Google Places: Google’s New Tool for Local Online Marketing
7F2E9JQ8HZ55
Today, Google announced a rebranding of one of its key features: the former Local Business Center is now known simply as Google Places.
One out of every 5 searches is location-based, so naturally Google wants to find ways to improve their local search results and make money off of the space, too. For that reason, along with the new name, Google is rolling out a slew of features including local search and map listings, realtime updates, custom QR codes and coupons, and more.
The three features we’re most excited about are:
- Service areas. A pizza business, for instance, can now only focus on advertising to customers who are in their delivery area.
- Local business photo shoots. That’s right – Google will now come to your local business and take photos, then add them to your Place Page.
- Tags. For $25 a month, local businesses can buy “tags” which will turn their businesses up in local searches, including Google Maps.
Obviously, this new update is a huge deal for local online marketing. Local businesses of all sizes stand to benefit from a well-optimized Google Place Page.
Tags: Google local, google maps, google places, local online marketing, small business
