Back in May, Google unveiled their new consumer review product Google+ Local. This free service allows users to make recommendations about places they frequent and gives people the opportunity to search for, and read reviews of, places they are looking to try.
So, how is this different from Google Places, the product it replaces? The biggest difference is that Google+ Local is tied directly to Google+, which lets users rely directly on their social network for discovery of new places — the thought being that if your friend liked a particular restaurant, you will probably like it, too.
Small, local businesses need to pay close attention to Google+ Places despite its ties to a niche social network. Because of the intense competition with Facebook to stake a claim on social discovery advertising, and the billions in revenue it could generate, expect Google+ to become more of a player.
As the search giant forces users to have a Google+ account to comment, etc., expect the businesses that have more social interaction (shares, recommendations, etc.) to reap the benefits of high page ranks in organic search engine results, etc. The game has changed — it’s no longer just a lot of mostly-positive reviews that will do the job.
You need Google+ Local as a small business owner and here’s how you get the ball rolling:
1. Establish a personal Google+ account
In order to gain access to your business’s Google+ Local account, you first have to have a Google+ account (You see what they did there?). Setoneup using as much or as little information as you want.
2. Claim & create a Google+ Local business page
After filling out the basic information, you’ll be asked to validate your listing via a phone call or text message to prove ownership. Then, you’re ready to get started.
If you’re familiar with creating a Facebook business page, you can easily set up a Google+ page. While much of the vernacular is different, the meanings are still the same (e.g. your friends are in “circles,” not groups; instead of “Like” you have “+1,” etc.).
3. Interact with customers
Now you have another platform to try and build a better relationship with your customers. Upload photos, post polls, respond to questions and more.
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About The Author:
Gerald Ford is a writer who loves to write articles on web Design and development tips. He would like to encourage you to hit upon nc internet marketing and Raleigh search engine optimization at clickoptimize.com to know more.
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