Book an Appointment Direct From the Search Results
Over the past month Google has been testing a new feature which allows searchers to book an appointment direct from the search results.
The search giant regularly tests new ideas for its flagship search engine, they are generally shown for a small number of search queries. Many of these ideas don’t make it to light, however this latest poses some interesting questions.
The proposed feature means that searchers can make a booking with a local business from the search or Google maps pages. The booking form is provided by a third part and then forwarded to the business with Google as the referrer.
If Google goes ahead with this idea it could present new opportunities for a variety of local businesses, including: restaurants, dental practices & hairdressers just to name a few. At the same time however it could present other problems, such as taking visitors away from business sites. Is there really a need to go to a business website if Google provides all the information consumers need?
Sceptics might see this as another way for Google to keep consumers using their services, what do you think?
How does it work?
The option to book an appointment is provided to the right of the search page, along with information Google already holds on a business (from Google My Business).
Search Engine Land provided an example of a participating local business, searching “Cynthia Brattesani, DDS” will show the option.
Go and take a look for yourself and let us know what you think.
How do you feel about the ability to make bookings from within the search results? Would it be a welcome addition for your business? Or could it risk taking traffic away from your website and how do you feel about that?
Remember that at this time there is no guarantee Google will or will not go ahead with this feature, it still remains in “testing”.