Google Places Added To Google + Pages

Google To Merge Google Places with Google+

Published on June 4, 2012 by: James H. Hobson

Google has made another bold move in online content structure by deciding to merge Google Places into Google+.  Industry analysts belive that the strategy behind this change is to position Google to increase market share in the rapidly growing, and highly profitable, world of mobile advertising.  Many of these people also see this as a way to "encourage" more people to join Google+.

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Here is a video that shows you aspects of the changes:

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About the New Look

When Google+ users login to their Google+ home page, they will find a sidebar link for Google Places.  Google+ is becoming a very personalized asset for accessing the online information that you need, all from one central point - your own Google+ page.

Google Places will now include Zagat's reviews instead of the previous 5-Stars rating system.  Google owns Zagat's and has now found an excellent manner to leverage its authority reputation.

The new online presentation is a much richer user experience, and provides a very ample amount of relevant information about a particular business.  It does appear to be a format that is going to be more advantageous for a business which can afford to create high quality content (including videos) versus the small business which may not have the budget to market in a robust manner.

Google+ Advantages and Opportunities

As with any change, there are opportunities which can become advantages for those who are first-movers.  The die has been cast, so this new format IS a reality.  Accordingly, the smart business owner or manager will contact an internet marketing company to get Google Places consulting and/or Google Places and Google+ help to leverage every part of this new situation.

Google+ and a Positive ROI?

For Google there certainly will be a very positive ROI, and there certainly should be for savvy business owners who have customers that arrive via mobile search . . . but then again, isn't this what local search advertising is all about?  The likeability factor of merging local search with social media may not initially be enthusiastic however people will adapt.  What may start out as no-big-deal could prove to be a huge traffic driver for many businesses. Certainly the industry stats on mobile use, advertising investments and click through rates indicate a steady year-after-year growth that has not shown any signs of leveling off.

The bottom line is that themerging of Google Places with Google+ is something that will impact your business.  Whether it impacts your business in a positive or negative manner has a lot to do with how quickly you react, and the actions you take to make the most of this opportunity.

Google Plus - Unraveling The Thoughts Behind Google's Social Media Quest

Google Plus remains somewhat of a mystery. Presently not allowing anyone to join this new endeavor. The one thing that seems to be clearly evident is that this project has in its roots, a desire to learn deep, intimate details about a user's habits and personal preferences. At face value, yes, this could be viewed as being for strictly business purposes, meaning that ads delivered would be highly relevant and useful for the seller and the user (buyer). A wise person has to also contemplate the darker side of allowing any information aggregator to amass data that could be compromised or used for unintended purposes. Is Google's knowledge of your circle of friends really important for you?

With who else might persoanl data be shared? This could be the "permanaent record" we were all warned about in grade school, lol. Sharing "innocently acquired" data would be a breach of trust that would be a huge slap on the face of personal freedom. For Google, sharing this treasure trove of date would generate a LOT of cash, and/or garner a LOT of favor with the federal government (i.e., Federal Regulators, Dept of Justice, etc.)

I really admire Google for so many things, but the desire to "keep a folder on what I do" is one adventure I'll have to skip. Personally, I see this as being a LOT about Google, and only a LITTLE about the avaerage person. From the perspective of the avaerage internet user, "they're fixin' what ain't broke".

For another perspective you can view a fresh article by Barbara Ortutay at this link >> Google social net is about preserving leadership