Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Google Adding Web Reviews to Local Search
In the latest example of how rapidly search marketing is evolving, Google has said it will feature more editorial-style reviews in its Local Search product. The search giant formally launched Google Local today and said it will use its search technology to return more results with Web sites that offer third-party information about businesses related to keywords being searched for.
Reviews that contain basic information, such as hours of operation and services and features such as Wi-Fi Internet access, will be included, as will those giving positive or negative ratings on a location or business. The reviews, which Google announced at the Search Engine Strategies show in New York, will be just part of the local search results, which Google has said would also lean heavily on its new map search tools.
The local reviews will mimic those Google added in its shopping search site, Froogle. Within Google Local, the reviews include a red, yellow or green icon to indicate if a review was negative or positive.
The addition of reviews and maps underscore how important search companies feel it is to offer as much information and different types of information to customers as possible.
Google, like rivals such as Yahoo and AOL, have high hopes for local search, which could unlock huge revenue opportunities by creating targeted, less expensive search marketing products that could be customized for local businesses. Currently, the vast majority of paid search revenue comes from major corporations.
More information at Guardian eCommerce.
Brought to you by the Guardian eCommerce Safe Site And Privacy Seal Program.
Reviews that contain basic information, such as hours of operation and services and features such as Wi-Fi Internet access, will be included, as will those giving positive or negative ratings on a location or business. The reviews, which Google announced at the Search Engine Strategies show in New York, will be just part of the local search results, which Google has said would also lean heavily on its new map search tools.
The local reviews will mimic those Google added in its shopping search site, Froogle. Within Google Local, the reviews include a red, yellow or green icon to indicate if a review was negative or positive.
The addition of reviews and maps underscore how important search companies feel it is to offer as much information and different types of information to customers as possible.
Google, like rivals such as Yahoo and AOL, have high hopes for local search, which could unlock huge revenue opportunities by creating targeted, less expensive search marketing products that could be customized for local businesses. Currently, the vast majority of paid search revenue comes from major corporations.
More information at Guardian eCommerce.
Brought to you by the Guardian eCommerce Safe Site And Privacy Seal Program.
