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Google Local Business Referrals?  (View post)

Martin Porcheron [PersonRank 10]

Wednesday, July 4, 2007
16 years ago6,835 views

Google are beta-testing Local Business Referrals. See http://www.google.com/local/referral/

It uses the Google Accounts service code wf. Access to the support page for the service has been blocked. Not quite sure what it is exactly (whether businesses refer Google or vice versa).

TOMHTML [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

"wf" was the codename of a service found by Tony a while ago :)
Thanks for the tip Martin!

Tony Ruscoe [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Martin, I see that when you visit that URL above while being signed out, it redirects you to the "wf" login screen – but the service name is still "New Service". When I sign in, it says:

<< Access Denied

Oops! We're sorry for the inconvenience, but you do not have access to this service.

You are currently signed in using the Google account for <tonyruscoe[put at-character here]gmail.com>.

Please make sure that this particular email address and Google Account have been authorized to use this service. If you have logged in to the wrong Google Account by mistake, please sign out. Then, sign in with the Google Account that was authorized.

If you are still having difficulty, please send an e-mail to lbr-support[put at-character here]google.com. >>

Where did you see a reference to this though?

(BTW, I'm not sure this is the same "wf" service that was in the sandbox as that was something to do with something called "Workplace" but a service with the "wf" code was added to the live Google Accounts system in Dec 2006.)

Martin Porcheron [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

I was just proding around Google's URLs (as I do when I'm bored) when I came accross it. The only reason I know what the product is called is because the page title has it in it.

Something about the signup page though. It's called signUpRep, does that mean Google has representatives that Promote Google Maps to businesses?

Tony Ruscoe [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

FYI, they've now updated the service name from "New Service" to "Google Local Business Referrals":

https://www.google.com/accounts/Login?service=wf

and changed the login / sign up page:

http://www.google.com/local/referral/

<< Earn money helping put local businesses on Google Maps

Are you a skilled, enthusiastic communicator? If you love the Internet and have access to a computer and a digital camera, we invite you to apply to become a Google Business Referral Representative. Google Business Referral Representatives are active Google users who help local businesses attract more customers online.

   * Refer local businesses, get paid.
   • Visit businesses in your area to discuss Google products, and submit key information about them to us.
   • Get paid when we approve the information you've submitted, and again when the businesses verify that information.

   * Benefit your community.
   • Help local businesses attract new customers by adding their information to Maps.
   • Make it easier for people in your community to find the goods and services they're looking for.

   * Be your own boss.
   • Set your own hours and work as much as you want.
   • The more businesses you refer, the more you'll earn. >>

Once you login, it seems "Google Local Business Referrals" is now part of Google Labs – although it doesn't appear on http://labs.google.com – but you'll need to answer some questions before you can become a Google Business Referral Representative.

Above 5 comments were made in the forum before this was blogged,

Nathan Maxson [PersonRank 1]

16 years ago #

[Moved from "Google Local Business Referrals" – Tony]

Google now has
Google Local Business Referrals
http://www.google.com/local/referral/signUpRep

As a Google Business Referral Representative, you'll visit local businesses to collect information (such as hours of operation, types of payment accepted, etc.) for Google Maps, and tell them about Google Maps and Google AdWords. You'll also take a few digital photos of the business that will appear on the Google Maps listing along with the business information. After the visit, you submit the business' info and photo(s) to Google through your Local Business Referrals Center, and we'll pay you up to $10 for each listing that is approved by Google and verified by the business.

All you need to be a successful Business Referral Representative is a passion for helping local businesses succeed, a love for the Internet (some knowledge of Google is great, too), and access to a computer and a digital camera.

Colin Colehour [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

I'm surprised after sign up that they don't send an automated email.

Hashim [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Considering that it will cost > $100 to convince ten businesses to sign up, it's much smarter for Google to pay soeone tat amount to do it for them.

Colin Colehour [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

They've created a link to the new service on the front page of Google Maps.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1058/1031674393_f9b18bef40.jpg?v=0

"Get paid to visit businesses:"

TOMHTML [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

They NEED enteprises pay for beeing in Google Maps, because of the new function GAdsManager() in Google Maps API which allow webmasters to earn money with the maps they display on their websites.

George R [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Google seems to expect a lot for $2.

From their terms and conditions:

"8. Rights to Developments. As between the Parties, all software (including modifications and documentation), products, inventions, documents, writings and other materials conceived, prepared, made, discovered or produced by Contractor during the Service Period, including without limitation Deliverables that relate in any manner to the Program or business of Google (collectively, the "Developments"), shall be the sole and exclusive property of Google."

http://www.google.com/local/referral/termsAndConditions

Philipp Lenssen [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Hah. You better not have any original idea while photographing the business or talking to people.

Hong Xiaowan [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

A good business. 10USD per. Wow. If I can get 100 companies per day?

Macca [PersonRank 0]

16 years ago #

Would love to do this down here in Oz.

John Woo [PersonRank 0]

16 years ago #

http://reddit.com/info/2djx2/comments

Basically $2.00 unless the manager sends in a post card of visits google.com. Not likely with today's biz people.

Chaz [PersonRank 1]

16 years ago #

Yea, you have to go out at your expense, take pics and then PRAY the manager or owner sends in a post card?? Without the pics part this would be a good idea...otherwise its too time intensive!

bedkiss [PersonRank 0]

16 years ago #


Does anybody know when this program will be effective in Canada?...Thanx!

Jerry [PersonRank 0]

16 years ago #

I have all the materials and I'm going to give it a shot. I am retired and always out and about running around aimlessly. I may as well try making a few bucks. I'll see how time intensive it is and weigh it all out......
I think the most important thing is to let the business person know that returning the postcard is a must.

beussery [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

[put at-character here] Jerry
Did you apply?

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