Posted on August 15th, 2011 in Google+, Marketing, Social Media by Brandi Palechek

At the end of June, Google launched a beta version of its latest venture into the social media landscape, Google+. Judging from its record breaking growth and the sheer volume of articles, blog posts, Chrome extensions, specialty sites, and enhanced features that have emerged in the past few weeks alone, Google+ is definitely here to stay. Whether you are a network newbie or pro Plusser, I've gathered up a few resources, how-to's, tips, and tricks to help you get the most from your Google+ experience.

Getting Started

Have you received a Google+ invitation, but don't know where to start? This list of links will help you learn more about its unique features, show you how to set up your profile, as well as explain what makes Google+ so cool and help you understand what's got everyone so excited.

Your complete guide to Google+

CNET Associate Editor Sharon Vakin complies the best tips, guides, and tweaks to teach beginning users how to master Google+.

Google+ Tips & Tricks: 10 Hints for New Users

Amy-Mae Elliott from the social media and technology news hub Mashable shares 10 tips and tricks to help Google+ newbies go from novice to pro in no time.

What’s So Exciting About Google+ – An Overview

Author and social media maven, Mari Smith, shares her first impressions of Google+ and why she thinks the new social network will force Facebook to step up its game to stay competitive.

A guide to controlling privacy, info on Google+

Concerned about privacy? MSNBC's tech blog offers newbie (and pro!) Google+ users a step-by-step guide on how to set up privacy controls, including tips on how to access and update some of the social network's not-so-easy to find privacy settings.

What's new in Google+

Get Google+ help directly from Google with this blog that regularly updates users on the latest news and developments for the Google+ project.

Tips and Tricks

Already on Google+? Wondering how to make the most out of its profile features, circles, and hangouts? Check out this list of articles featuring resources, tips, and tricks for taking your Google+ experience to the next level.

31 Essential Google+ Resources

If you are loving Google+ so far and would like to to get more from your experience, check out this mega list of tools, reviews and tips from Mashable's Stephanie Buck.

How to Brand Yourself on Google Plus

Author and career expert, Heather Huhman shares a few simple and effective ways to use Google+ to build and enhance your personal brand.

It’s Not Who You Circle; It’s Who Circles You

One of the most unique and valuable Google+ features is Circles. In this blog post, business consultant and entrepreneur Chris Brogan discusses the true value of Circles and provides tips on how to get circled by the right people.

3 Ways To Use Google Plus In Your Content Marketing Efforts

While Google+ business profiles aren't available yet, B2B social media consultant Nate Riggs shares three ways content marketers can utilize the new social network in their everyday business practices starting today.

Google+ Hangouts: 4 Creative Ways People Are Using Group Video Chat

Learn how Google Plussers are making the most of its Hangouts feature by using it to connect with other users to teach cooking classes, host live concerts, and conduct business.

Additional Resources

Still want more? I've gathered up some additional articles that will teach even the most advanced users and Google Chrome fanatics a few new tricks.

40 Google+ tips and tricks for power users

Chrome fanatic will love this massive list of power-user pointers compiled by JR Raphael of the tech news and information hub ITworld.

The Mother of All Google+ Resource Lists

A gianormous list of resources for enhancing and improving your Google+ experience courtesy of The Next Web.

According to the latest round of rumors and Google's own official blog, Google+ business profiles are in development and will be rolled out in the coming weeks (Ford's beta business profile), games are on their way to the social network, and updates from users are starting to filter through to Google search as well as impact social search results.

While its numbers are no where near the hundreds of millions of accounts on Facebook, Google+ is clearly heating things up and creating some serious competition within the social media realm.

Have you created a Google+ profile? What are your thoughts and first impressions?

Do you have any helpful resources to share? What tips and tricks have you learned as you've explored the newest social network?

Please share your suggestions, tips, and your Google+ profile link in the comment section below.

Brandi Palechek is an exceptionally creative, entrepreneurial marketing professional with 10+ years experience in an digital media marketing environment. As the the owner of her own digital marketing consulting firm, Brandi currently works with clients in the Publishing industry by helping authors and publishing companies to develop and enhance their digital marketing programs.