Google Places and Google Plus…

Who would have thought the merge would start happening so soon?  Mind you with all the issues over on Google Places recently, it’s hardly a huge surprise the Big G was going to pull a whopper this time!

Helping people discover and share local businesses with Google+

Before you get too excited (or slashing your wrists depending on your view of social and search), the main change is for the viewer.  Right now businesses still need to make changes to Google Places through the Places dashboard.

There is a link to edit your business on the Places Plus page (wow what a mouthful) and for the moment, it is separate to a Google Plus Business page – if you have set one up. 

Be a bit wary of clicking that button, it does take you to the google.com version of the Google Places dashboard with the offers tab.

Hold your horses!  Offers remain unavailable for UK users, and anyone else outside the US.  Once I know any different, you will be the first to know.

Google Places Without Google Plus Features

You may have noticed that the Google Places page isn’t fully merged with Google Plus yet.  If you already have a Google Plus business page, it is still separate to the Places page – yes, you are managing two pages.  It will change…

If you don’t yet have a Google+ Page for your business, we encourage you to create one now. And if you do already have one, hold tight for news on how to get it linked to your local listing. – Jen Fitzpatrick, VP Engineering

For the moment though, you can no longer upload videos to Google Places and full social features are not available on Places Plus pages.

So, sit tight and hang on to your hats, this will be a fun ride.  Use the time to create your Google Plus Business page and start building up contacts on your personal profile too – feel free to add me and say hi!

Still not on Google Places or Google Plus?

Now would be a good time to use my Google Local Business package.  Get all those accounts set up for you (and more) with little effort on your part.  If you’re more of a do it yourself type, fill in the form below and download my free Get Started Online guides.

Either way, don’t be left behind.  Start making your move now.  Claim your Google Places page, set up your Google Plus accounts and take advantage of one of the easiest ways to get your local business found online.