New Google+ Local Tab Unveiled, Will Replace Google Places

A new product option will soon be appearing in Google+ navigation titled Google+ Local.

Today, Google announced that Google Places is being phased out in exchange for a Zagat infused Google+ Local tab that can be found underneath the Games button.

Upon clicking on the tab, users will be delivered to recommendations based off of your circles, previous reviews and Zagat ratings:

The Google/Zagat merger from almost a year ago is finally surfacing as well.  Gone are the days of the traditional 5 star ratings as they have been upgraded to the Zagat 30 point system.  One of the most promising features could be the search functionality within the Local tab.  The layout is a near exact replica of Yelp as users can enter in exactly what they are looking for as well as the city in which they are looking:

If any user within a circle has reviewed a restaurant, they will show up alongside the previously reviewed restaurant.

For more information see Search Engine Land for a full analysis of Google+ Local.

About The Author

Greg Finn

Greg Finn is the Director of Marketing for Cypress North, a company that provides world-class social media and search marketing services and web & application development. He has been in the Internet marketing industry for 10+ years and specializes in Digital Marketing. You can also find Greg on Twitter (@gregfinn) or LinkedIn.