Google's Answer to Twitter Released Today

I opened up my Gmail account this afternoon after lunch and was surprised to be offered something called "Google Buzz." I launched it and the first thought that popped in my head was: "Google is going after Twitter."

It looks superficially like Twitter and it's fully integrated into my Gmail account. When I opened it I was already being followed by 4 people, I was given a list of 29 people to follow, and I had the option of connecting it to my blogs, my Picasa account and my Twitter account. It also already had 2 postings on there from my last 2 blog entries.

The postings have options on them to Comment, Like, or Email them to other people.

It has the option to post pictures, videos and links and does not have the 140 character limit that Twitter gives you. The online "buzz" is that this is Google's attempt at a Twitter killer. Only time will tell.

Post To Your Place Page - New on Google Place Pages

I was working on one of my customer's place pages, as I do on a daily basis, when I came across a new tool in the top right-hand corner. The option to place a message on my customer's place page that expires in 30 days.

I called the customer for a quick blurb to try out the new tool and here's how it looks.

A great tool that my customers have been asking for. Try it out today.

Local Search Demo Video

Happy 2010 to everybody. We just created a video demonstrating some of our customers' searches. Take a look and let us know what you think.

KML and Geo Sitemap Tool

I just came across a blog post on a tool to create KML files and geo sitemaps. For the uninitiated (which included myself up until 45 minutes ago) a KML file is what Google Earth, Google Maps, and a variety of other mapping programs use to store map information.

The idea is to use this tool to create files that you put on your website to get yourself on the map easier. Yet another trick of the trade to add to my toolbox.

I'm Thankful for Google Chrome

I downloaded Google's browser, Chrome, when it came out and over time it's become my browser of choice. I just found an online comic book by Scott McCloud that Google published explaining pretty much everything about Chrome that I love. Take a look and try Chrome out. It's great.

Google Changes Their Business Listing Quality Guidelines

Google made a change last week to their Business Listing Quality Guidelines. The big issue was that Google was requiring people to list their full legal business name as the company name, but they quickly reversed direction on that decision. Many companies don't actually do business under their legal name (I don't!) and requiring it on a Google listing may have been a step too far.

Another big change is that PO Boxes no longer count as physical addresses. I can see this really affecting how mobile businesses do their listings, especially in the lawn maintenance, locksmith, plumber, electrician, and repair industries. I have a few customers that I'll need to fix this for. There has to be an elegant way to address this issue for those kinds of customers. I guess we'll have to wait for Google to come up with it.

As always, pay attention to what Google wants and you'll get good results in your Local Search efforts.

Google Maps and free business local listings

The bottom line? Google is mapping the planet one place at a time and providing it for us in Place Pages. The information gathered in different ways, is enhanced, in typical Google fashion, by users around the globe making it more human, more useful. Can SMBs benefit? A Google SVP recently spoke about Maps and noted: “Everything is finally in place to enable small businesses to connect with customers online”.

These technologies and the competitive implications of Google’s moves to map everything including local businesses means that if you are not using the internet to YOUR business' full advantage today, you are simply missing out.

FREE ADVICE if you haven't claimed your Google local business listing already: watch this two minute video brought to you by Google to learn how. IT IS FREE!

Today in the US alone, there are almost 1billion searches with local intent from consumers which are ready to buy a product or service. Searches are getting longer, more granular. Down to the city or zip code, niche service, brand, model, or whatever your company sells.

Furthermore, geospatial information is the building block for the whole next generation of user experience from smart phones to virtual reality. More reason to do something now if you want to take advantage of emerging opportunities. It is not when you are going to do something for your business to BE FOUND...it is a matter of when.

We believe your business is #1 and businesslocallistings.com is 100% effective in getting it there. Visit our FAQs tab and I will show you how to get your local listing to the #1 spot. Our pricing (see Packages tab) is yet another reason why your business local listing can't wait.

Call me for a free consultation about how to make your business local listing #1...especially when a user queries for that specific brand you carry or any product or service you offer.

Increase visibility. Increase sales.

Get your SMB on the map today!

Michael Alfonso
Business Local Listings - South Florida
954-600-4066

web: www.businesslocallistings.com
email: malfonso@businesslocallistings.com