Updates at Google
In addition to adding Google Earth view to Google maps, local business information is added to Google street view making it more important than ever to have a completed business listing on Google for your brokerage or office.
Google’s aim to make content more “discoverable” is currently focused on mapping. The news of the street view release allows people to search and browse more readily or to locate your offices from their phones when Street View isn’t enough of a visual indicator. Sometimes office buildings in a row are difficult to distinguish from one another, so this can be quite helpful.
Things you should know about a business listing
We’ve previously outlined some important things you should know about Google Local Business Center. Take a moment and go to Google Maps and search for your business. If all it says is your phone number, you have an incomplete profile which does you no good, given the mainstream nature of Google search. If the map marker shows your office somewhere it isn’t, you can change that.
Remember, Google indexes reviews of your company or service through various review sites, so you don’t have control over that and should keep an eye on it and respond professionally to all reviews. Google has gone out of their way to own your information as content truly is king. Don’t be scared, just be alert and complete all of your profile information so when people are looking for you they can actually find you!
Business info in action:
Below are screenshots of AgentGenius writer Janie Coffey’s offices as seen through Google street view with the new local business information popup:
Janie Coffey
May 27, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I don’t know how I missed that! That is crazy, the street view goes right to our elevator vestibule! Wow! Now it’s time to see YOU there 😉