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A recent change to the way Google lists local businesses is set to transform the online
marketing landscape -- for the better. Gone is the familiar Google Places listing to be
replaced with the more social 'Google+ Local' format.
While still in the transition process, the plan is to merge Google's social media platform,
Google+ (which continues to grow at a pace) with Google Places, to create Google+ Local
Pages. The result being that all searches conducted via Google Search and Google Maps
will also include Google+ Local Page results.
Add to this the Google+ recommendation feature (called Zagat) and you have a very powerful
way to market your business at a local level.
Zagat scores will be used to rate businesses on Google+ Local. The Zagat scoring system
has effectively replaced the 5-star rating shown on Google Places with feedback based
on a broader customer experience.
So what will these far reaching changes mean for the average local business?
1. Google+ Pages provide more interactive features making it easier to connect with
customers on a social level. 2. All local businesses can be rated by customers
using the Zagat scoring system, not just hospitality businesses like hotels and restaurants. 3.
Your Google+ feedback will undoubtedly have a bearing on your Google Search Engine rankings.
4. A programme to consistently obtain positive customer feedback will be vital. 5. Online
Reputation Management will become critical for local businesses in every sector -- both
to help highlight positive comments and just as importantly, promptly react to negative
feedback.
Undoubtedly, there is no better way to market your business than through customer recommendations
-- Google+ Local provides this opportunity. With almost certainly more innovative changes
to come, resting on your laurels could mean being left behind your more proactive competitors.