Over the past few months I’ve heard a number of smart marketers say, “I’m already overwhelmed by Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, do I really have to do Google+ too?”

The answer is “Yes, absolutely.”

Here’s why.

• In the 100 days since launch, 40 million people have joined Google+. Analysts project membership will reach 60 million by year end. Those numbers are small versus Facebook, but closing in on Twitter’s 100 million active users.
• Google+ is attracting everyone’s favorite consumers: young (18-34 years old), well-educated, and affluent.
• The network is rapidly becoming gender balanced. Women are 32% of users, and that percentage is increasing every month.
• Consumers are engaged with Google+. They have uploaded 3.4 billion pictures in three months.
• Britney Spears will overtake Larry Page as the most followed person on Google+ any day now. That’s proof positive the site is no longer just for early adopters.
• Last week Google+ launched business pages. Your competitors may already be connecting with consumers.

• Are our customers on Google+?
• Can we afford to ignore a social network that is expanding this rapidly?