New Article - Are You Using Google Coupons?

[thejenn]

Authored by: Jennifer Laycock

Full Text: http://www.searchengineguide.com/laycock/010220.html

A Snippet:

What's that, you say? Google offers a coupon option? Why yes they do. Google announced the service last summer but hasn't done much in the way of promoting it since then. So if you'd like a way to differentiate your business on Google Maps listings, here you go.

[shane@netsoluti]

Jennifer,

I tried using this feature several months ago for my site blackrockcharters.com

My Google Maps listing comes up for certain categories, for example: Services Gustavus Alaska but the coupon I created for 5% off does not display anywhere that I can see.

Any ideas?

Shane

[roof cleaning]

We are using the Google Coupons.
Just started it, have to see what they do ?

[veronica]

But whether Google coupons get significant use?

[roof cleaning]

These Google Maps are strange.
They kind of hit us by suprise.
Our website was always number one for it's local search term.
Then all of a sudden, Google started displaying maps listings ABOVE web sites
We serve Tampa, but are actually IN a suburb of Tampa.
Had to scramble to rent a Tampa Office

BUT, as SOON as Google saw our web site in the local Maps listing, it reognized an "old friend".
It rewarded me by putting us back on top of the roof cleaning tampa local search, both organically and on Google Maps.
IMHO, that is only fair of Google.

Tampa may be different from your city, but this Local stuff is to be taken seriously IMHO.
Be careful, or someone may have info usa get crawled by Google, and wind up ON TOP of your megabuck, "optimized" website with JUST a listing!

[cpr]

Is there any way to use the service without a physical address? Would love to take part, have no central office address that I want to identify with, however... thanks for the info!

[Logan]

No. The local listing is dependent on being associated with an address. They mail you a verification code to that address, which you then must submit to confirm the address listed with the business.

[cpr]

Ahh. Great idea, too bad it is not applicable to my business. Innovative though.

[randykirk]

I suggest doing all you can to be on google maps if you are a local business. As mentioned above, it is almost always at the top of the page, so great positioning. There are many ways to get to the maps, and eventually I would think folks will use the maps feature to look for a plumber or a hair stylist. RIght now, I agree it might be a bit limited.

Google seems to be doing their normal thing. Roll it out for free, even if imperfect, and let the users fix it. Then by osmosis or viral means it takes off. I'm shocked at how few folks know about google documents, for instance, but some day both docs and maps will be pervasive, I think.

Coupons haven't brought any biz to my clients, but they're free, so for a few minutes of activity, they have another presence.

[jan2150]

I should now be on the google map too!! Woo Hoo