program. If you told us what you would do #ifihadglass  but haven’t heard back from us, unfortunately we can’t invite you to become an Explorer at this time. 

However, don’t fret! These are still early days and there will be more opportunities to get Glass in the future. If you applied, we’ll keep you in mind as the Glass Explorer Program progresses.

You can also sign up here to stay informed: www.google.com/glass/start/how-to-get-one

2013-03-28 23:09:39 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

I cannot decide if this caption is right or not!

I took a picture of my TV the other day, and have been debating if someone can get "socked" by a snow storm. A punch, sure, but snow?

Did they mean shocked?

2013-03-27 21:01:38 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 16 +1s)

I am a Glass Explorer!!!

Oh MY GOSHHHHHHHHH

#glassexplorers  

2013-03-25 15:32:36 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

It's been an emotional month for my family.
Earlier this month, my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

We just got him back home after a long stint in the hospital, but we've got a tough road ahead of us.

Cancer survivors - What types of treatment would you recommend? He's willing to do just about anything. (I've already weened him off soda!)

2013-03-20 18:05:44 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Give me some crayons and a paper tablecloth at lunch, and I can build a search engine.

2013-03-19 15:22:23 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Are you all using the new Cover Photo layout?

Have you seen any great examples of unique / clever ones?
Having a photo that can be 1085 x 612 is somewhat daunting!

2013-03-06 15:04:07 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Some profile & page improvements, per your request

We spend lots of time listening to your feedback, and today we're launching some profile and page updates that you've been asking for. These include:

- A new tab for your Local reviews. In addition to your photos, +1's and YouTube videos, there's now a place for all your Local reviews. Highlight your favorite restaurants, or hide the tab completely via settings -- it's completely up to you.

- An easier way to edit your info. The 'About' tab now consists of separate cards (like Story, Places, and Links) -- each with its own prominent edit link. As always: you can share specific fields with specific circles, or keep them just for you.

- Bigger cover photos, with a better aspect ratio. Cover photos are much larger than before (up to 2120px by 1192px), and they display in 16x9... more »

2013-03-06 14:44:57 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

New Google+ Profile Pages Rolling Out Today!

Well, this is huge.  Just when Google couldn't do anything more to enhance our experience here on Google+ they go and do this.  This story is developing and the +Google Plus Daily crew is on top of it.  What do you think of this new profile look?

UPDATE: So my biggest concern is the header image.  I know some of us liked the 5 image template and it might be gone now with this huge header image.  What do you think about this large header image change?

Here is some more information as of this morning:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SaraMcKinley/posts/JCvsy7x7iQs

#googleplus   #newprofile  

2013-03-01 19:40:12 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Deep dish for 1!

2013-02-28 15:03:31 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

I was fortunate enough to capture THIS MOMENT in Archer history.

2013-02-28 15:08:46 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Craziest call-to-action if I've ever seen one.

2013-02-28 14:16:27 (16 comments, 4 reshares, 13 +1s)

2013, and the Future of Google Hangouts

In this new article I take a look at how the digital "hangout" has progressed, and discuss some of their current uses. What really excites me though is the future of Hangouts.

There are many different paths that these social gatherings could take, but real-time translation is the bread winner here. That's what is going to change the game.

Read on, and tell me your thoughts!

2013-02-27 19:35:08 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

I teach people how to use Google+ using screen capturing software. So, #ifihadglass , that would allow me to instruct them real-time while using a Google device! I also tend to gesture, something screen capturing/sharing just can't pick up. I also love to ski and seek adventure. I'd document that as well!

2013-02-27 16:34:17 (0 comments, 4 reshares, 11 +1s)

If you want a safe way of testing the new Google+ Sign-In, try it here on Google Plus Daily.  I've known +Zach Alcorn for a while, so you needn't worry that he would use this maliciously.

I found the process very easy.  I knew exactly what types of information were being accessed and who would be able to see that I use it and how to adjust those settings.  Well done, Google.

h/t +William L. Weaver 

2013-02-22 20:27:53 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Google Plus Communities in Google+ Search

Right now there are some problems with Google+ search for Communities. For the past few days in some searches much lower-quality communities are showing up above active, well-run communities. Community Guy +Brian Glick is on the problem and working to get it resolved.

But....out of that discussion came some good confirmation from Brian of something I've observed right along. To get your Community properly indexed in Google+ search, you need to have three areas filled out thoughtfully:

1. Title
2. Tag line
3. Description (In the About section)

Those are indexed for G+ search, so the most important thing you can do in all three is include the main phrase that describes what your community is about. It's not the time to get cutesy with a "cool" name that doesn't tell what you're... more »

2013-02-21 16:33:53 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Virante's Mark Traphagen interviewed about Google+ & life as a digital marketer http://ow.ly/hVijk by @BrandonHassler

2013-02-21 16:25:53 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Guys, it's Thursday.

2013-02-21 16:21:12 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Google+ Communities - Notification Options

Right now I'm currently in 9 Communities, but I see that number growing in the near future.

I have been disappointed with the lack of notification options for Communities. I have several that I want to keep up with, but every post sent me an email and a red box notification. That was too much, and was beginning to flood my inbox.

Thanks to a tip from +Eli Fennell, I was reminded to set up a filter to send those unwanted messages to the trash. It's funny, I had several filters running already for various reasons, but not once thought about setting one up for Community notifications.

2013-02-20 22:09:33 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

What Would I Do #IfIHadGlass  ... Let's see!

I would share the city of Baltimore with the world. Why? Well I work there. This includes its various monuments and traditions. Ever seen Edgar Allen Poe's grave?

I also love Google. I love Google+ just about as much as +Vic Gundotra. One thing I wish I could do more is take photos. I don't have a purse to lug an expensive camera around in, so I'm stuck with my phone... I want to document me so I have something to reflect on when I'm senile.

I'm an avid skier and have been clocked at 60mph. I scuba dive and have jumped out of perfectly good planes in the past. This being said, I'll be able to toss in an ample dose of adventure!

I've been in some mainstream hangouts this year already - Macklemore and X Games, among others. Recently though... I missed... more »

2013-02-19 22:04:13 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

Sorry for being a jerk, but I don't want this kind of stuff in my What's Hot stream Google!

2013-02-17 17:39:01 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

What can I say, I'm a natural!

2013-02-17 17:38:27 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

What can I say, I'm a natural!

2013-02-17 17:37:15 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Ice Skating with Brother

2013-02-16 23:37:57 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

I haven't touched a video game this year until I got into this beta.

2013-02-16 16:58:22 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

Nothing like some skating...

... Till 2am because your friend owns the rink! We even did the Flying V!!!

2013-02-15 23:21:00 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 5 +1s)

This Is Where I Work...

Yes, we are doing that viral, infamous Harlem Shake. sigh

2013-02-15 18:05:38 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

5 Years After Graduating Our Memory Lives On

In the center of this picture you can see myself and my brother, +Mark Gundersen, decked out in paint and school spirit. The photo hangs over one of the doors to the college's gymnasium, and I'm determined to get it once UMBC decides to replace it.

#schoolspirit   #UMBC   #superfan  

2013-02-15 03:03:59 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

No... NOOOOO NOT CYRIL

2013-02-13 16:06:33 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Valentines Day Plans? Some People Could Use Suggestions!

Has Cupid shot you with a little foamed-tip love arrow at the last minute? Are you scrambling to find out what he or she likes in order to surprise them? Leave a tip for the slackers, and help a lover out.

Here are some options:
» Use Facebook Graph Search to find out exactly what they Like.
» Bring them a cup of coffee in the morning to start the day off right.
» Some girls like flowers, others hate them. It's the most important coin-flip of your life.

2013-02-12 16:09:47 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)

We are planning on doing a Lord of the Rings-a-thon

That is 12.1 hours of non-stop precious destruction.
I swear I thought I heard a heavenly chorus as I opened up the box.  

2013-02-08 22:53:00 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Google Flight?

Google has plans to build their own private 29-acre airport. Awesome. I'm jealous. I wonder if they'll offer free airport WiFi?

2013-02-08 14:39:01 (15 comments, 3 reshares, 16 +1s)

Gaming Google Just Isn't Worth It - Here's Why

We're all honest people who would never do anything to put our sites and businesses in jeopardy, right? Take this opportunity to learn about some of the more risky techniques used, and ways to do them legitimately.

Have you ever been penalized for questionable SEO or marketing tactics?

P.S. It's good to be back writing again. You can expect more from myself and my brand +Up Your Plus, in the near future. Please consider circling both of us, and happy plussing.

2013-02-08 00:58:06 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

I'm glad a dumped all of my Facebook widgets a week or so ago..

2013-02-07 18:30:11 (23 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Just got in to G+! Hello world!