Good news for all of you local business owners out there today. Google has just released a new application called ‘Google Places for Business’ that should make managing business listings through its different services much easier.
The app allows business owners to update their business information (hours, address, contact info, description, etc.), as well as post pictures to their Google+ page and track web traffic for their listings right from their iPhone…
The release notes for the app:
– Verify your business listing directly from your phone
– Update your business information: hours, address, contact information, and description
– Post beautiful pictures of your business on your local Google+ page
– Track web traffic going to your listing
– Manage multiple business locations from one app
As you can see, the app is kind of short on options. But what few features are available are presented in the typical UI that has become a mainstay in Google’s iOS offerings. I really like it, but there are some that find it to be too cold and flat.
Google’s ‘Places for Business‘ service has actually been around for quite some time. It enables business owners to list their business on Google so that it will show up in their search results, and in Google Maps and Google+ Local queries.
Obviously, if you use the service or intend to use it, this app is a must-have. Otherwise, skip it. For those looking to download it, you can find Google Places for Business in the App Store, again for the iPhone and iPod touch only, for free.
Update: oddly enough, it looks like the app has been pulled from the App Store. We’ll let you know as soon as it returns.