Geotagging and Search Marketing

GeoTagging is the process of adding meta data to websites/media consisting of longitude/latitude. The data is then used to pinpoint the shop/place it has been tagged and can show up on things such as google maps.

This method of posting tweets and information is becoming more and more popular. The likes of  Foursquare has really set a precedent in this area by utilizing a gameplay feature where users are rewarded for checking in and saying where they are. Users also have the ability to update their friends of their location. This ability to recognize how often a user checks in to a shop or restaurant allows for the retailer to provide an incentive for visiting and “checking in”. This truly is the online world meeting the real world for businesses and for users.

With GeoTagging comes the latest in augmented reality Apps. These apps use the phones built in GPS capabilities and compass so they are able to figure out where you are and in what direction you are looking.
 
The image above gives an example of this, showing a lake that has been geotagged in Florida. Using such an app in a city centre or a town will display only shops/businesses that have been geotagged or location specified.

The benefits to geotagging and drumming up local business is very apparent. Although you are appealing to a current niche market of smart phone users, this of course is set to rise as more and more people are able to access smartphones and prices continue to fall. As built in GPS becomes a industry standard in mobile/cell phones, geotagging or specifying your businesses location is a great way to highlight your businesses for the future and for a whole generation of smartphone users.

With Geotagging you can also search for twitter posts/ google buzz’s with geotags in that location. Meaning if you provide a good service and someone has tweeted their praise towards your business it is social proof and better than any search engine ranking for your business online.