Some call Google+ the wasteland of social media, but the recent introduction of Google+ communities has breathed some life into the social network.

I still say the network's numbers are a little inflated (I think most people would agree), but Google+ remains a solid niche network for the right industries and audiences. And now with Google+ communities, you have another tool to consider and add to your marketing arsenal.

From a professional development perspective, what Google+ communities should you join and follow? It's a little tough to find them now, but Google+ gives you a few ways to discover them.

First, look at the "Discover communities" section below the list of communities you're a part of.

 

Of course, you'll likely be invited to participate in a number of communities if you're a semi-active Google+ user.

Second, the search function is an easy way to search for a specific community.

If you still come up dry, here are 14 Google+ communities for PR counselors and marketers that I've found helpful or, at the very least, interesting and engaging. These are all communities my friends, colleagues and blog readers have recommended to me.

1. Public Relations

Recommended by: Matt LaCasse

This is the best PR Google+ community I've seen so far. There is limited spam and self-promotion, and there are a bunch of smart PR people sharing ideas.

2. Google Analytics

I wonder if Adam Singer will get more involved here.

3. FIR Podcast Community

Hang out with the pros behind the For Immediate Release podcast, Neville Hobson and Shel Holtz.

4. Brand Socialites

Recommended by: Lauren Fernandez

This group is private, and only open to brand-side community managers and social media strategists. Tweet @brandsocialites if you're interested in joining.

Fernandez, a community manager for Landry's, said this was one of her best resources in terms of commiserating with other community managers who work for big brands. Given that it's private, she's probably right.

5. Cult of Mac

This community shares a lot of good Mac information on a regular basis, including how-tos, fixes and tips.

6. Hacker News

Recommended by: Adam Singer

This community will help you channel your inner geek.

7. Community Managers

Recommended by: Bob Stanke

This is one of the better community management communities I've noted so far.

8. Women of G+

Recommended by: Lauren Gray

I'm not exactly sure what to make of this community, but more than one person recommended it for this list.

9. WordPress

Recommended by: Jason Keath

This seems like a legitimate community bent on helping people. Many of the posts are questions about WordPress, and they are quickly followed with helpful answers.

10. Podcasters

Recommended by: Jason Keath

This community has limited self-promotion, and if you're looking to get started in podcasting (for yourself or on behalf of a client) this might be a good place to start.

11. Geeks

Recommended by: JR Rochester

Where else can you learn geek tidbits, like the date Temple Run 2 will launch?

12. Content Marketing & Social Media

Recommended by: Lauren Gray

This community mostly shares links, but there is a lot of good stuff here if your title includes "social media."

13. Google+ Discuss

Recommended by: Bob Stanke

This is a Google+ community about Google+. It's meta, but pretty good. There are a lot of questions and answers here. If you're a Google+ newbie, this is a good place to start learning.

14. Nexus 4 owners

Recommended by: Mike Keliher

If you're not an iPhone fan, chances are your phone is a Samsung, Blackberry or Nexus. Here's your one-stop shop for all questions, issues and concerns.

Arik Hanson is principal of ACH Communications. A version of this article originally ran on his blog, Communications Conversations.

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