Local Businesses Are Getting More Positive Support From Google

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Google is introducing a new program it’s calling Let’s Put Our Cities on the Map. This new feature (Get Your Business Online) is almost similar to Facebook’s Blueprint and Learn How sites which have launched earlier this week.

It offers resources to business owners (and potential partners) to help them get online or correct and complete their online presences. Each user who visits will see a localised version of the site (based on IP detection). In addition to various FAQs, videos and other information, Google invites business owners to search for themselves and then tells them whether their listings are present and complete. If “incomplete” it asks businesses to update their information.

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For those who are not online at all, Google is also offering a free domain and hosted website (for one year) through Startlogic. Consistent with its AdWords reseller strategy Google is also trying to reach out to local chambers of commerce and other organisations locally to assist in the effort of getting business data into Google:

“We’re also forming partnerships with local organisations (like chambers and small business development centers) and equipping them with free trainings and customised city materials to run workshops. These local partners know the challenges for local businesses more than anyone—and they recognise the value of getting businesses online.”