Snaps on Maps: Google Wants to Send Photographers Inside Your Business

42 minutes ago by Peter Pachal 0

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Google wants to get all up in your business — but in a good way.
The search giant just unveiled an expansion to its Business Photos program, which aims to put indoor images of businesses on Google Maps and Google Places profiles. The program now has a clear way to hook business owners up with local photographers with its “Trusted Photographers” initiative.
If you’re interested in getting better photos of your establishment online, all you have to do is head over to the Google Business Photos page, then click on “Get Started” to see a list of photographers in your area who Google know can do the job.
That job includes both high-res pics of your location (inside and out) as well as 360-degree panoramic views, like this one.
The panoramic views are one of the most challenging parts, says Chris Favis, a Google Trusted Photographer based in Orlando, Florida.
“It’s pretty systematic,” he says. “Google loans us the cameras, and within the business you have to follow the rules, like getting the set of panos [panoramic shots] as soon as you walk in. The timing can be complicated — it’s a very specialized thing.”
SEE ALSO: 4 Ways Small Business Websites Can Drive More Sales Google says shoots should take about an hour, and the price is between the business and the photographer. Once the shoot’s done, the photographer uploads the images “shortly thereafter” to Google services, including Maps and Places.
Google has chosen trusted photographers in 14 U.S. cities, as well as some in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand and France. If your area’s not listed, you’ll have to wait, but Google provides a way to tell them where you’d like the program to expand.
Are you a business owner? Do you see a lot of value in Google Business Photos? Is this program something you’d use? Let us know in the comments.
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, wibs24

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