We’ve talked a lot about the importance of using Facebook and Twitter on this blog. But the newest social networking site, and one that’s quickly gaining traction is Google+.

Following a three-month invite only beta test period, Google+ went public in September. The competition between Google+ and Facebook has been heating up, with a lot of attention turned to Google+’s “circles,” which have proven to be a great tool, and especially useful for indie musicians. Additionally, this month Google+ released the eagerly anticipated Google+ Pages, so you now can create a band page.

As you may know, Google+ allows users to share links, thoughts, photos as well as video chat, using their “hangout.” But what differentiates all of that from Facebook is that you can share what you want with the right groups of people or “circles.”

WATCH THIS VIDEO ABOUT CIRCLES FROM GOOGLE

Think about it: in real life, you share different information with different people. You tell your mom different information than you tell your roommate. You share details with your drummer that you might not share with your former professor. Circles makes sharing the right information with the right people much easier.

As a musician, Google+’s circles make it easy for you to put your bandmates in one circle, and music supervisors in another. While you can make lists like this in Facebook, Google+’s more visual interface allows you to interact with these people more fluidly, rather than “list and forget” as often happens with Facebook.

When joining Google+, do not immediately dump everyone into the “friends” circle. Take the time to categorize your relationships and create circles that best fit your life and career. It will benefit you greatly in the long run.

Consider creating the following circles:

• Fans
• Family
• College/high school friends
• Booking Contacts for gigs
• Licensing contacts
• Management contacts
• Public Relations contacts
• Web/graphic design contacts
• And more

Remember that Google+ and all social networking platforms work best when there is a two-way conversation. Remember that you’re there to be social and to network. So share information with the right groups of people in the appropriate circles, and respond when others post things you care about.

Tell us what you think! Have you used Google+? What do you think about Circles?

The SongCast Crew