Google+ shows all indications of being the fastest-growing social network in history. In just a month after launch, the Google+ network has grown to approximately 25 million users. Social media experts predict it will have more users than Twitter & LinkedIn in a year and may even reduce the number of active Facebook users.

That is not to say all news is good news. Just because Google+ is amassing sign-ups, doesn't mean everyone is participating. Even some of the individuals with the largest network (aka Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder) have not posted or interacted through the site. It has been reported that roughly 1/3rd of Google+ users have abandoned their Google+ accounts before ever posting.

So what is Google+?

JOIN Google+

Google+ in some aspects is very similar to Facebook or LinkedIn in that you can create a profile, add connections, see what your connections are up to, instant message/video chat, receive other website feed information (similar to RSS feeds), and mark items you like with a "+1" (Google's equivalent of the Facebook "like").

What makes Google+ different is that you can organize your connections into circles. And with those circles, tailor how individuals see specific messages, posts, comments, etc. Not just turn on or off certain features to a group (like Facebook or LinkedIn) but actually post items JUST to one group and maybe post something else to a different group. The ability to TAILOR your messaging is what sets Google+ apart from the rest.

In conclusion...

Everyone seems to agree that Google+ is here to stay and is looking to be the newest social media powerhouse. After all it IS Google!

So get on, create a personal account, play around...and once business accounts are available (may not be until 2012), you'll be the first to know! Keep an eye out for upcoming articles on Google+.

Email marketing is not always as simple as composition and style, there are other factors that can "boost" your email marketing campaign.  Try these tips to get the most of your email marketing.

Include Social Media:  Many email service providers have features to add "share" bars at the top of your emails.  Take that one step further and include links to YOUR social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) in your email content & design.

Personalize!: We all like to feel a bit "special" and personalizing your email messages can be key to getting readers involved with your company and your message.  You can start with adding personalized subject lines and salutations, and move to personalized content and products/services for different sections of your reader base. 

Make it Catch their Eye:  Many readers may be passing up your email completely because the subject line is not pertinent, interesting or eye catching.  Increase your read rate by making your subject line more "eye catching". Vary it month to month and keep it exciting.