Another Mans Blog

I just returned from a small get away with the family and the result turned into a nice lesson in marketing. My family enjoyed a nice weekend in Des Moines, Iowa (the state capitol). We haven’t spent much time there and when it came time to eat supper we all popped out the Blackberrys (GPS) enabled and started searching for nearby restaurants. In prior years we would have just jumped in the car or asked the hotel for recommendations, but this time we utilized Google Maps, GPS, and End User Reviews for our selection of eateries. Our choice was no longer based on location as we had driving instructions, but rather based on the options presented by Google and the review of 100+ people that have eaten at the restaurant.

Do restaurants, tourist locations, and activities really know how GPS and these types of devices drive traffic to their brick and mortar facilities? Did the listings I see in Google Maps have to pay to be listed in selection or were they organic?

What I really wonder is how much business is actually tracked back to GPS related searches and how can businesses not listed get involved and be part of the process? Also, if SEO Guru’s actually figure out how to manipulate this, will I end up eating at some second rate facility because they paid to get my attention?

It would be interesting for me to find some smaller eatery that is unique and attempt to get them listed in all the right places and see if they can drive traffic to their establishment. I am offering one business that currently has a website 3 months of research and GPS/SEO Optimization to help understand the process.

What I will need when you email me is your website and what makes you unique. You can email via seo at anothermansblog.com .

Some words of wisdome! I get excited about things for about a week or so. If you are reading this and the year is 2009, the time has come and passed and my offer for free services is no longer available. I also make to claim or warranty that I will work with anyone unless I find a good match. I might also require a meal at your establishment to validate you are truly a good place to eat.

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