Sphinn - Why Google’s Local Business Referrals Will Fail

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Why Google’s Local Business Referrals Will Fail

Went Hot: August 8, 2007 - 10:45 pm
Posted By: MattMcGee 697 days ago
Topic Type: News Story (Jump to http://www.smallbusinesssem.com)
Category: Google Other

Does anyone really think people are going to jump at the chance to canvass local businesses for what could be only $2 a pop? The tooth fairy pays better than that these days......

6 Comments

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Comments

from MiriamEllis 697 days ago #

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Let me be the first to Sphinn this, Matt, if only for your wonderful point about the frightening idea of your remaining $8 being at the mercy of a busy small business owner actually following through. This is exactly the picture that was in my head, too, when I first read this.

"Now, you're saying I have to go to Google, right?"

"Yes"

"Now, how will I find that?"

"Uhmm..well...you see, actually, you have to go to Google's local search."

"So it's called Local Search?"

"No, actually, it's called Google Maps"

"Oh, so Google has a map?"

"Uh..yes.."

Seriously speaking, I love small business owners. They are my honored clients, but I can just imagine the 'fun' involved in explaining this to the many brick-and-mortar store owners for whom a computer plays a scant part in life and who will probably be smiling dazedly as the nice man who came to take pictures walks out the door, crossing his fingers that the owner will actually remember anything that was said.

Good follow up, Matt!

Miriam

from dannysullivan 697 days ago #

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Nice catch, Matt -- yeah, I thought you got the $10. Which wasn't much, but was more than $2.

from MattMcGee 697 days ago #

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I love 'em, too, Miriam, but your scenario there is all too likely to happen quite often. This is such an interesting idea on Google's part, but I really wish they'd put some muscle behind and actually give it a chance to succeed.

from SEOhack 697 days ago #

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hmmm. they're trying to get this referral program off the ground but are trying to kill reciprocal links which many of these local businesses probably use when linking to each other.

Even at $10 a head, that isn't much dough. And then to guarantee $2? I think I'd be better off walking the ditch and collecting cans. =/ I just don't see how this is going to be very effective for them or for the poor sap they sucker into doing this. Though, if they recruit a few panhandlers . . . . .

from paisley 696 days ago #

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i love it... We started doing it for our clients ASAP so they can be the ones who control what is used instead of a crappy picture taken by someone else that doesn't frame their business in the best light.. also we have been able to photoshop extra info into the pictures..

Think about it.. smile and use it to your client's advantage..

=)

from earlpearl 696 days ago #

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Matt:

At this point I'd guess it is more experimental than the ultimate plan to add businesses and accurate information. As I mentioned on your blog, Matt, I did this type of thing years ago for a hopefully far bigger payout. Its mindless, grueling work....and many business owners will turn you aside.

But if they find some great data collectors they have the makings of a management group for more workers should they decide to keep doing this.

I sphun you anyways....because it is a good catch.

Its amazing how difficult it is to assemble this type of information. I can vouch for that w/ regard to a couple of industries as it regards just the Washington DC metro region....let alone nationwide.

Meanwhile, Paisley has a great idea.

Good catch, Matt.