Google Adds New Features for AdWords Local Business Ads!

[harish]

To make it faster and easier for customers to find businesses when searching on Google Maps, Google Adwords is implementing some new features to its Local Business Ads that appear on Google Maps. These new features include enhancements to the Ads Information Window and Reporting Capabilities for Adwords advertisers. Advertisers now can find ways to better target users of Google Maps who search for their business listings, while users also can quickly find what their looking for when they search for business in Google Maps. Read more at Google's blog here

[Matt]

Tried this out today (it's on the Maps on Google.com), and I have to say the functionality is very cool. No more cut-and-paste of addresses to directions, or doing the same for addresses or other information, and the quick interactivity is very slick.

Unfortunately, you can not use the send feature on Google.ca yet, just .com-and the cellular providers are American only as well.

But the coolest things are the 'Car Assist' and GPS features-send straight to the Car Assist program in your car (assuming you have a BMW or Mercedez-Benz!) or your GPS unit for directions or addresses. Very, very sweet.

I'm don't see anything about charges outside of the standard click like in AdWords, though. Strange that Google does not have a way to monetize these features yet.