The Internet is an ever-changing landscape. Similar to the constant evolution of the web is the constant evolution of search engine giant, Google.
If you have been on Google Places recently, you should have noticed that it looks different than it used to.
Google has been implementing changes to catch up with its primary rival, Facebook. Google has been integrating their key features into one platform. Those key features include their search engine, business directories, maps and social network. Google’s Vice President of engineering, Jen Fitzpatrick stated that, “With one listing, your business can now be found across Google search, maps, mobile and Google+, and your customers can easily recommend your business to their friends, or tell the world about it with a review”.
Right now, if your business has a Google Places page, you have nothing to worry about. To make it easy on users, Google went ahead and integrated all of the current Google Places pages into their new Google+ Local pages.
There is now a new tab inside Google+ called Local. It is located in the sidebar of Google+. These pages can still be reached through maps or the search engine; the new tab makes it easier for users on Google+ to find the Google+ Local pages. This is the new location of your business information.
How Google+ Local Works
The purpose of Google+ Local is to give users the ability to share and discover information regarding local businesses. The new layout facilitates social sharing of this information. They have also combined Google Places with Zagat review.
Now that these changes have been made, you do need to check your account and make sure that it has been converted correctly. Otherwise, you could lose business.
If your business is not listed at this time, you should take care of it sooner than later. To reiterate the importance of listing your business, do a search in Google for businesses that are similar to your business. You will see how much of your competition is already listed and taking your potential clients and/or customers.
You need to set up your Google Plus Local profile and update it on a regular basis. People will have the ability to write reviews about your business and they will also be able to recommend your business to the people within their social network at one quick click of a button.
Let’s take a tour of the changes now.
The New Google+ Local Tab
The new Local tab is so that users can look for specific categories or places. It is on the left side in Google+. Clicking on the tab will take the user to the Google+ Local page of a business or company. Once on the page, the user will see contact information, location, pictures, plus reviews and Zagat scores.
What Are Zagat Scores?
Last year, Google purchased Zagat, a review company. Zagat scores and summaries are both shown on all of the Google+ Local pages. Zagat works by using a 30-point scale. It displays the average score of the reviews given to a company. Those scores are separated into categories. The summary of the scores can be found at the top of the page.
On a Google+ Local page, you will see scores ranging from 0-3 by each review. These are the score meanings:
0 is poor
1 is good
2 is very good
3 is excellent
Google+ Local provides you an excellent opportunity to advertise your business! You can add your logo, pictures, testimonials and a business description to tell your potential clients and customers all about your business.
Increase Your Rankings With Google+ Local
Each time a users leaves your business a review, it gets higher rankings in the local search engine page results. You need to get people writing and leaving your business positive reviews so you can gain even more visibility.
Nowadays, it is absolutely crucial to provide excellent customer service. This is how you get people to leave your business positive reviews. You must go above and beyond in all areas of your business. Those positive reviews will put you in front of new customers.
