Google has taken the world of online search and turned into a full platform for both large and small businesses. Through Google Places for Business, users (and potential customers) have had the ability to locate all the information they need about a business: store hours, pictures, directions (through Google Maps integration), and links to various related sites (business’ website, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Also, through Google Plus Local, those same businesses can list reviews and customer interactions. Now, potential customers not only have the ability to find a business, but they also can “see inside” through Google’s new Google 360 Business Photos program.
Google Maps: Helping Boat Buyers Get Up Close & Personal with Fish Tale
One of Atilus’ longtime friends and clients, Fish Tale Sales & Service, is one of the very first local area companies to add this form of technology to their online marketing mix.
A large Florida boat dealer (including Grady-White, Chaparral and Robalo boats) and boat servicer, Fish Tale Sales & Service will now offer users from all over the world the ability to see both the business and inside various boats. For a business such as Fish Tale, having a distinct and comprehensive online presence is key (I’d also like to comment on just how high quality these images are – it’s one stop short of actually being there).
While most boat buyers will likely not make a decision based solely on what they see on Google, it can be the first step in reaching them at their Zero Moment of Truth and getting them in the door.
Google Business Photos’ SEO Impact for Fish Tale
In addition to allowing users to see inside Fish Tale, implementing this type of marketing will also benefit when users search for the business. Thanks to Google, business owners can begin to take full control what’s seen when users search for a company. With the addition of Google Plus Local and now Google Business Photos’ 360-degree view/tour, what the users see is exactly what business owners want them to see first. In Fish Tale’s case, when users search for “Fish Tale Sales & Service Fort Myers Beach,” the information below will be presented.
A Welcome Addition to an Already-Enhanced Online Mix
For a company that already participates in a variety of online marketing activities, being the first to offer this type of “inside peek” online will put Fish Tale at an extreme advantage among other businesses and will prove to be beneficial to the company as a whole:
“We’re excited that anyone in the world may now tour our dealership without ever leaving their home! With the shifts in behaviors towards more Internet research before a purchase, your first impression should be your best one,” explains Travis Fricke, Vice President of Operations for Fish Tale. “Giving an apprehensive customer the chance to tour our business without ever convincing them to visit us is invaluable. This is just one more way to build buyer confidence in what we’re offering!”
Here at Atilus, we’re definitely looking forward to seeing what this new addition will do for our friends at Fish Tale and to see which other local businesses take note! Want to take a peek inside? Click here!