Best Practices for Running a Google+ Hangout

There are two main ways to run a Hangout, you can choose to run a text or a video based one. You can run a Chat Hangout via text with up to 100 people. For a Video Chat you can invite nine other people to participate with you. By running your chat "On Air" you can broadcast the link live so hundreds, or more, people can watch. They just cannot actively been seen on the video though.

Use the following best practices to ensure that your Hangout is run professionally and that everything goes according to plan.

1.   Take the time to create a good Google+ page for your business before running your Hangouts. First impressions count and you don't want to risk losing potential customers or clients because you weren't set up correctly.

2.   Choose a good representative from your business to host your Google+ Hangouts. They should come across as friendly and knowledgeable.

3.   Try to answer as many questions as possible during the Hangout.

4.   Always answer questions with a personal tone.

5.   Promote your Hangout by sending out invitations and placing your Hangout on appropriate Calendars, posting on other social sites and emailing your current customer list.

6.   Prepare in advance and have any slides ready to go.

7.   Doing a practice run in advance is a great idea, especially for your first Hangout.

8.   If you are running a live broadcast remember things will happen and to just keep going. Your audience will understand.

9.   Don't have gaps of dead air during your Hangout. It helps to print off a topic list so you can keep talking all the time. Even if something does go wrong, talk to your guests and tell them you are trying to find a file or fix an issue.

1    Have someone send out Tweets during your Hangout.

11.     Create shorter Hangouts as opposed to one longer one. This will encourage more people to watch the replay. It is much more tempting to watch 2 ten minute videos instead of one longer 40 minute one.

12.   Demonstrate your products or work during the Hangout. People enjoy seeing a hands on type of presentation. If you are offering tools show your guests how to use them.

Last of all don't forget to thank and reward your guests for joining you on your Hangout. Offer discount coupons or some type of incentive as a 'thank you gift'. This way your guests will feel appreciated and will be happy to participate in your next Google+ Hangout.