Videos For Google Maps, And Small Business Uses
Mike Blumenthal noted on his blog, that Steve Espinosa noted on his blog (makes you wonder what we bloggers do all day, doesn't it) that Google Maps is now allowing for the upload of videos. I didn't want to only source Steve because Mike expanded on the topic with some nice pictures. So, what does this mean for the small business? Well, let's brainstorm.
How About Real Estate
The industry is tough right now, so they could use all the help they could get. If you could keep up with it, why not showcase 5 of the nicest properties for sale? How about an educational/sales pitch video?
Local Web Designers
Believe it or not, web design promotion actually does rather well in a local regard. Perhaps uploading some tutorial videos would be in order. Or a montage of previous works in a portfolio manner.
Local Eatery
A nice video of your chef creating one of your signature meals, or a few shots of something to make your mouth water.
Local Hardware
I love those Home Depot classes on the weekends (do they still do that?). Why not get a few "fix your pipes in 5 easy steps" videos?
Doctors/Medicine
A video on common ailments and their cures (offered at your office, of course).
Local Hooters
Let's try to keep this family-friendly guys.
Local Bar
A video of last week's live band and a few shots of everyone having a good time.
Hotels
Once of the single most searched local subjects. Those nice views that can't be wrapped up in a few images, or a video of people having a great time at the pool or spa.
You pretty much get the idea. You might be asking, "couldn't we just upload this stuff to YouTube?" Yes, you can. But these are very tergeted videos for your local area. The only problem I have with the videos is that you don't see them unless you look at the "photos" for the listing. They do come up above, but I was hoping there would be something to call attention to it. I'm sure this will receive attention.
With this, and any other post, please read the disclaimer.
Thanks for the reference. To answer you question about what bloggers do is: besides write blogs they share information. Steve who was at SES actually emailed me and said that he didn't have time to blog about it and he wanted to give me a heads up.
As for whether you have to go into the "Photo" to see the video (where it would be never seen) there seems to be some thinking that the videos will show up main search results for the local search (see Google’s LBC: Now With More Fiber. If that happens then the benefits will be significant particularly to some of the markets you mention.
Mike
Thanks for the visit, Mike. My crack was in reference to me referencing you, referencing Steve. You and my fiance share the same sentiment, I guess (my lack of sense of humor).
And yes, having the videos show in a 'universal' fashion would be nice indeed. I'm having a lot of success with the one-box turning to 10 results, I am interested in seeing what videos in the SERPs would induce.
I love the fact that Google keeps adding to their local listings. And these ideas you provide I think are worth investigating. I have a number of real estate clients and featuring homes would be beneficial, especially for prospects not familiar with the area. Likewise the ideas for doctors and a local bar are worth exploring.