The experience was frustrating. Firstly, it was difficult to get accurate location based information due to networks only being able to pinpoint location down to 200-300 meters. Secondly, it was expensive and you needed to deal with telecommunications companies that did not open up their location based information freely.

Then came iPhone and the app store along with freely available location information from companies like Google and Skyhook wireless. The development process for this new type of smartphone was simple and using the handset, the developer, and end user, could find themselves on the map. These developments allowed me to develop my app and while its a work in progress, it does what I intended and is a great tool for business.

So what should businesses do?

If nothing else, think about the opportunity. Since late 2008, that’s just under 2 years ago, over 270,000 applications have been added to the iPhone app store and location based services are so pervasive that they are being incorporated into many many applications. Some early uses of location include:

• Check-in Applications – allow you to check-in to tell friends where you are and earn credits, points, rewards. Examples are Facebook, Foursquare, Gowalla, Crowdsauce.
• Around Me – allow the end user to search on a nearby map for businesses, reviews, coupons and local information. Examples are AroundMe, Yelp, Myzerr.
• Travel Apps – access information in cities to tell you where to go. SitOrSquat, Tripit, Flight Status Pro.

I could go on and on about the clever apps available but the ability to pull up a map and find things using your handset presents all sorts of exciting opportunities. So as a business think about how you can use location to market your business:

1. Add your store to apps like Facebook, Google, Myzerr, FourSquare and location services that help end-users find your business.
2. Think about how location is used in your business and explore the build cost for developing an app. In my opinion, not having an app for a smart phone in 5 years will be like not having a website for your business today.

For more information on location based apps and how you can get started I recommend joining your local Mobile Monday group. If you are in Melbourne sign up at  Mobile Monday Melbourne and I hope to see you as a fellow guest at one of their functions.

Technorati Tags: Google Maps, Location Based Services, Small Business Marketing

1.    Visit http://maps.google.com/maps and search for your business name. Make sure you include your city name in the search enquiry. 2.    If your business is listed you should be able to view and edit your details and you can also read reviews. If you are given the option to claim your business then claim it! Click here for instructions on claiming your listing. 3.    If you cannot find your business then submit a business listing. So if you are running a brick-and-mortar business get online and make it easier for people doing searches in your area to find you on Google.

Technorati Tags: Google Maps, Marketing Tips, Web2.0 Weapons