Google Introduces New Curbside Pickup & Delivery Features for Local Businesses
03/30/2021Good news for local businesses that have adapted their business model during the pandemic – Google is launching new features that allow users to see a business’ curbside pickup and delivery options along with other important information within Google Maps and Google My Business.
Such information includes:
Google is starting off small, and will be rolling this feature out only for Instacart and Albertsons Cos. stores in the U.S. However, there are plans to expand to Maps and other partners later on.
Google is also currently testing another feature that would improve the curbside pickup process for customers by providing real-time updates between the customer and the store.
Here’s what this would look like:
A customer places an order for curbside pickup on the store’s app and it gets added to Google Maps. Google will notify the customer when it’s time to leave to pickup their orders, and ask them to share their estimated time of arrival (ETA). Their ETA will be continuously updated depending on the customer’s current location and traffic flow. When they arrive, customers can check in on the Google Maps app, and even let the store know where they are parked, and someone will bring out their order for curbside delivery.
Google will begin testing this feature with grocery store chain Fred Meyer in the summer of 2021, but only in select stores located in Portland, Oregon. It is unknown if this feature will be rolled out to include other stores and locations.
read more Google Fights Back Against Fake Business Profiles and Local Reviews
02/26/2020Google Removes over 75 Million Fake Business Reviews in Major Crackdown
Take a hike fake business profiles. Google Maps is waging a battle against fake content, as evidenced by a recent rampage where Google removed over 4 million fake business profiles and 75 million policy-violating reviews from Google My Business. According to a recent blog post, Google has been tackling the issue of inappropriate content on Google Maps using automated detection systems like machine learning models. These tools are being used to scan millions of contributions being sent to Google Maps everyday and remove any policy-violating content. “Like any platform that welcomes user-generated content, we have to remain vigilant against inappropriate content—the vast majority of which is removed before anyone actually sees it,” said Google. “And as more people contribute to Google Maps, we continue to crack down on the bad actors who violate our policies, using a combination of people and technology to tackle unwelcome content.”
#FakeReviews Who?
When it comes to fake reviews, Google’s systems are pretty diligent, checking each and every review for signs of fake content before it gets published. via GIPHY So how exactly can Google detect fake content? Essentially, its machine learning models are on the hunt for specific words and phrases, examining patterns in the types of content an account has contributed in the past, in order to catch any suspicious review patterns. Even still, Google says, fake reviews do slip through the cracks from time to time, which is why it has also been deploying teams of fake content warriors, AKA trained operators and analysts, to audit reviews, photos, business profiles, and other types of content. And as an extra layer of security, Google also makes it easy for anyone to flag fake reviews, inappropriate content, and misleading places for removal. https://twitter.com/Google/status/1230229180295602176
By the Numbers
Think that’s impressive? You haven’t heard anything yet. Google says that in total, it receives over 20 million contributions every day – that’s more than 7 billion contributions a year! However, keep in mind that the majority of these contributions are in fact legitimate, with only one percent flagged as policy-violating content. Even still, as a result of its efforts over the past year, Google was able to pull off the following feats:
- More than 75 million policy-violating reviews and 4 million fake business profiles removed
- Over 580,000 reviews and 258,000 business profiles taken down due to user reporting
- Over 10 million photos and 3 million videos that violated our content policies removed
- 475,000 user accounts disabled
Still thinking of posting fake reviews? Better think again, as the almighty Google has vowed to continue developing new tools and techniques in order to fight the good fight against “bad actors” and preserve the sanctity of contributed content. “Contributed content is an indispensable part of how we’re making Google Maps richer and more helpful for everyone,” said Google. “With people’s contributions, we’ve been building a truly helpful map that not only gets you from A to B, but also helps you find the places and experiences that are right for you, whether you need to tackle last-minute gift shopping or have a craving for pizza.”
read more 
Written by: Nicole McCormick Categories - 
Email: 
Phone: 
Address
Address