Facebook, Linked-In, Google Plus
| Site: | Linked-In | Google+ | |
| General | Facebook is a social networking website operated & privately owned by Facebook, Inc. Users can add friends, send them messages, and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. | LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site. Definitely more professional. | Google Plus is a social network / identity service. There is tight integration with other Google apps. |
| Slogan | Facebook is a social utility that connects you with the people around you | Relationships Matter | Real-life sharing, rethought for the web. |
| Features | Facebook features include the Wall, Photos, Status, Pokes, Gifts, Messaging, Classified section, upload options and others. | LinkedIn features include adding business connections into the contact list, adding resumes and finding potential jobs, screening candidates, searching company profiles and statistics, LinkedIn Answers and Groups. Good News Feature | Google+ features include Circles, Hangouts, +1 button, integration with other Google applications. Circles allows you to pick and choose who can see your content, making it a bit like your Facebook wall with groups mixed in. |
| Privacy |
see Data Policy
History of problems; much stronger today. | see Linked-In Policy Good policy. |
See Privacy Policy They are addressing identity issue. |
| Identity | User must give real name when registering but can pick a member name of choice | User must give real name when registering but can pick a member name of choice | Current controversy re requiring user identity is being addressed |
| Registration | Required | Required | Must have Google log-in |
| Advertising | Banner ads, referral marketing, casual games | Google, AdSense | |
| Alexa rank | 2 | 13 | 1 |
- All are now multilingual, handle public and private groups (although in different ways)
- Not a question of either/or. You will benefit from joining all three.
- Sources:
- Wikipedia, 31 October 2011: Facebook, Linked-In, Google+
- Facebook versus LinkedIn Comparison Chart: www.diffen.com/difference/Facebook_vs_LinkedIn