Google Street View ‘An Opportunity for SMEs’

by Stephen Logan on 15th January 2010

An industry source has suggested that the chance to advertise on Google Street View could be particularly relevant for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Rhys Williams, managing partner at agenda21 digital, made his remarks following the news that Google has been granted a patent for advert displays on its Street View tool.

He claimed that the company could use the function to target smaller firms that want to develop their SEO services.

Mr Williams added: "It’s also a great opportunity for local advertisers that have traditionally relied on local press and radio to target people within the Street View environment."

In his view, the format of this promotional tool is very similar to the process of advertising on computer games, which allows companies to design digital versions of their marketing messages.

While it could prove popular among SMEs, it is unlikely to catch on among the bigger companies in the short term, because it does not have the "reach or impact" required by them, added Mr Williams.