Google Maps Will Soon Start Flashing More Ads For Surrounding Local Businesses
Like it or not, the web and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. It's the reason Google is worth billions of dollars. That's the way it is, though it doesn't mean ads have be intrusive or automatically skipped. Case in point, Google is experimenting with different types of ads for local businesses in Maps that might appeal to both consumers and business owners.
"For example, Maps users may start to see promoted pins for nearby coffee shops, gas stations or lunch spots along their driving route. Local business pages are also getting a brand new look -- to encourage consumers to explore your store before they even arrive, we’re adding new features like special offers and the ability to browse product inventory," Google stated in a blog post.
The idea is to bring more business to stores that advertise on Maps, though if the implementation isn't obnoxious, this could be a benefit to consumers as well. Being able to see nearby gas stations and other points of interest can come in handy when you're traveling to a new or otherwise unfamiliar area, and if you can save money through a special offer, all the better.
On the flip side, this could be a major annoyance. The promoted pins are companies that pay Google to advertise on Maps. Google has to be careful not to accept so many advertising partners that its mapping software ends up cluttered with store logos, or that users get bombarded with special deals.
"Ads are designed to integrate seamlessly into the natural Maps experience and we are closely monitoring how users respond to provide the best experience possible," A Google spokesperson told Arstechnica.
Not all paid sponsors will appear all of the time. The Google spokesperson added that whether or not a promoted pin appears could depend on if there's a sale or promotion going on at the time. For example, if a local eatery is offering a discount, it might appear when you're in the vicinity.
"For example, Maps users may start to see promoted pins for nearby coffee shops, gas stations or lunch spots along their driving route. Local business pages are also getting a brand new look -- to encourage consumers to explore your store before they even arrive, we’re adding new features like special offers and the ability to browse product inventory," Google stated in a blog post.
The idea is to bring more business to stores that advertise on Maps, though if the implementation isn't obnoxious, this could be a benefit to consumers as well. Being able to see nearby gas stations and other points of interest can come in handy when you're traveling to a new or otherwise unfamiliar area, and if you can save money through a special offer, all the better.
On the flip side, this could be a major annoyance. The promoted pins are companies that pay Google to advertise on Maps. Google has to be careful not to accept so many advertising partners that its mapping software ends up cluttered with store logos, or that users get bombarded with special deals.
"Ads are designed to integrate seamlessly into the natural Maps experience and we are closely monitoring how users respond to provide the best experience possible," A Google spokesperson told Arstechnica.
Not all paid sponsors will appear all of the time. The Google spokesperson added that whether or not a promoted pin appears could depend on if there's a sale or promotion going on at the time. For example, if a local eatery is offering a discount, it might appear when you're in the vicinity.
