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Google's $10 Local Search Play
thefickler writes "Google has come come up with a novel way to boost the information it has about local businesses. As part of its Business Referral Representative program, Google is offering individuals up to $10 to visit local businesses and tell them about Google Maps and Google AdWords, collect information (such as hours of operation and types of payment accepted), and take digital photos of the business. Reaction to the program has been mixed."
Ok, then I'm really missing something. Comprehensive business databases have been around forever (like InfoUSA or D&B) and can be licensed for comparatively little (compared to Google's scale). They're compiled and constantly updated from state databases. By definition, if a business is legal then it means that a tax ID and unemployment number has been assigned so it will definitely be in there. Maybe I'm not reading it right, are you saying that Google is trying to build theirs from the ground up through this program?
It's not spelled out, but from reading the Business Referral page I thought they're trying to enhance the existing business database by including information that is not usually there when searching. Stuff like business hours, pictures, etc. thereby expanding the content. This would have the effect of getting people in the habit of using Google when looking for local information in the future since it's that much better than the competitors.
No?