With Jonathan Christian

What? On Wednesday, we introduced the concept of promoting our businesses through Google business maps (now known as Google Places).  Today let’s take another virtual step forward and look at ‘Google Street View.’ Have you ever seen a Google car drive by with a tower cam on the roof? (They’re driving somewhere – as we speak – taking 360 views of our streets and buildings).

Why? Google has brought whole new dimensions to our “all on my screen” world. Not only can we find a business service shown on a local map – but when you click on the red pushpin you’ll also likely see a street view option to click on as well.  Click on that and you will see a panoramic view of the location. Wow – talk about cool!

How? So just how are we going to use this to our advantage? Well, first off – how do you look? Are you camera ready? Is your signage bright and bold? Is your building a good reflection of your business? I was speaking with a new colleague in Toronto recently (I’m in Langley, BC) and during our conversation he said, “how do you like the Nissan?” Huh? Then I realized he’d just Googled my address and there was my SUV parked in the driveway (kinda creepy but kinda cool, don’t you think?). For an example of how all of this works in real life, take another look at the picture of Mama’s Mexican Kitchen. It’s the same photo that we ran on Wednesday, but did you notice the push pin sticking out of the top of the building?

Now this is a brilliant way of using Google Local to your absolute advantage. They actually inserted a giant pushpin into their building – in order to reinforce the fact that they’re on Google Local – and drive people to their listing! What a brilliant way of building a business that is already a Seattle landmark. (Sure this example is out of the box – but that’s exactly where we need to be!)

Tipzntrix: I was with a client today trying out this very technique. We quickly learned his competitor was more visible. Why? Because he had reviews written on his map location.  So let’s start writing reviews for each other. (Can anyone think of something to write about Neil? If so, here’s your chance: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl )

Have a great weekend!

jc

Ps – Want to learn more? Come join us at our next Meetup and hear Internet Marketing Guru David Neale share how he keeps his clients on Google’s first page at all times! For those of our readers outside of the Metro Vancouver area we’ll post a review right after the event.

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Don’t miss our next Social Media Challenge Meetup – Saturday, July 3 – in Langley, BC

Featuring: Canadian Internet business pioneer, David Neale
Topic: How to use Google Business Maps (a free service now called ‘Google Places’) – and other Google Services – to ramp up ‘your’ business – now!

David Neale registered his first internet domain name, ‘www. pricehunter.com,’ in 1995 – when domain names were still free of charge. His first online company, ‘Webscape Internet,’ opened in 1996 and was the largest reseller for yellowpages.ca online directory advertising in the Lower Mainland. In 1998 he launched one of Canada’s first social media sites, called ‘RendezView’ – just in time for the Dot.com bust that followed the Dot.com boom.

Today, David works with business owners to help them fully utilize the Internet  to grow their sales, improve relationships with customers, and reduce marketing costs (especially print Yellow Page costs).  He is a genuine internet marketing guru – and you do not want to miss his presentation.

The details:

Date: Saturday, July 3
Where: Hampton Inn, Langley, Langley (Metro Vancouver) Canada (On the Langley ByPass east of 200 street)
Time: Time: 2:30-4:00pm
Request: Please RSVP– and – would you please alert your business friends?
Admission: Free of charge.
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Special Offer:

‘Three Ways to Drum up Business in a Down Economy’

An action packed TeleCoach Audio Seminar with Neil Godin  and Shane Morgan Learn how to take action — each and every day — to grow your sales, improve your service, and promote your business. This simple, three way approach to building business will ensure your success — no matter what the state of the economy. By booking time for sales networking; business promotion, and service improvement – every single day – you will take market share from those who are ‘giving it away’ by waiting for the phone to ring! This TeleCoach audio seminar gives you the hard-hitting how-to’s.

Audio Download Regular Price: $29 USD
Special Discount Price: $18 USD
Note: This offer ends on Monday, July 5, 2010.

To order please Click here to link to our store:
Then copy and paste this Coupon Code: ChallengeWeek4
And click on the word ‘Apply.’

Thank you.
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We need your story.

If you use social media in any way to build your business, send an email to ndgodin@shaw.ca, or jonathan@neilgodin.com with the details – or provide your telephone number, and we will call you for details.

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Thanks very much!

Neil