Updated June 1, 2022
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Regular Office Hours to Answer Questions
If you’re a hard-core Webmaster, you’re probably very familiar with Google Webmaster Tools and Matt Cutts’ videos. In the spirit of answering questions (in real-time), Google Webmaster Hangouts has regular office hours. Let’s explore what these hangouts offer those managing an online presence.
What Are Google Webmaster Hangouts?
Google+ hangouts offers an easy way to connect users with members of the Google Webmaster Central team. Before Matt Cutts left on his leave (not sure when he’ll return), he often recorded videos answering questions like “What’s considered thin content?” and “Will backlinks lose importance?”
Via the hangout technology, you can join conversations and have direct access to Google. John Mueller, a Webmaster Trends Analyst in Switzerland, is the new spokesperson and hosts many of the Google Webmaster Hangouts. Generally 1-3 times a week he’ll host a hangout (announced a few days in advance). They are open to the public (you’ll need a Google+ profile, of course) and they last about an hour. Topics are varied. If you can’t attend a hangout, they are archived and viewable via their YouTube channel. You can see the next scheduled office hours via the Webmaster Central Site.
The Downside
Matt was a master at answering questions in bite-sized chunks. Often his videos were 3-5 minutes long. If you were looking for a specific answer and had a short amount of time, they fit the bill perfectly. He also had an easy-going style and way of simply communicating complex concepts. While John Mueller does an excellent job, my beef is with the length of the videos. I don’t know about you, but I often don’t have 60-minutes of uninterrupted time … even to watch interesting and important subjects. Sign me up for the Cliff Notes version, please.
Have you attended a Google Webmaster Hangout? Worth 60 minutes?
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