Google’s latest update on this front is a new ‘follow’ tab in Google Maps, which enables users to get updates from relevant businesses right from the app.
As explained by Google:
“Those using Google Maps for Android can now follow places right from the app. Rolling out now, just search for that coffee shop you love or that clothing store you’ve been meaning to pop into and tap the “Follow” button. Once you’ve followed places, news from them – like events, offers and other updates – will appear in the For you tab (where available, with more countries coming soon).”
Interesting, right?
Google rolled out business posts last year, and has been refining them and adding them into additional spaces, like Maps, over time. And now, with the ‘follow’ button in Google Maps, they could actually become a lot more relevant – if you haven’t looked into Google posts before, maybe now is the time.
Google Maps is by far the most used navigation app on mobile devices, with 150 million monthly active users in the US alone. The added potential to generate interest in your business – likely with local patrons – is significant. Not everyone will be aware of the feature, of course, and thus, not everyone will use it. But still, it could be another option to help keep in touch with an engaged audience.
But as noted, it’s more interesting in the broader scheme of how Google’s working to fend off increasing competition from Facebook.
So how can Google compete? Creating its own social app didn’t work out, but maybe, by adding things like posts into the area where it’s already dominant, maybe that could be where Google wins.
