The day will soon arrive. Google Places is finally going in the recycle bin. It’s highly likely that no one will miss what has been quite a messy mixture of Google Places and Google+ Local. Last May, Google’s local search results and listings (a.k.a. Google Places) were changed to Google+ Local. In an effort to create a more interactive and personalized feel, the old “Places” is now the very social world of Google+.
So, what’s the big deal?
And it looks better too. With the latest staged upgrade called the “Dashboard”, Google is promising a backend tool that aesthetically looks more “Google-ish” with all of the navigation on the left side panel. The Dashboard offers new functions while allowing you to manage your own business information that shows up in Google searches.
Update your company’s information, post photos, share videos and posts – all of this can happen on Google+ Local in a seemingly seamless way. Using the navigation tab on the new Google+ Dashboard, all business owners with a Google+ account will have simple access to all of these types of activities.
You’ll now be able to see reviews and recommendations from people who you actually know. And say goodbye to the stars and hello to Zagat ratings! Zagat is a much more detailed way to survey businesses than people simply approximating how many stars to award based on their experience.
Yes, within 48-hours, any changes you make will be reflected on Maps and all Google services. If you have any idea of how “un-fast” updates were before, this is pretty impressive.
Why should you embrace the change?
Google+ Local is a whole new world compared to the old Places. Of course, anything new requires a little work at first. To make the most of your experience, these are the important things to familiarize yourself with a bit.
Make sure you setup a profile for your business. This is where you get to show everyone what your business is all about. Make an impression on visitors and get new business. The information you put on your profile will show everywhere you are shown on Google.
You can now take control over what you share with whom. When you post updates, you can choose to share with selected users instead of the entire world.
Focus your attention on shared interests and gain more exposure to those who really care about the products or services you offer. By joining communities, you can associate yourself with the right people and make a real big impression.
Share your pictures with all the right people, at the right time, in the right place. Google+ now allows you to post high-quality photos and save them safely in your private album as well.
Video chat on Google+ is on a whole new level. With up to nine friends at a time, this is a great way to meet-up or even hold informative sessions about upcoming events and special offers. Get up close with your online audience, and fast!
Google+ is with you all the time. Backup photos to your album, video chat, create events, make updates and posts to your profile – do it all from anywhere!
The development and perfection of Google+ Local has been long awaited and is said to be worth the wait. If you’re not into change, try to keep an open mind. Not only will you be able to manage everything about your business on the Dashboard, in no time you’re bound to appreciate all of the many features of Google+ Local.
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