Can Google put Yelp and others out of business?

Answer:
We think so. With Google's Map and Earth

product it seems they are trying to move towards a more localized social network. Google recently integrated business reviews within their Maps product. You click on a business, you get directions and you can write or read reviews. From hotels to restaurants most localized review directories are in trouble.

Google always seems so focused on their search product but in fact they have been working diligently on fine tuning their local search mashed with Maps or Google Earth. They recently implemented 3-D buildings into their Google Earth product. Talk about slick, this basically allows a user to walk down a street 5,000 miles away. Where does the social aspect come into play? Eventually, it is our guess that you will soon be walking down Rodeo Drive and able to walk right into local stores to do your shopping. Each time you walk into a store Google will charge you similarly to you paying for a click through the AdWords program.

This model is applicable for every brick-and-mortar business on the planet. Though mostly for retail it does hold other promises. I believe the implementation of their review system will put Yelp and other niche associated review networks like TripAdvisor out of business.


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