The latest buzz in the social networking area is all about Google Buzz.  After playing with Google Buzz as a photographer for a while and looking at quite a few other’s reviews on Google Buzz there are some things to consider for photographers.

So what is Google Buzz?

If you’re familiar with FriendFeed you’ll see that Buzz isn’t much different.  It aggregates your content, allows you to share things from around the web, participate in open conversations, and connect with like minded individuals.  While Buzz is still in it’s infancy it holds one major advantage over FriendFeed.  It’s from Google.  That means that while FriendFeed may have pioneered this type of social networking platform, the footprint and reach that Google has will make Buzz the next giant in social networking regardless of the security issues and complaints (they’re wrong BTW) or how buggy and cumbersome it may be right out the gate.

Do you need to use Google Buzz as a photographer?

I think it depends.  While Buzz is a great tool for discovering new content from those you connect with and follow it can be a time killer.  This is, of course, something you have to consider when you join any social networking platform.  It’s all about your return on investment.

Who are you marketing to?  What are your goals?

If you focus your goals on local clients/businesses then Buzz may not actually be that beneficial yet.  It’s unlikely that you’ll find instant returns from Buzz because most people don’t know what to do with it.  If you’re business of photography networking scheme is based on garnering more incoming links and driving traffic to your website then I think Buzz is a great tool to add to your arsenal.

Right now Buzz is filled with great photographers crushing it in the social networking world.  You’ll find some familiar names to connect with and follow.  People like Shawn Duffy, Thomas Hawk, Trey Ratcliff and Jim Goldstein are all on Buzz and they are participating in conversations and sharing great photography content from all over the web.

So while we’re all trying to find out exactly how Buzz is best for our photography businesses it’s good to get connected with the early movers and shakers in the industry.  Social networking is still all about connecting.  Getting involved in the conversations is important because it puts your name and brand in front of the types of people that can push your content in front of bigger audiences.

It’s the early adopters that will get the most benefit from new platforms.  Especially when one of them is coming from a giant like Google.

My advice is to get your buzz on.  You probably don’t want to be left out of this one.

How am I using Buzz?

Right now I’m sharing photography articles and interesting things that get sent to my Google Reader.  I jump in on conversations when I have time and they interest me.  I’m using the “like” feature to push other people’s content up and I’m observing how other photographers and social media movers are using the network.

Let’s connect!

If you want to connect with me on Buzz here’s where you can find my profile.

Now you can put your Google Buzz profile in the comments and we’ll all follow each other as photographers and see what all the Buzz is all about.

Promo opportunity

Just wanted to throw out a quick art photographer promo opportunity I found and a few articles worth looking into.

International Print Center New York – New Prints Program
Deadline: March 5, 2010

International Print Center New York is pleased to announce a call for submissions of newly created artists’ prints to be considered for exhibition in the NEW PRINTS Spring exhibition opening in May 2010.  In keeping with our mission to promote the greater appreciation and understanding of the fine art print, IPCNY presents a selection of new prints four times per year.  Read the rest at Artist Marketing Salon.

How To: Sell Art on Facebook, Twitter, Digg, and more

Take Action! Don’t just read. Do!

Quick Tip: There’s no substitute for Quality!

Until next time…keep shooting and keep promoting!

Your Photo Promo recommends
"I'd Rather Be in the Studio"
by Alyson Stanfeild
as one of the most comprehensive
self-promotion books for artists
of any genre.