Google initially started its Google+ project to limited users in its field trial to make sure it scaled and performed well to ensure a great user experience. Over the last few days it has opened up the invites again for people to join its new second generation social network and the users are flooding in.
The impact of Google+ is starting to be significant. I have been keeping an eye on the traffic it is referring to my blog and in just a few days it is now the 3rd highest referrer of traffic behind Twitter and Facebook in just one week.
The most staggering statistic that has emerged is that it appears to be on track to add 20 million users in just 3 weeks.
Paul Allen has performed what appears to be quite an accurate analysis using surname sampling that he estimates is 99% accurate.
The Google+ Growth Rate
Applying his model he tracked and calculated the following growth over the last week
- On July 4 Google + had 1.7 million users in limited field trial
- July 10, Google + reaches a user base of 7.3 million users (350% increase in 6 days)
- On July 12 Google+ reached 9.5 million new users (2.2 million added in just 32-34 hours)
- Projected numbers by July 16 are estimated at 20 million (if they keep the invite button available)
These growth rates appear to be exceeding the past growth records by Facebook or Twitter.
The thing to keep in mind is this has been achieved while Google has been throttling back and severely limiting invites to the new network.
Also, this is all happening before the Google plus social network is even opened to companies.
The world it seems is ready for a second generation social network. What do you think?
More Reading:
Why Google’s New Second Generation Social Network Google+ Will Threaten Facebook
8 Facts About Twitter that may Surprise You as it Adds 100 Million Users