The #deletefacebook movement has gained momentum from concerns for fake news and nefarious corporate data harvesting.

But what could possibly replace Facebook? Does Google have the answer?

Skeletal social

After being famously declared ‘the walking dead’ in 2014, Google+ has persisted. Directionless, it’s plodded along with mindless zombie persistence.

Much of G+'s original corpus has fallen by the wayside, leaving it little more than a backbone that connects Google’s other consumer products.

Back from the Grave+

Yet somehow, Google+ has still been growing by 33% each year. Raka still recommends it for building your overall search profile. And, the platform continues to unveil new features, albeit with minimal pomp.

Over at Forbes, Anthony Karcz points out that Google+ has suitable (or superior) substitutes for Facebook’s Pages, Groups and Messenger.

Ad-free alternative

Google+ sidesteps concerns about Facebook’s manipulative ad targeting, because it has no paid ads. From the brand perspective, that may initially seem like a downer but it could actually be an opportunity.

Where there are no ads, account content matters. Harken, the heyday or organic social reach.

70% of brands are already on Google+. Pretty much all consumers already have a Google account (whether via gmail, an Android device or YouTube).

If the two sides can meet in the middle, Google+ could yet rise again.

When did you last give Google+ any of your time? Any plans to increase your efforts?

Copy Transmission is a Melbourne-based agency :: Better Brands. Loud & Clear.