Google launches Places - goes after the local long tail
According to TechCrunch, 1 in 5 searches is location related. Here's one way Google is responding:
Useful tool for businesses? Absolutely. But as was mentioned in the TechCrunch article, it lacks any kind of social integration. That being said, it's pretty amazing at what lengths Google is going to in order to nail local search: custom QR codes, real-time updates, coupons, etc.
Local is huge. Especially if you're local everywhere.
