Google My Business Offers Guidelines for Working With Local SEO's

The help section of Google My Business recently added a new page dedicated to working with third parties, namely local SEO's and search marketing providers. The focus of this new section, named Working with third-parties) is to provide business owners with guidelines when choosing to work with a local SEO company or consultant.

In the new section, Google states:

"While Google My Business is free, third-parties often charge a fee to manage your listing. They can provide valuable services like keeping your listing up-to-date, providing you with customer insights, answering your questions, and responding to reviews. It’s important to understand the benefits you may be getting from a third-party so you can evaluate whether you’re getting the best return on your investment."

Google also outlines various "best practices" on how to work with a third-party search marketer or local SEO provider. These include:

• Being selective
• Working with one at a time
• Educating yourself
• Trusting experience
• Evaluating your performance

Lastly, Google shares some insights surrounding deceptive behavior, mentioning that although "Many third-parties represent the best interests of their clients... some third-parties are less reputable." The red flags that might indicate deceptive behavior include:

• Not being transparent
• Guaranteeing placement on Google 
• Claiming to work for Google
• Making threats
• Deceptive pricing

For a complete overview Google My Business guidelines for working with local SEO's, see the screenshot below of the new section (source from Search Engine Roundtable.

Get the full scoop by clicking here or check out the Google Maps Help Center for more information about Google My Business and Google Maps marketing.

Google Includes Ride-Hailers Gett & Lyft to Google Maps App

Google recently announced that it plans to include U.S. ride-hailing brands Gett and Lyft to its mapping service.

The Google Maps app now has ride-hailing services Gett and Lyft (alongside Uber who's been in the system since 2014.) The intention of this move is to provide users with more options beyond Uber and other transportation options, like driving, public transit, walking, etc. The app will show pick-up times, fare estimates, and (expected lower fares depending on brand and pick up time.)

A snapshot courtese of the official Google Maps blog.

Google & Uber Continue to Evolve

Meanwhile, Uber has hinted to have its own mapping service under construction whilst Google is rumored to be establishing its own ride-hailing network.

Google Maps previously made Gett available for users in the U.K. Now this brand will be competing in the U.S. Currently, Gett is only available in New York.

Additions to Google Maps

A button is now available in the Google Maps App to to order a ride from Gett, Lyft, or Uber. Users can compare fares and hail the nearest ride available on the App. From there, a ride can be selected and the App will redirect users to the corresponding mobile app per ride-hailing service.

Overall, the new addition to Google Maps offers a seamless and immediately request for a ride, and now at more competitive fares.

Marketing Beyond Google Maps

According to an Uber spokeswoman, the rules for independent outside developers do not apply, as Google has formed a partnership with the software company similar to what Facebook had done previously.

However, Google Maps may soon retire Uber as the company is reportedly hashing over a $500 million investment to develop its own mapping system, lessening its need to depend on the Google Maps app, Science World Report said.

Lyft shared a similar explanation, but declined to comment on whether the company has financial ties to Google. Citymapper, similar app that also provides pick-up times and fare estimates for Uber and Lyft, is presumably forming a relationship with them as well.

The updates for Gett and Lyft are currently available iniOS and Android versions of the Google Maps App. These new players are expected to make it more efficient and cost-effective to travel. It also provides an incredible marketing opportunity for Lyft and Gett.