TOPIC: Favorite place on Google

Anybody get a letter from Google with a window decal that says you are a "Favorite Place on Google? It seems like pretty cool technology. http://phandroid.com/2009/12/07/google-announces-favorite-places-on-google/

How big is it? Will it work on your car? I need to go see if I got one

It is 9x7 and will fit nicely in the window of my van. I plan on placing it there, just not sure if it being behind glass will affect the ability to scan the code.

I got the same Google maps, "We're a favorite place on Google"  "(its a great advertisement for Google)"

Dear business Owner,

Congratulations! You're a favorite Place on Google. Between July 1 and September 30. Google users found your McKee Home Inspection Services business listing 528 times, and requested driving directions or other information about your business 34 times.

Because you're so popular, we're enclosing a window decal that shows customers you're a "Favorite Place on  Google". The sticker includes a special bar code that potential customers may scan with cameras on their phones. Then they can see your business listing on Google, read and write reviews, and add you as a favorite right there. We encourage you to put up this decal so potential customers know you're a Favorite Place on Google.

With the holiday shopping season here, we encourage you to update your free Google listing right away. It's easy to check if your hours, address, and business description are correct. We also recommend you add photos, videos, and even coupons to help your business stand out. All of this is for free. You'll notice the results every time someone says, "We found you on Google."

Congratulations on your popularity on Google. We look forword to providing you with more and better ways to grow your business.

OK, I'm driving down the freeway 65 or 75 miles an hour how is any one going to scan this decal.

Why would anyone want to scan a Google decal for the hell of it any way just to see what business is related to it!

There is no reference to my or your business on there "DECAL" with bar codes, where do these people come from?

Idiotsville!

Moronsville!

If Google wants us to advertise for them why don't they say so.

Remember, they think you're a brick & mortar business. Someone is supposed to be able to come up, take a photo with their android phone and get all the details on the business. On your car it would work when you're parked, but that's not really their aim.

I got the same Google maps, "We're a favorite place on Google"  "(its a great advertisement for Google)"

Dear business Owner,

Congratulations! You're a favorite Place on Google. Between July 1 and September 30. Google users found your McKee Home Inspection Services business listing 528 times, and requested driving directions or other information about your business 34 times.

Because you're so popular, we're enclosing a window decal that shows customers you're a "Favorite Place on  Google". The sticker includes a special bar code that potential customers may scan with cameras on their phones. Then they can see your business listing on Google, read and write reviews, and add you as a favorite right there. We encourage you to put up this decal so potential customers know you're a Favorite Place on Google.

With the holiday shopping season here, we encourage you to update your free Google listing right away. It's easy to check if your hours, address, and business description are correct. We also recommend you add photos, videos, and even coupons to help your business stand out. All of this is for free. You'll notice the results every time someone says, "We found you on Google."

Congratulations on your popularity on Google. We look forword to providing you with more and better ways to grow your business.

OK, I'm driving down the freeway 65 or 75 miles an hour how is any one going to scan this decal.

Why would anyone want to scan a Google decal for the hell of it any way just to see what business is related to it!

There is no reference to my or your business on there "DECAL" with bar codes, where do these people come from?

Idiotsville!

Moronsville!

If Google wants us to advertise for them why don't they say so.

I guess it depends on how you look at it Russ. I think it is a good idea to place it in your vehicle window. The decal does have your business info on the decal, it is just in a bar code format. I also assume the vehicle you place it on, has signage that denotes your business. I know my vehicle does. I think people will be able to figure it out.

I have card holders on my van, I load them with my cards and people can take a card anytime my card is parked somewhere. For example, when I go to the grocery store.

This would be the modernization of the card holders. Someone can scan that code on the decal and go directly to my information on Google maps and then can click to my website. They will not have to take a card then go home and type in my website. I also think that when they scan the decal, it will save my information in their phone. Now when they do decide they need the inspection, my info is there and one touch and they are dialing my number. My competitor has to hope the client does not lose their business card, if they did lose it, then they probably have forgotten your business name and will not be calling you.

The other thing that is being missed, is that it looks like an endorsement from Google. I think that can be an advantage. Clients may say to themselves, "hey Google recognizes this business as important". That may be all they need to have them call you and not call your competitor.

No, they can not scan the decal while you are driving, but you also can not hand out your business card as your driving, but I bet you have business cards.

Any type of promotion is good promotion. It is a symbiotic relationship, you advertise for Google with the decal, and you get another way to promote your business.