Google+ as a social channel is going away…kind of. Google has announced it’s reorganizing the channel and it’s about to undergo a dramatic change. For most people, this news is a ‘who cares’ announcement because so few people use the social channel. It just never caught on. For social media marketers, it’s time to celebrate. We developed strategies and content for a channel that just didn’t deliver. I don’t want to speak for every marketer out there, but I for one, am happy to bid Google+ ‘farewell.’

Google won’t say how Google+ will morph or what the timeline is, but Google-watchers predict a new future for Google + photos and Google hangouts, both features that did catch on while the social channel floundered. Google+ photos is a dynamic way to store, edit and share photos. That feature will likely expand. In fact, Bradley Horowitz has been put in charge of Google photos and streams projects. Watch for potentially exciting new announcements on that front. Google Hangouts have become a resource for television news stations. Podcasters, virtual companies and more. The Hangout will likely continue and grow, too. Worth keeping an eye on.

For brands, companies, and other businesses who did their best to get some traction on the Google+ social channel—it might be premature for you to say ‘so long’ just yet. Google still uses the platform in SEO, so having a strong brand description and images can have value. There is probably no value in creating custom content for this channel and you may only want to keep posting here if it’s quick, easy and painless. Otherwise, focus your efforts on social channels that will pay you back in increased exposure, brand loyalty and advocacy. More and more, that’s becoming Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Social media is constantly changing. That’s what’s so energizing about it. We learned a lot from Google+ and hopefully Google did, too. I’m excited to see the new incarnation of Google’s social products. Who knows, this time next year, Google Photos might be the new Instagram. The one thing that’s certain- Google has more tricks up its sleeve.

Tell me something! Have you used Google+? How do you feel about the changes coming?

Christy Kirk

Christy Kirk, Vice President of Client Services, is a social media strategist, writer, and former television journalist, who’s done everything from launch a news department to create social content and strategy for Fortune 500 companies and brands including Pampers Diapers, Pantene, Luvs Diapers and Carlson Rezidor Hotels. Now, Christy manages marketing projects for Weaving Influence, with an emphasis on social media marketing. She is also a wife and mother of three children, one dog, and one cat. She loves reading, baking, running, hiking and exploring new places.