Google Friend Connect launched recently, I discussed it in my “2009 Internet Marketing Predictions” post as well as on the most recent episode of “Internet Marketing This Week.”
So it’s only fair to actually test it out, right?
I’ve installed the “Members” widget right here on the site – if you scroll down to the footer you can see it. Hit the “Join” button to see how it works.
If you click on an individuals avatar, you get some basic info about them:
This info is pulled from the person’s Google profile. You HAVE set yours up, right?
There’s also a commenting widget, you can see that right below. What’s interesting about this is the potential of the Google Friend Connect comments actually taking the place of one’s Wordpress comments form eventually. One login for all websites that use it, everything in one place. Join and unjoin sites, connect with folks based on interests.
The nice thing about Google Friend Connect? It’s REALLY easy to install – just copy and paste the code they give you on to your website. The bad? Right now, it’s doesn’t go much farther then MyBlogLog did. You have friends, you join sites, and you can leave comments. I *do* anticipate that changing over the course of the coming year.
Should you be using it on YOUR site? If you’re in a tech savvy niche, it might be worthwhile. Early adopters will know you’re on the cutting edge when you implement new tech like this. That being said, it’s NOT a standard yet and could just add “noise” to your pages. Never do this on a salespage, a blog or community site would be the most appropriate.
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Thanks for the post Michelle. It will be interesting to see how this developes. And I’m sure you’ll keep us up to date
Have you noticed a jump in bandwidth usage after adding Friend Connect? I seem to be getting an increase logged in awstats external links, from the Google module.
Hi Michelle, I’d like to offer you the chance to checkout CloudShout. It’s a similar service that does a whole lot more. But you be the judge: I’ve just uploaded a few demonstration videos here: http://dang-at-izea.blogspot.com/2008/12/cloudshout-demo-videos.html
have a great holiday!
Hi Michelle
This is a great little application.
I’m using it on my blog. No action yet but I believe as people recognise the stance google is taking by using social media indicators as a means for thier ranking criteria they will take to this tool and others that google produce like a duck to water.
Definitely the way of the future.
Simon
You may want to take a look at this, Friend Connect does way more than most think.
http://googlingsocial.com/google-friend-connect.php
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