Google Maps Launches Nearby Places Suggestions ? How Will It Impact Your Business?

 

 

Google has recently launched the 'Nearby Places You Might Like' suggestions on Google Maps. When you search for a place on Google Maps, you would be presented with suggestions about other places in and around the same vicinity that Google thinks you might be interested in. This is a sort of recommendation feature that aims to help users explore cities and neighborhoods.

 

A Google blog post says “We do not limit these suggestions to places sharing any specific characteristic; instead, we use a broad set of signals to come up with what are hopefully the most interesting suggestions.”

When you try searching for something, you will see a broad array of suggestions. While some seem to be related to proximity of the business whose Place Page you're browsing, others seem to be competitors of the same. Now this feature is more of an oxymoron!

It can have a positive as well as a negative impact on your business.

Positive: When someone searches for a business in your location, you have a bright chance of getting featured in the Nearby Places You May Like segment.

Negative: When someone searches for your business, they would also get to see (and check out)

your competitors listing as well. This could also include your established customers who would be encouraged to “try something new”

What do to?

This is just another update that reinstates the importance of Local Search. The best bet is to optimize your website for location. As far as concerns about visitors going astray is concerned, a strong brand that pleases its customers seldom loses their loyalty.

So make sure you provide enriched customer satisfaction while continuing to optimize your web presence.

 

  Mon, 8 February 2010  04:33:15
 Posted for: Web Design & Development