Google Maps Click to Call
Google has released a new local search tool that will benefit any business; even the ones that do not have a web site. You can find the feature in Google Maps when you are looking at local businesses.
If you enter a search term for a hotel in our zip code, beside each listing you will find options for “more information”, “reviews”, and “call” as well as the street address and phone number. Clicking on the name of the listing will move the map to the location of the business and display more information such as their web site address if they have one.
The newest feature here is the “call” button. If you click on this button, you will get a new screen that invites you to enter your phone number. Beside this you will see an offer to “connect for free”. When you enter your phone number Google will place the call to the business for you.
For now, this service is free including long-distance charges. Google is paying whatever fees may be involved with the exception of your cell phone airtime fees. In Google’s own words, “Google pays for all calls, both local and long-distance. However, if you give us a mobile phone number, the normal airtime fees or other fees charged by your phone provider may apply.” A person in Utah can make a local call to your business in Poteau without you having an 800 number.
This is an example of what I described in earlier articles when I talked about click to call search marketing. Even without a web site most businesses can use the power of the Internet to help improve their sales and customer contacts. Other companies offer to just deliver your business listing during your normal hours of operation.
What can this mean for you as a business? Even if you have not put your business on the Internet it is possible for you to benefit from what people do there. What you should be doing right now is making sure your business listing is correct and up to date. I found several old listings for our local businesses just in the hotel search returns. Google does provide a way for businesses to update their information so you should take advantage of this as soon as possible. If you need help you may contact me for assistance.
Mike Myklin is an author, lecturer and Internet business owner specializing in Internet Marketing. You may contact him via email to mike@myklin.com or contact him through www.myklin.com where you will find these and other articles available for your research.
If you enter a search term for a hotel in our zip code, beside each listing you will find options for “more information”, “reviews”, and “call” as well as the street address and phone number. Clicking on the name of the listing will move the map to the location of the business and display more information such as their web site address if they have one.
The newest feature here is the “call” button. If you click on this button, you will get a new screen that invites you to enter your phone number. Beside this you will see an offer to “connect for free”. When you enter your phone number Google will place the call to the business for you.
For now, this service is free including long-distance charges. Google is paying whatever fees may be involved with the exception of your cell phone airtime fees. In Google’s own words, “Google pays for all calls, both local and long-distance. However, if you give us a mobile phone number, the normal airtime fees or other fees charged by your phone provider may apply.” A person in Utah can make a local call to your business in Poteau without you having an 800 number.
This is an example of what I described in earlier articles when I talked about click to call search marketing. Even without a web site most businesses can use the power of the Internet to help improve their sales and customer contacts. Other companies offer to just deliver your business listing during your normal hours of operation.
What can this mean for you as a business? Even if you have not put your business on the Internet it is possible for you to benefit from what people do there. What you should be doing right now is making sure your business listing is correct and up to date. I found several old listings for our local businesses just in the hotel search returns. Google does provide a way for businesses to update their information so you should take advantage of this as soon as possible. If you need help you may contact me for assistance.
Mike Myklin is an author, lecturer and Internet business owner specializing in Internet Marketing. You may contact him via email to mike@myklin.com or contact him through www.myklin.com where you will find these and other articles available for your research.
posted by Mike Myklin at 3:06 AM
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