Google Places Becomes Google+ Local

If your business hasn't joined Google+, the search engine giant's social network, the time may be now: The company has merged Google Places with Google+, Search Engine Land recently reported.

What does all this mean? For one, the look of Places listing has changed, and listings (now called Google+ Local) now look like Google+ profiles. Zagat reviews have also been integrated into the new system, but businesses will still be able to manage their listings through the Google Places interface.

Here's what Google had to say about the change:

With the release of Google+ Local, rolling out today, we are bringing the community of Google+ to local business owners around the world. We aim to improve the way people discover new businesses, rediscover places they love, and share them with their friends across the web.

More changes are coming, Google said, including the ability to host hangouts and share photos, videos and posts from Google+ Local pages.

Thoughts on the change? Let us know on the WebDrafter Facebook page, @WebDrafter and on our Google+ page!