[box color=”purple-vibrant” type=”round” icon=”caution”]UPDATE: Google is now merging Maps, Places and Google+ into what they’re calling “Google+ Local”, so all features can be found in one place.[/box]
Google’s recent announcement of the absorption of Google Places into Google + Local sent a flurry of panic throughout the Internet business community. After all, Google Places was known for being a very powerful tool for businesses concerned with reaching the web crowd. Fortunately, adapting to the new Google + format is relatively simple, and customers can still leave reviews quickly and painlessly. Here is a brief rundown of how to leave a review using new Google + Pages:
Create a Google + account. If you haven’t already done this, then it is time to create your Google + profile. That is because reviewers can no longer post anonymously. This is very advantageous to businesses, as it deters spammers and malicious reviewers. Head over to the Google + page for easy, step-by-step account set up. You must sign into your account in order to leave a review.
Visit a business’ Google + page. From there, you will be able to find a “Write a Review” button, located in the upper right hand corner of the screen, which you can click to get started on your review.
Choose your user ratings. Now, instead of leaving stars when you review a business, you will have to grade the business on a scale of 0 to 3, for a variety of factors related to the business (food, customer service, and atmosphere when reviewing restaurants, for example). This rating system, based on the Zagat scale, is more comprehensive and reveals more granular rating nuances.
Write a review. Underneath the user rating section, there will be a text box in which you can write and edit your review. Google recommends being as specific as possible about your experience with the business in question. Include helpful advice for customers who may be using your review to assess the business.
Publish your review. Once you are satisfied that you have rated the business appropriately, and have looked over the written portion of your review to make sure you have conveyed what you want to about the business, it is time to publish it to Google +. This part is simple: just click the “Publish” button at the bottom of the page. Your review will then appear on the business’ Google + Local page, beside your Google + screen name and photo.
Take advantage of everything Google+ Local has to offer! Visit http://kenivey.com for details.
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