Google Places
Google Places is now ‘Google+ Local’. As of today - May 30th - these have now merged and when you are logged into Google+, (you are logged in aren’t you?) you can see a new tab which gives you access to this information. You don’t actually need to be logged in to benefit from some of the changes but you know Google wants you logged in, so there is more to be had when you are whether accessing via Search, Mobile or Maps.
Although somewhat less visible here in the UK, after a few searches I made, is the full integration of Zagat Reviews. Focusing on Hammersmith, the listings and reviews available were all as expected so no dramatic changes from Google Local.
What has changed apart from the Zagat integration and their scoring system replacing Google’s surprisingly older looking start ratings, is the inclusion of a circles filter that allows you to find reviews and recommendations from friends.
Perhaps the most interesting change will be the Socialisation of the Google+ Local pages, making them much more dynamic in terms of the interactivity they can have between business owners and users. Perhaps a valid challenge to the Facebook platform for those already engaging with both Facebook and Google+? And the word is that more functions will be rolling out. Have a look at the great in-depth review from Searchengineland here.
What this does mean is that business owners really will have to pay more attention to Google+. We have been saying for a while that Google is serious about Google+ and this really is a significant step pushing businesses onto what is an undoubtedly improving platform.
