According to a story at Inc.com, Google is attempting to help small businesses convert shoppers browsing online into in-store buyers with its “Local Shopping” feature.
The feature lets shoppers search for goods online then see who locally has the product in stock. Google started with big retailers such as Sears and Best Buy in March, but this month has opened up to small businesses.
A study earlier this year shows that everyone (well, 97 percent of respondents) uses the Internet to help them shop locally. According to a March report from research firm BIA/Kelsey and its partner ConStat, 90 percent of users use search engines, 48 percent use Internet Yellow Pages, and 42 percent use comparison shopping sites.
Getting listed on Google’s Local Shopping requires a bit of administrative work — about five steps — and the company says that not everyone who applies will be accepted.
One prerequisite: good product search quality, including unique product identifiers. You’ll also need to have your store listed on Google Places, which requires submitting and verifying your listings, if you haven’t already.
Businesses hoping to make the Local Shopping cut also must be open to the public. “By appointment” businesses don’t qualify.
Photo by Google.