Google+ Local Replaces Google Map Listings
By pam@mannixmarketing.com
There was no surprise here at the Mannix Marketing SEO department today at Google’s announcement that they are replacing the Google map listings with Google+ Local, integrating Google+ into the current local business and map listings and incorporating the more robust Zagat review platform into the mix. We have been promoting the use of Google+ pages for all
of our clients since early this year. (Need an optimized Google+ business page? Contact Pam Sissons!)
What Are The Changes?
For some time now it’s been pretty clear that the Google+ platform is here to stay and will be the top-tier layer for all of its tools and platforms. Google+ Local is a blend of business pages with maps, business information, social and reviews. Essentially it will replace the current local business listings with a far more robust and dynamic listing. People will be able to post images to the page, share it, +1 it and submit reviews through Zagat.
If You Have a Google+ Page…
The new tab on the left side of your Google+ page lets you browse in a number of ways. You can search for a specific business by name, or search by topic (hotels, restaurants, spas, etc.) When you click on a listing, you will come to the Google+ local page for that business with photos, reviews, Zagat scores, and some of the same helpful information the Google map listing provides. Mobile is on board as well – Google Maps for mobile is available on the Android, and will soon be available on iOS devices.
If You Don’t Yet Have a Google+ Page:
Google says:
“If you don’t yet have a Google+ Page for your business, we encourage you to create one now. And if you do already have one, hold tight for news on how to get it linked to your local listing.
Since Google+ has been created to serve primarily as the “umbrella” for Google’s tools and programs, everyone will have one eventually. (Get ahead of the curve – our Mannix SEO Team can create a Google+ page for your business and update your map listing to Google+ Local. )
What is Zagat?
If you aren’t familiar with Zagat, it started as a rating directory for restaurants and diners over 30 years ago. It was recently purchased by Google and has morphed into a comprehensive guide offering reviews and ratings for dining, lodging, shopping and recreation worldwide. Zagat is based on a 30-point rating system, allowing reviewers to be provide more thoughtful and detailed ratings based upon their experience. Not a bad thing!
Although it got off to a slow start socially, Google+ is on track to be the go-to destination for everything Google, pulling together all the pieces to include search, social, ratings, mobile and maps. Call us today at (518) 743-9424 for more information, or email us for more information on how and why you should update your map listing to Google+ Local!
May 31st, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Zagat has truly arrived! I have been searching the net for ways that I can help our small business clients see that social media is worthy. (I work out of Australia for Think Big Online but used to live in NYC and never left the house without my Zagat.) Many of our customers are old-school small biz owners and they don’t understand the power of social. One bloke (sweet as he is) says, “Why do I need a Facebook page? I have plenty of friends.” I think something like Google+ Local will show our local firms that people will utilize their friends’ reviews and suggestions. And if they aren’t in it, they’re not gonna win it! I’ve gone cheesy. Very early am here in Oz. Alisa
June 9th, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Looks like Google + won’t be going anywhere soon… While they’re going to make it difficult for local business owners to not play will they get their consumers to play.. Thanks for the info Pam