How Important Is Google Maps to Local Business Owner?

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I recently shifted to Chicago. Spread across a wide area of 22.63 square miles, it is quite easy for a person to lose himself. Moreover, the city looks similar everywhere, with huge skyscrapers touching the sky. I was badly in need of a mapping device. I pulled out my latest smart phone and Googled. Not only me, but people residing in any part of the world have access to information by just typing in the state, country or zip code.

I had difficulty in finding my way through the city. They are so confusing. So, I started relying heavily on Google maps. It provided me with information like directions to my destination including the information on local shops and outlets with contact details, location specifics and much more.

Now, it is a piece of cake for me to find out the nearest pizza outlet. I just need to specify my current location and the place I wish to reach, and behold, Google maps gives me the driving directions. Now, I can find anything I want to. Being a foodie, I often get confused with the choice of restaurants. Now, that becomes easier as well. When I type in the name of a restaurant, it gives me a series of comments about the service and the quality of the outlet. The comments are more like a review of the restaurant and help one make a wise choice.

One thing I realize is the significance of Google maps to local business. For the good part, it acts as an advertisement, which can relatively fetch new customers. On the flip side, the comments section of it might turn out to be a nightmare for the owners. Since the reviews are based on customer experience it can be either bad or good. It is true that it takes more than 5 good comments to convince the person, but one bad comment can all the way change priorities.

The other thing that amazes me is the simplicity of the website. It is neat and clean and doesn’t confuse the user. Moreover, it looks the same when I view it on my laptop or tablet or my smart phone. I even heard that Google is about to go through some minor changes like the inclusion of three new buttons for printing, forwarding and linking the map. They also plan to increase the size of the map and give an all new search bar. Cool, right? Now I feel I can travel more often.

Tags: Google Maps

Category: Google