Google Places Update – User Uploaded Photos Showing Up in Google Places Reviews
Here’s a quickie update about a new Google Places feature I have not seen before. User uploaded images in reviews. Check out the screenshot and Place page below. Phil Rosek made this discovery – here’s his blog post.
Back in January Google announced the ability to add user-generated photos to Place pages. But photos showing up reviews is new I think. So why not try asking happy customers to dish up some photos with those reviews? 
Check it out live at Mike’s Pastry in Boston.
Side Note: Have had people ask if I’m OK because I’m not blogging, tweeting and updating my Google Places Scoop.it channel like a mad woman these days. I’m fine, just incredibly swamped and carpal is really bad again. However, I’ve been working on a BIG post about a pretty radical algo change that’s causing lots of page one listings to drop to page 3 – 5. It’s a big one with lots of screenshots so is taking some time, but stay tuned for that post. Coming hopefully tomorrow.
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#1 Nyagoslav wrote on October 12, 2011 :
Linda, I believe this one was introduced with the Google Maps 5.8 app for Android. However, the article oh Phil is really a nice catch, as I hadn’t seen previously examples of this. Have you seen others?
Nyagoslav recently posted..Ideas on Google Places Improvements and What to Expect
#2 Linda Buquet wrote on October 12, 2011 :
Hi Nyagoslav, that’s the only example I’ve seen so far.
But I don’t often research the type of Place pages that would be prone to having user images in reviews. I would think user photos with reviews, if consumers even knows you can add them, would be more common with restaurants, florists, etc. and I’m usually looking at dentist, doctor, lawyer pages.
#3 Phil Rozek wrote on October 12, 2011 :
@ Linda:
Thanks for the mention!
@ Linda & Nyagoslav:
I actually couldn’t find another instance of a “blended review.” It’s like trying to find Waldo while wearing a welding mask.
But I had you guys in mind when created the “scavenger hunt” challenge that’s now on my blog.
The goal is to round up some more “blended reviews,” learn more about them, and maybe even find some businesses in the services industries / professions that have blended reviews.
Fingers crossed!
http://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2011/10/12/google-places-scavenger-hunt-find-me-a-blended-review/
#4 joshaer wrote on October 13, 2011 :
Oooh, Linda, I’m logged in and trying your new choose the best post from your last 10 comment luvs – fingers crossed!
Hope the carpal feels better soon – I know how painful that can be.
Oh, I am so going to try that out to see if it works here in the UK yet!
#5 Shawn Hart wrote on October 13, 2011 :
I look forward to your post about the algo change. I’ve noticed a few of my clients’ listings dropping. I figured it was an algo change, but I’m curious to know more about it. Thanks for all you’re great posts!
#6 Matthew Hunt wrote on October 13, 2011 :
Linda – great find!
The added photos really make reviews stand out! I think this is an awesome addition.
My brain is working fun ways this can be leveraged. SMB’s could also run a contest with people who upload their photos at their place of business. A draw or contest of some kind. Very cool.
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#7 Eric Marshall wrote on October 13, 2011 :
Linda – did some research on this today. Looks like users can only add photos to reviews from the Android Google Maps app (if they’ve updated to 5.10.0). I found a few more examples “in the wild” and posted them on Phil’s blog.
Here’s an additional example I found: 5&A Dime in San Diego: http://maps.google.com/maps?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=park+seattle&fb=1&gl=us&hq=park&hnear=0x5490102c93e83355:0x102565466944d59a,Seattle,+WA&ei=pAqXTsqQHYzKiQKuwo2yDQ&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&ved=0CAUQtgM
#8 Neil Ferree wrote on October 13, 2011 :
Linda, I’ve been tracking you on Scoop.it and now an avid reader of your GP blog. Good stuff! Curious if have heard any ‘rumors’ or even evidence as to how G+ for Business will impact / effect GP listings moving forward? – Neil
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#9 Eric Marshall wrote on October 13, 2011 :
Sorry, wrong link – this one should be better: http://g.co/maps/agjxj
#10 DJ wrote on October 13, 2011 :
Linda, thanks for the post. The pictures displaying in the reviews look really great and I look forward to your upcoming post regarding the new algo change. Something new has been messing with my rankings, I am curious to see your findings.
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#11 SearchCap: The Day In Search, October 13, 2011 wrote on October 13, 2011 :
[...] Google Places Update – User Uploaded Photos Showing Up in Google Places Reviews, marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com [...]
#12 Wealth Management wrote on October 20, 2011 :
This is a pretty cool update. It couldn’t definitely help your business if people that review your service post pictures of how cool your product is, how clean your office is, or the amazing work they received.
I do see the potential for harm, though. What if a competitor decides to post false pictures to harm your businesses identity? I.E. Botched dental work, a horrible haircut, bugs in food, etc…
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