Google has changed the name of Local Business Centre to Google Places. They have issued a full (and lengthy) press release that claims the reason is to more closely associate Google Place pages with the tools business owners are using to register and manage business location information that is used in Google maps and location based searches.
So, what's different?
Well, first impressions is not a lot, in the UK at least but across the pond they are rolling out a bunch of new features which you bet will find their way over to us shortly. New features include:
- Service Areas - specify the geographical area you cover
- Sponsored Listings (Tags) - promote your listing for $25 a month (not available in UK yet)
- Photos of your office - self explanatory but not yet available: maps.google.com/businessphotos
There are a few other features available in the US that will likely be here soon, the most interesting being a barcode that can be reproduced on printed materials and which users can scan with a smartphone to view your google place page.
Some Interesting Information
Whilst the changes are not in themselves groundbreaking, you will benefit from updating (or creating) a listing. What is of more interest is some of the advanced reporting features that will show how often your listing is displayed, clicked on and interacted with in various ways (directions to etc).
Buried somewhere in amongst the several blog posts lay one very interesting fact that 20% of searches feature location data. Google users perform several hundred million search queries a day so 20% even when split into the UK and local areas is a hell of a lot of searches - dashing off to register your business yet?
What do you need to do?
If you have an existing listing you will want to 'claim' your business in the new places page to get access to the improved listing and features. If you have not got a listing yet and you run a local business then you are missing out on some free traffic. Eitherway, visit www.google.com/places to add or update your listing.
Need some help?
Looking for some advice? Drop me an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Marcus on 0121 314 2001.
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