Google Plus is Closing Down - It's Time to Re-evaluate Your VoiceOver Social Media Strategy

I must admit I felt quite sad when I heard Google Plus was shutting down - not that I was surprised, as it had been mooted for a long time - as I had become rather fond of its ad free charms. 

For voice-over artists, there were a number of useful groups providing helpful advice and support. I even hosted a voice-over jobs community section where I curated VO gigs from around the web, which proved quite popular. 

It was different from the other social media sites too. For starters it was kinder and lacking in trolls. Experts would generously give up their time to answer voice-over queries from newcomers. No question was considered too silly or naive, as contributors usually gave encouragement in a kindly way.

Of course other platforms provide similar communities and there are some very supportive groups on Facebook and Linkedin, but Plus seemed more inclusive and less judgemental. The interface was cleaner and less cluttered. 

Fans became quite protective of its quirks and regarded its environment as a safe haven in which to discuss voice-over issues.

I suppose in a funny sort of way, you could say it was special.

But it is about to rest in peace in that great social media graveyard, along with the likes of Friends Reunited, Vine and Yahoo Buzz (no, I've never heard of it either). MySpace is still hanging on in there, but for how much longer? From a voice actor's point of view it is a timely moment to review your social marketing strategy.

For starters make sure you have a Facebook page in addition to your profile. Regularly post articles about what you are doing. Even if you have not yet been hired for any voice-over work, there is plenty you can talk about. Let visitors know that you are compiling a refreshed showreel or buying a new microphone for example.
Remember a Facebook page is just like having your own voice-over website.

There are some great Facebook groups as well that offer support and even jobs like Online Voice Actors Actresses: Support‎OVAA: Paid Content Only. 

Then there is Linkedin with its more business like approach. Again the platform hosts useful communities such as these below:

Consider Twitter and Instagram too. The latter has become one of the most successful social media operators and a 'must have' for anyone running a small business, which as a voice-over artist is exactly what you are. 

Google Plus is dead, long live (the spirit of) Google Plus.

Gary Terzza is a UK British voice-over coach helping newcomers break into the industry.