Google Helpouts

Google S Hělpouts Helpouts /help:auts/, n. A new service provided by Google which enables users to get their questions answered by an expert via video camera. V A new program by Google which connects experts with people in need of answers via Google's social network, Google Plus. V Connects people who need help with people who can give help over live video. The Evolution of Helpouts 2001 Google Questions and Answers This service involved Google staffers answering questions by e-mail for a flat fee (US$3.00). It was fully functional for about 24 hours. Why did it shut down? The demand may have overwhelmed their resources. Google 2002 - 2006 Answers A text-based Q&A service which enabled users to ask questions and experts would answer them directly. It received more than 100 question postings per day when the service ended in December 2006. - Why did it shut down? The predominant assumption by the web community was that Google Answers fell prey to the rising success of Yahoo Answers. However, Google's stance seemed to be that Google Answers was just an experimental project and they needed to place priority elsewhere Google 2007 - 2012 k Knol • Essentially Google's answer to Wikipedia, Knol allowed users to share their expertise on a range of topics by writing and submitting articles. - Why did it shut down? Knol was ultimately not embraced by the public – possibly due to its limited ability to produce articles in large volume. Google's reason was that it needed to concentrate its efforts on more high impact products. Helpouts by Google 2013 • Helpouts is another effort by Google to compete and perhaps, become a leader in the Q&A field. Also, importantly, it is set to give Google's social network, Google Plus, a much needed boost. Time will tell if Helpouts turns out to be a success and stands the test of time. How do Helpouts work? Case study Home repairs Problem How do I replace a kitchen faucet? Solution Check availability of Helpout providers Step 1 Step 2 Log on & find an expert If you want your question to be answered immediately, look for a provider who has a green “Available for live help now" button on their listing. Otherwise, every listing has a link to the provider's Helpouts calendar. You can pick a time slot or send a message to request a Helpout. Go to the Home & Garden listings and find an appropriate Helpout provider - a professional plumber or a DIY expert would be ideal. Step 3 Step 4 Start the Helpout Arrange payment Coogle e Some Helpouts are free, for others you will either pay on a per minute basis or pay a flat-rate per session e.g. $10 per When you start a Helpout, a video window will pop up, and you can see the provider and they can see you. During the session, you can point your camera to show what exactly you need help with e.g. your sink. 15 minute session. You will need to have a Google Wallet account set-up in order to arrange payment. Cooking Personal training TYPES OF Helpouts Tech support Plumbing Music lessons Kitchen design DIY Beauty tips Life coaching The Pros and Cons of Helpouts PROS CONS : No need to search : Cost O Eliminates the need to search for answers like you would do on YouTube. Although some Helpouts are free, for others you will have to pay. e.g. $10 per 15 minutes. There are already many 'how-to' videos you can access for free on YouTube. : Access to experts You have a range of qualified experts at your fingertips who have been vetted by Google. : Not easy to access You need to have a Google Plus account and a Google Wallet account (if you plan to use paid Helpouts) set-up in order to avail of Helpouts. : Possible payment issues : Immediate feedback |4 Helpouts allow for real-time answers. No clear policies seem to be in place to deal with possible payment issues that may arise e.g. if you are in the middle of a Helpout and the connection breaks, will you get a refund for a pay per session Helpout? : Convenience You can schedule a Helpout at a time that suits : Less scope for opinion You are just getting the opinion of one expert on Helpouts as opposed to getting the opinion/ advice from many, like you may receive when searching for answers on YouTube. you. : Easy access to information You can record Helpout videos to be accessed at any time. : Cancellation fees A cancellation fee may apply for late cancellations or "no-shows" for a paid Helpout. Interesting Facts Well-known companies currently offering Helpouts include, Rosetta Stone, Sephora, One Medical, Weight Watchers and Sears. Rosetta Stone. one Weight Watchers sears MEDICAL GROUP Google offers useful tools in its Helpouts, for example, you have the ability to take a photo during a Helpout or you can allow a provider access to your computer to help you fix a problem. 20% Google takes a 20% cut from providers per paid non-health Helpouts. In order to qualify as a Helpout provider, you will have to go through a screening process. This can include providing an actual Helpout to a member of the Google team. One of the most expensive Helpouts currently being offered is Pediatrician-led Breastfeeding and Newborn Support at $150 per hour. Customers must be 13 years of age or older to use Helpouts and providers must be 18 years or older to give help on Helpouts. CPfoc Driving Profitability For Our Clients The Home of Scientific Online Marketing! www.dpfoc.com REFERENCES knol.google.com/faq helpouts.google.com/home en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Answers blogoscoped.com/archive/2007-08-09-n28.html www.slashgear.com/google-helpouts-only-latest-in-long-line-of-human-help-engines-05304336 www.socialmediafrontiers.com/2013/11/google-in-need-of-their-own-helpout.html#.UPDVZSQ72S0