When Google+ and Google+ Pages for business were introduced a little less than a year ago many people in the local search arena began anticipating the day when Google would merge or integrate Google Places and Google+ Pages. Well, today is that day.
Google Places pages have been entirely replaced by new Google+ Local pages. As of this morning roughly 80 million Google Place pages worldwide have been automatically converted into 80 million Google+ Local pages, according to Google’s Marissa Mayer. It’s a dramatic change (for the better) though it will undoubtedly disorient some users and business owners.
(See our related Google+ specific coverage, New Google+ Local Tab Unveiled, Will Replace Google Places, at Marketing Land.)
A Range Of Changes Implemented
Here’s a brief overview of what’s new and what’s changing:
* The substitution of the new Google+ Local pages (as mentioned) for Google Places pages
* The appearance of a “Local” tab within Google+
* The integration and free availability of Zagat reviews (its entire archive across categories)
* The integration of Google+ Local pages across Google properties (search, Maps, mobile)
* Integration of a circles filter to find reviews/recommendations from friends/family/colleagues
Static Places now give way to more dynamic Google+ Local pages. Google’s star ratings are also being replaced by the Zagat 30-point rating scale (for user reviews as well).
For details please visit to: http://searchengineland.com/google-places-is-over-company-makes-google-the-center-of-gravity-for-local-search-122770
Google Places pages have been entirely replaced by new Google+ Local pages. As of this morning roughly 80 million Google Place pages worldwide have been automatically converted into 80 million Google+ Local pages, according to Google’s Marissa Mayer. It’s a dramatic change (for the better) though it will undoubtedly disorient some users and business owners.
(See our related Google+ specific coverage, New Google+ Local Tab Unveiled, Will Replace Google Places, at Marketing Land.)
A Range Of Changes Implemented
Here’s a brief overview of what’s new and what’s changing:
* The substitution of the new Google+ Local pages (as mentioned) for Google Places pages
* The appearance of a “Local” tab within Google+
* The integration and free availability of Zagat reviews (its entire archive across categories)
* The integration of Google+ Local pages across Google properties (search, Maps, mobile)
* Integration of a circles filter to find reviews/recommendations from friends/family/colleagues
Static Places now give way to more dynamic Google+ Local pages. Google’s star ratings are also being replaced by the Zagat 30-point rating scale (for user reviews as well).
For details please visit to: http://searchengineland.com/google-places-is-over-company-makes-google-the-center-of-gravity-for-local-search-122770
