Google has been busy introducing new site features geared toward local search and small businesses. The company launched a small business blog in August as an outlet to share small business stories and updates from Google.
Places
Google allows any business to register for a Places page which feature prominently in local searches. If you have not already claimed your Place page, stop what you are doing NOW, and go register your business.
Tags
More recently, Google offered two services built around your Place page: tags and now Boost. For $25 per month, “tags” will appear under your business search results and can link to coupons, photos, videos, blog posts, menus for restaurants, or a reservation system. Print shops, who have top local ranking with enough traffic volume, could easily test links to a % off coupon or a introductory video to the services offered.
(Example of a Google Tag)
Boost
Local searches are quickly becoming dominated by mobile traffic. Our phones are becoming the default choice for finding a new place to have lunch or store to get copies made. Boost gives busy, small businesses an easy sign-up form to for their businesses to start appearing as a “Sponsored Link”. Simply give a brief business description, add your website address, set your monthly budget level, and select the keywords to trigger your ad from a provided list. Unfortunately, Boost is not available in all areas yet. Use this sign-up form to be notified when the service is available in your area.
Google, in its mission to provide the best information, needs to have more accurate information for local businesses. Places, tags, and boost give Google more accurate information and revenue streams while providing the small businesses with more chances to be found.
Are you using Places, Tags, or Boost?
