Google+ Custom URL’s made available
In a welcome change to Google’s
social network, steps have been taken to finally introduce what they are
branding ‘vanity’ (custom) URL’s.
The move will eventually see the
removal of the elongated, and difficult to remember, URL’s, which irritatingly
involve many numbers. In place of this, one’s URL will be a plus sign followed
by their desired name. So for example, instead of BBC News having their current
URL (https://plus.google.com/107045876535773972576/posts)
it could quite simply be google.com/+BBCNews. This will make it far easier to
share and discover sought after Google+ pages.
Already some of the major companies
and celebrities on Google+ have been handed these custom URL’s (+davidbeckham,
+TOYOTA and +hugoboss to a name a few). Google Product Manager, Saurabh Sharma, has noted however, that these
custom URLs will initially only be applied ‘to a limited number of verified
profiles and pages’. He continues to promise that they will be available to
more brands and individuals in the future.
Judging by
the comments to Sharma’s post, this is something many Google+ users have been
craving. Most significantly it seems that many companies have been seeking this
change to help increase their visibility and ease in sharing their page, not to
mention the fact that it looks far more professional.
The time
frame for this change has not been specified and it appears it could take a
while to verify those who require custom URL’s. Nevertheless, it is a step by
Google to bring their network in line with competitors Facebook and Twitter,
who have offered this service for a while now. It proves Google are still investing
time and advancing their social network despite it having faltered against
competitors. Still there remain many companies who question whether a Google+
account is worth the effort as the ‘social give and take’ is far less than
comparable sites. If anything though, this move should benefit businesses as more
may potentially join the site looking to boost traffic and visibility.
Josh Bennett, Content Writer
@JoshAtSMF @SocialMediaF
Google+ Custom URL’s made available
Reviewed by Mili and Paul
on
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Rating:
Reviewed by Mili and Paul
on
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Rating:
Mili and Paul
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