Google Tags

worth it?

[bsim]

I try to help my clients find marketing values (they do not have deep pockets). Any feedback on Google tags for $25/month? Is there a way to actually move yourself up in Google Places to one of the first 7 spaces? Had someone try to sell a client this, but it is for one keyword (longtail).

Not sure where to ask this:
Does anyone have feedback on Customer Lobby? Since so many websites let people review and those reviews are getting into Google, etc. wondering if there is a value in paying a third party - since the website owner CAN choose to publish or not - once again from a consumer standpoint - it means the business can filter bad reviews.

I would appreciaate opinions from this forum.
Thanks.
Let me know if I need to move this question, and where. Thanks.

[earlpearl]

You aren't going to know if tags provides value until you try it. Even with that there are many factors to consider; video, link to website, discount:

One thing about tags is that they don't have a term limit. You can put them up and take them down at a moments notice.

[earlpearl]

I'm not familiar with Customer Lobby. In this local web environment I'd strongly suggest finding a way to generate positive reviews, whether the business asks for them themselves or hires a third party.

I'll reference one type of system I've seen that is very impressive: Its a total communications package. As part of the communications package it generates reviews, provides for a filter, and encourages feedback.

Its available in both the medical and auto repair business. What I found impressive was the following:

A) High volume of reviews
B) They are always positive
C) They are being picked up by Google Places
D) They spur response and communications from the docs

What I found most interesting was in a couple of cases with medical services; there were some older buried reviews that ripped the services: The complaints were essentially about customer service.

It appears that not only did the communications tool get the doc(s) lots of reviews; but they had the result of improving the doc(s) interactions with customers.

That is quite powerful, IMHO.

[bsim]

Thank you. The "non-contract" IS a big plus.

[bsim]

Thanks for your thoughts - I tried working with Customer Lobby - proved to be too much for my client. Think I found a way to let the customer review at will - with a convenient handout sheet to prompt the review. I know Google is picking this up - great for all. Thanks, again.

[Silvery]

I think Google Tags raises the visibility of a listing pretty nicely, and this often results in improved click-through-rates and conversions.

Research indicates that Google Tags does NOT improve rankings in the 7-Pack, just as Google has stated.

[bsim]

Thanks, Silvery - that clarifies th eplus, but NOT the improved ranking I was reading. Appreciate it.

[spadilla]

I don't know whether tags are worth it, but I will say that customer lobby seems to be a really good service. I just had a long chat with their founder today and I liked what he had to say about his company and where it's headed. I think it's a big help in the way of reputation mgmnt. because they provide the third party review approach, but still allow business owners to have a say (unlike Yelp and the like). They also have a partner program which allows you to manage the reviews for you client if you choose to take a full service approach.

[bsim]

I am finding through "polling": customers are distrustful of reviews the owner can filter - like Customer Lobby, which means any bad reviews can be withheld. While their efforts to get the reviews are good - the trust factor gets erroded, I am finding from consumers. Yelp does now let the business address reviews, just recently.

It's a challenge to work all these angles :) Thanks for input!