TMW Ideas

Mapvertising is the instantly annoying term used for combining maps and ads. Excitingly, I was quoted in Marketing Direct magazine on the subject this month. Next week I'm guest presenting Have I got News For You. I said “Google Maps has the opportunity to overtake Google as a business search tool. It's a step on from the Yellow Pages”.

A bold claim, particularly with absolutely no back-up to illustrate what I meant.

What I meant was that Google Maps has a much easier and more intuitive interface if you are looking for a business than Google or Yell. As an example, let's say I want to find pubs in Surbiton.

A. I type it into Google. I get this. The top paid link is to Yell, funny enough. Then Beer in the Evening (a great site). It hasn't actually led me to any pubs in Surbiton, only other sites where I can find them.

B. I try Yell. I get this rather attractive list. I love lists, they're so, y'know, orderly. I can then click on each pub and see where it is on a map of Surbiton.

C. I type “Pubs in Surbiton” into Google Maps. I get this handy map and point and click interface. I can see where they are, in relation to my house, the station, the river, Kingston, etc. etc. I instantly have tons more information than Google or Yell gave me. Nice.