Hello Google+ Local, Goodbye Places Since the creation of Google+ many internet marketers have been saying that eventually Google+ Pages will take over the Google Places marketplace. Don't get me wrong, Places does the job, but that's all it does. The features are very slim, and its interface and GUI are not very attractive either in my opinion. The Dashboard does not match any of their other products. You can tell that Google knew it was only going to be a temporary solution as they have not added any upgrades to it. On the other hand we have Google+ Local which I believe is going to be the face for the future of using social marketing to spread your business. It integrates two solid platforms into one and allows for your posts from your Google+ Business page to spread throughout Google's social network. Now Facebook already allows this but Facebook does not have the proven track record Google has when it comes to marketing. yes Facebook works, but with the new Google+ Local you will be able to take your business viral and spread to customers all over the world. Google also announced that Google+ Local will feature integration and will allow Zagat scores and recommendations. Google+ Local Features As stated before, Google+ Local will be integrated across Google's current platform. This means that when you search for cuisine or museums in Google, you will be taken to a Google+ Local page when you find a place you like. This will not be implemented in the Google Web Search feature, at least I do not think so because not to long ago Facebook was accusing them of ranking their own social pages ahead of Facebook Pages in their search engine. This only applies to shopping for items or services. Since Zagat has over 30 years of reviews under its belt, it is only natural that they implement their Rating and Reviews system inside of what is going to be the go to place for Social interaction with Business owners. People will be able to read reviews and recommendations that will be imported straight from Zagat onto the Google+ Local profile page. So if your business already has reviews on Zagat, you are in luck because all that data will be imported into your Google+ Local page. The end of Places? Google stated that it will be releasing several updates over the upcoming months. Right now business owners can continue to use Google Places for their business. As soon as a final update is released Google will then discontinue all Google Places listings. This means that if you do not join Google+ Local, you will not be listed in Google's new local search feature in their Search Engine. You will have to complete a new profile and set up a new page, which Google says will be easier. This is sort of a heads up post. Getting marketers and business owners alike ready for the updates coming to Google. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7106368