Google’s transition of Google Places to G+ Local will certainly have a tangible impact on the web, especially for local businesses. Currently, there is no link between a company’s G+ Local page, and their G+ Brand page, but Google has already stated they plan to merge the two.

Although the number varies, approximately 25 percent of the more than 2.5 billion daily Google searches are locally focused, which makes creating an effective presence on G+ critical to the success of your business.

And Google’s acquisition of Zagat in September 2011 – along with its highly successful consumer rating system – only further emphasizes the importance of establishing a positive business persona on Google+ and, in turn, Google+ Local.

While there may be a few types of businesses that won’t see a big benefit from building a Google+ page, local businesses are sure to see the most immediate effect. Professional service providers may be content with simply creating a G+ page and leaving it be, but G+ Local is firmly nudging local businesses to nurse their presences.

Any business already listed in Google Places has been transitioned to Google+ Local, but you need to take advantage of the new opportunities offered. Sometimes the simplest tasks can echo into future success:

• Get your dot on the map – if your business was not listed on Google Places and is not listed on Google+ Local, you may be missing out on potential customers among the 375 million people who use Google every day
• Claim your brand – building a Google+ page can help enable customers to more easily find you
• Upload your pictures – don’t ignore those consumers who are visually inspired. Web analytics and user testing continues to prove some people may not even acknowledge the most eloquent of descriptions but can be captivated by a few snapshots.
• Generate customer reviews – it may take extra time to secure these, but customer reviews enhance credibility. There has also been speculation that the number of reviews – even if negative – will greatly improve search performance.
• Refine your message – a little bit of competitive analysis can go a long way. Find out what your competitors are doing and use this knowledge to elevate your message

Keeping up with the Internet’s evolution – from new social media channels to innovative applications – can either be a headache or an opportunity to get ahead of your competitors.

Have questions? Cool Blue can help. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through these changes, and help you understand what they mean to your business. By being the first to act, you open a window to achieving critical differentiation. Contact us today!

Related Articles:
2011-10-31 Google Announces Brand Pages
2011-07-25 What Does the Google +1 Button Mean to You?
2010-12-10 Google's Going Places