Google Announces Google Places
Written by Nathaniel Deal
Google has announced that it would be changing the name of the "Local Business Center" to "Google Places".
The change came about when Google realized that people were searching the web for places in the real world and not businesses.
The new "Google Places" directory also comes with a great deal of Google changes. In fact these changes are changing my life as we speak.
Google plans to add new features to simplify business interaction with its potential customers.
Here are some of the new features:
1. Service Areas: A business will be able to show which service areas they provide services to on a geographical map. And if you run a business without a storefront or office location, you will have the option to make your address private.
2. Highlighted Ads - For $25 month Google will give a business the option to have their listing highlighted to stand out above the competition. This option is already available to Austin, Atlanta and Washington and will available to other major cities very soon.
3. Request A Photo Shoot - Businesses in select cities can request Google to come to their storefront and take a photo for the directory. How cool is that?
4. QR Codes - If you haven't heard about QR codes than you should get more info on them, because they will soon be a major player in commercial branding across the world. QR codes are the funny little square bar-codes that you see on your products at home. You can scan these codes with your smart phone to see more info about products online. Now Google will allow you to advertise your business in one tiny square box. QR codes can be printed on your business cards or other printed advertisements and your customer can scan it and go directly to a mobile version of your Google Place page for directions, store info, photos, etc.
These new additions to Google Places will be crucial to any business that wants to stay ahead of the competition, so be on the lookout.
