Key Pointers for Running a Google+ Hangout

While running a Google+ Hangout is a great marketing tool you still need to take some basic tips into consideration. This article will highlight some points that you may want to consider applying to your next Hangout.

Check Your Equipment

Always check your equipment for running a Hangout. In fact you should do a test Hangout first and pay special attention to the quality of your Hangout and to the sound. If you plan on running lots of Hangouts then it would be advisable to invest in a good quality microphone. There are lots of different ones on the market including headsets, lapel microphones and stand alone ones.

If your sound quality is poor you are not likely going to attract many repeat subscribers to your Hangouts or to your video channels.

Preparation is Key

While there is nothing wrong in holding an impromptu Hangout, if you are promoting your business it is vital that you prepare in advance.

You may want to run a slideshow presentation during a broadcast. This is actually a great way to add content to your video, and hide your face if the thought of talking to a camera the whole time intimidates you!

Prepare your presentation in advance, check that your images are clear and that you have no spelling mistakes. Practice a Hangout so that you are comfortable with showing the slides at the correct time.

Your Content

Knowing what you are going to talk about during your Hangout is important. One of the worst things you can do is to lose track or forget what you were going to talk about. Of course, you may be one of those people that are never lost for words!

For most people though, having a list of points or subtopics printed out on your desk can be a huge help. As you go through your topics you can cross each one off. If you forget where you were, use the list as a reference point.

Editing Your Hangout

A Hangout is set up so that it is directly loaded to YouTube once your broadcast is finished. This doesn't mean that you can't edit it though. If your video is extremely long you may wish to edit it into two parts. Two shorter videos are more manageable for viewers than putting aside 1 hour to watch a longer one.

As well editing your video allows you to remove any portions that aren't as important. Or if you had a technical issue or gap you can now simply remove it from the final version.

With a little forethought and planning you can easily create enjoyable Google+ Hangouts that are as much fun for your guests, as it was for you in hosting them.