What Do In-line Ads on Google Maps Mean to You?

Ars Technica highlights the introduction of in-line ads to Maps apps:

“Now, when users conduct Maps searches, Maps will be able to feature an ad for a relevant location along the bottom of the screen. The ad will appear within the app as if it’s a location the user has already selected from the map of available options, with a name, short description, and a travel time estimate appearing along the bottom of the screen. The ads will be identified by a tiny purple box off to the side in the listing that reads ‘Ad.'”

I’ve been talking about the growth of Google Maps as a channel a lot lately and how that’s going to change your online sales and marketing activities. Google said that more than 40% of Maps use was on mobile over two years ago. I’m still looking for an updated number, but am very confident it’s grown.

This move just underscores the growth of Maps use as well as Google’s increased focus on Maps as a platform for marketers. If you’re wondering how your customers will find you in the future, it’s almost as though Google’s given us a map.

If you’re interested in learning more about the future of marketing on the social, local, mobile web, register to receive a special report I’ve produced in conjunction with hotel marketing firm Vizergy, “Digital Hotel Marketing in a Multiscreen World.” While it’s targeted specifically at hotel and resort marketers, the lessons apply to just about any business. You can get your free copy of the report here.

You might also enjoy some of our past coverage of the social, local, mobile web and what it means for your business, including:

• Today and Tomorrow: Mobile and the Changing Customer Journey
• What’s the Future of E-commerce? Look to the Past to Find Out
• How to Get In Your Customers’ Pants… Pocket
• What Watson, Xbox, and Google Are Telling You Right Now (Travel Tuesday)
• The Truth: How the Social, Local, Mobile Web Affects Sales Online and Offline
• 7 Steps to E-commerce Heaven
• 4 Amazing Global Internet Trends