Spending Ad Dollars on Booster Seats?

Example, Google Local Business Center Listing

Clark Howard recently had a piece on CNN’s Headline News (I love waking up with Robin Meade) talking about Google’s Local Business Center Listings – the GLBC is the MAP that pops up on top of the Search Results when you search for something using a geographic modifyer, like “Tack Store Portland.”

Clark incorrectly reported that this service was not yet available in all markets, but that Google was testing it in a few markets.  I believe what he meant was – this service is now available for FREE in all markets, but they are beginning to test charging for it in some markets.  The thought being that if businesses are willing to pay for the Yellow Pages, which has very little accountability, and very few results, they would probably be willing to pay for this Google Local Business Center Listing which costs much less.

CLARK HOWARD VIDEO HERE

The Atlanta Journal Constitution recently reported that when AT&T stopped delivering the White Pages in Atlanta – NO ONE NOTICED!!!  What value is there really in the Yellow Pages then?

I would be curious to hear from anyone that uses a separate tracking phone number in their Yellow Pages ad to see what actual results they get.  When was the last time anyone used the Yellow Pages as anything but a booster seat for a toddler?

If you need help setting up your Google Local Business Center Listing, let me know.  Google is in the process of indexing every business, you’d be better off creating one for yourself than letting them create it for you.