Google's Newest Darling: Zagat

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By: Jennifer Stack

Zagat, a self described “Restaurant Guide with Reviews and Ratings for New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston and Restaurants Everywhere”, has recently been acquired by Google, a perfect accompaniment to Google+ and Google Places reviews. The incorporation of Zagat as a consumer service is Google’s answer to Yelp and Foursquare reviews. Additionally, Google’s investment in Zagat, answers the consumer demand for local focus in their digital search and consumption for information.

Zagat as an entity is active on social media platforms like Google+, Facebook, and Twitter and have course the blogosphere. At this time, it appears advertising is not an aspect of Zagat, as it is intended to be a peer created and curated review system which enables the same premise of Google+ search-allowing individuals to see local opinions by their specific networks.

The future opportunities for Advertising within Zagat are tremendous as exemplified by foursquare Advertising avenues and the power of digital/social word of mouth. While a great tool for local small businesses to immerse themselves in, the real question will be if Zagat can sway power yelpers, foursquare reviewers, or Google heads to review for them in a world where feedback is consistently requested. As with most new shiny service in digital-time will tell!

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About the Author

Jennifer Stack is a Social Media Strategist at a digital advertising agency. She was a 2011 Notable.ca YP Social Media Finalist. International Marketing Communication, MA. International Marketing Strategy, MSc. LinkedIn + Twitter.

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