Google Places (Google Plus for Business) now showing competitors Zagat ratings.

Google Places ( Google Plus for Business) now showing competitors Zagat ratings.

Google Plus for Business and Google Places listings are now showing not only the similar places information on listings, but are now also showing the review scores of some of those similar places (or you might say competitors).

You can scroll down to the screen shots at the bottom to see several examples. I started this blog to see what other review sites the Google places listings show for some top ranked (in Maps) listings. The basis was just to update and see if anything had changed. Doesn’t look like it has. You can see the usually suspects below. These are sites you should actively seek reviews from your customers on. All are based in a top 20 market ( Okay it’s Denver)/

Top Ranked Local Sites and review mentions:

Chiropractor: Reviews from around the web: insiderpages.com (7) – yahoo.com (3) – citysearch.com (1)

Chiropractor 2: Reviews from around the web: citysearch.com (54) – dexknows.com (20) – insiderpages.com (3)

Denver Dentist 2: demandforce.com (28) – citysearch.com (2) – dentalelements.com (68)

Denver Custom Home Builder: Reviews from around the web: kudzu.com (1)

Denver Remodeling:

judysbook.com (1)

But here is what really caught my eye: Under similar places for a basement finishing company Google is now showing the scores for the competitor’s listings. That’s new for me, and another good reason to monitor your business reputation, and ask your customers for reviews.

It also should be noted that the main reason I was going through this exercise was based on the issues Google seems to be having even getting real reviews from your real customers posted. Our clients are reporting reviews not showing up after posted. It just doesn’t get any better than that. But in all things Google Plus (Places) patience is the main attribute needed to maintain one’s sanity.

Here are some screen shots.

From a Basement Finishing Search and Google places page: https://plus.google.com/109113884867743336579/about?hl=en

From A Search For Top Rated Dentists:

I could add more, but you get the picture. Let me know what you see and we will continue to keep our eyes on how the new world of Google Plus for Business may affect your Internet reputation and marketing.

Mike: 303 500 3053 ext 1