Goog411

[Dominic J. Maricic]

This is very cool. Google now has a free 411 service where not only can you ask for a listing, you can ask for a category like 'pizza', then it will list off pizza places in your area, send you a text message with the info and even a map of the area if you have internet on your phone. So much for me paying $10 a month to Sprint for 411!

Check it out: http://www.google.com/goog411/ they have a video of a guy using it.

[Mark A. Timpani, CMI]

very nice

[Emmanuel J. Scanlan]

Maybe I missed it but how are they selecting who to connect you with? I did not find any information about advertsing on it other than you can not advertise on this service:

http://mobile.google.com/support/bin...35&topic=12594

[Dominic J. Maricic]

They are probably pulling the information from their google maps service which has it's own phone and address directory. Look at maps.google.com and type in your location and a subject (even home inspectors). I posted in Marketing a few weeks back about how to make sure you appear there. I bet if you make sure it list yourself there, you will appear on the phone listings too.

[Dominic J. Maricic]

Yup found it! To make sure you're listed, you need to make sure you're listed here: https://www.google.com/accounts/Serv...hl=en-US&gl=US

Imaging that, someone calling GOOG411 and asking for a home inspector and they list you

[cduphily]

#1 Listing in my area thanks Dominic ... didn't know about this service.

[Dominic J. Maricic]

Awesome! I think I'll cross post this into marketing as well as it seems it should fit there!

[Dominic J. Maricic]

Chris, what city did you ask for by the way?

[John McKenna]

If you service more than one city, it is hard to get listed with Google
for that local area... because they want to send you a post card
in the mail in order to verify your real location.

[cduphily]

Originally Posted by dmaricic

Chris, what city did you ask for by the way?

Dingmans Ferry, PA .... it's nice when I can get home with in a half hour from my inspection

[Dominic J. Maricic]

Originally Posted by cduphily

Dingmans Ferry, PA .... it's nice when I can get home with in a half hour from my inspection

Ok, that makes perfect sense since you're listed first here too: http://www.google.com/search?q=Dingm...L_enUS223US223
So they must pull this listings right from there.

[jkeany]

If you use text messaging, Google has an answer for that too. Text whatever you are looking for to GOOGLE (466453) on your keypad, and you will get a quick text back from google with the information. I have used it quite a bit for finding a business when I am in an unfamiliar area or need a phone number.

The other service I use is Free 411. Call 1-800-free-411 (1-800-373-3411) to get a free directory assistance from any phone.

[Bob Elliott]

Tried it today for movies and then tried Home Inspection to find I was listed with a home number I never give out.

[Dominic J. Maricic]

Here's where they pulledy our info from. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&view...AQ&cd=1&dtab=0
Is that your home phone number listed there?

[Cheryl Nordby]

cool! thanks