Google has always tried to create a social media platform that generates the same level of buzz as platforms like Facebook and Instagram. In what proves to be yet another shot at creating a social media platform that will gain adoption, Google has started introducing social profiles within Google Maps.
Image Source: blog.google/outreach-initiatives/small-business/supporting-black-businessowners/
Here’s what Google said about the feature:
“Today we’re expanding this feature and beginning to roll it out globally. If a Google Maps user has shared photos, reviews or lists publicly, you can now follow them and get their recommendations, advice and updates delivered to your Updates tab in Google Maps.
So the next time you find someone sharing helpful photos of takeout menus, handy lists of your city’s most spacious parks or inspiring photos of local shops and services, you can keep up-to-date on all of their recommendations.
There will also be new topic filters on Google Maps profiles, so you can see topics and places people share about the most, like pizza, brunch, camping and parks. Whether they’re a coffee enthusiast documenting every last latte, or a hometown expert reviewing all things Perth or Phoenix, you can follow other Google Maps users with public profiles to get helpful recommendations about the places around you.”
Actionable Strategy: Google has made it very clear that they will not make Google Maps profiles public by default. This means you have the ability to decide if you want to share each review, photo, video, etc.
If you are interested in checking out what the public profile has to offer, you can begin by building your following on Google Maps. All you have to do is go the Maps app and tap Contribute > View your profile to make yourself follow able. There’s also a ‘restrict your profile’ feature that allows you to approve each follower. To learn more about this, click here.
We will only know if this new social aspect generates considerable buzz with people or not as time passes. We believe that Google will have to aggressively incentivize people to achieve mass adoption, so get ready for even more cool features soon. Until then, worry less about early adoption!