Google is bringing in new features for its recently launched Place Pages for local businesses. Businesses can instantly post data to their Place Pages from Google’s Local Business Center dashboard. When you log in, all you need to do is post updates, coupons, announcements, etc. and they will all be live within minutes.
This tool can be extremely useful for Internet marketing companies or other businesses that are running time-sensitive promotions and want people to use Google to find a local service in that area to see them.
Google is also introducing a badge for listings that have been claimed in the Local Business Center. “This helps our users identify listings that have been updated and improved by their business owners, helping them to trust that the information about your business is as accurate as possible. We are also making it even easier to claim your listing directly from the Place Page by following the ‘Business owner?’ link,” says Google. While the badges have been out for a while now, they haven’t been “formally” launched.
“We’re excited about how Place Pages can help business owners connect with the large number of new and existing customers who visit these pages each day. These users come to Place Pages to easily find basic information, photos, and reviews about your business, as well as a map, Street View photos, and nearby transit information to help them get to your doorstep.”
Local search and Place Pages appear to be an increasingly growing part of Google’s focus. The Favorite Places program and “Near Me Now’ feature are more evidence of that.