Google+ Local - Google+ local to replace google places

Google+ Local to Replace Google Places Google has announced today that it has created a new tab on Google+ called Google+Local, which is designed to replace Google Places. According to the search engine giant, Google+ Local will be a simple way to discover and share local information featuring Zagat scores and recommendations from people you trust in Google+. How Google + Local Works Once you access the Local tab on the left, you will be able to search by topic and location. If you click on a restaurant, doctor’s office, real estate agent, etc…, you’ll be taken to a local Google+ page that includes photos, reviews from people in your circles, Zagat scores and summaries, and other useful information contained in Google Places, like the company address and hours of operation. In addition, G+ Local is also integrated into other Google products, such as search, maps, and their mobile apps. If you have not yet set up a Google+ Brand Page for your business, then click here for an instructional video. Google+ Local | What are Zagat Scores? Google+ Local is utilizing Zagat in an effort to bring you a more balanced scorecard approach to reading reviews. Zagat is designed to summarize thousands of scores and reviews into one simple review. Traditionally, Google Places, as with other review sites, used only a 5 star ratings system. However, Google+ Local wants to provide users with a breakdown of multiple factors. For example, a restaurant will be graded on a scale of 0-3 on the following three categories: Food, Decor, & Service. Plus, people can type in their average cost. Zagat will go through and provide an average overall score based on these reviews. The following is the Zagat ratings scale: 0 – 10 Poor to fair 11 – 15 Fair to good 16 – 20 Good to very good 21 – 25 Very good to excellent 26 – 30 Excellent to perfection So, for example, a restaurant that has great food but not great decor might be 4 stars on Yelp, but with the Zagat scoring system, you would be able to see a 25 in Food and an 10 in Decor, and know that it might not be the best place to take your family.