I love it when Google comes out with new web applications. My background as a software test engineer makes me want to try out all of the new Google applications. I don't want to add them to client's live websites without testing them first so I created the Anaheim Visitors Guide as a test website where I can experiment with everything Google.
The Anaheim Visitors Guide currently has 21 of Google's applications crammed into one website... I know it's not very pretty. What I like is that many of these applications are what my small business clients need today in order to cost effectively run their business. Some of the apps include Google Places, Maps, Docs, Gmail, AdSense, AdWords, Analytics, Gadgets, Blogger, Picasa, Webmaster, Translate, YouTube, Google Sites and Custom Search. As I test out these applications I show my clients how to take advantage of these free tools to boost their productivity.
21 Google Applications Tested
1. Gmail – emails services and centralized login account. The first thing I create for every new business.
http://mail.google.com
2. Google Docs – content creation and online survey form. Share and collaborate on docs.
http://docs.google.com
3. Google Calendar – online calendar for Anaheim area events.
http://www.google.com/calendar/render
(If you are running a small business you should consider using the version of Google Office Apps that allows you to send email using your own domain name. www.google.com/apps/business )
4. Google Places (Local Business Center) – online business listing with top ranking local search results.
http://www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter
Only rely on Google Places if you have a real business and even then for one source of traffic. Sick to SEO for the core of your traffic.
5. Google Maps – embedded maps for restaurants, hotels, and shopping etc.
http://maps.google.com
On the Anaheim Visitors Guide there are 6 Google maps that drive traffic to the website by placing back links in the map bubbles. These are indexed by the search engine to provide organic traffic. As of writing these maps have received over 255,000 views.
6. Google Alerts – keeps track of Anaheim news and events. Setup an alert to pull news into the iGoogle page, then syndicate via RSS.
http://www.google.com/alerts
7. Google Reader – collects Google Alerts into one list. You can then syndicate that list via RSS to automate Twitter feeds. Very cool.
http://www.google.com/reader
8. AdWords – run Pay Per Click campaigns, test keywords and generate traffic reports by connecting with Google Analytics.
https://adwords.google.com
On the Anaheim Visitors Guide only ran a PPC campaign for a very short time to jump start the site traffic. Over all I wanted to see how much organic traffic I could get in this very competitive market.
9. Google Analytics – track site visitors and usage, very useful tools.
http://www.google.com/analytics
This is a must for tracking your site visitors. Google has really beefed up their analytics application to the point of being an advanced application.
10. AdSense – monetized the site with links, banners and video ads.
https://www.google.com/adsense
AdSense is essential for monetizing a site. You can also use it to monetize parked domains. On the Anaheim the banners on top and links on the sides are what pays to keep the server going. When testing found the video ad option did not show relevant content for the site. This feature was new but when the random videos played they were just wrong.
11. Google Webmaster Central – WMC is essential for webmasters to get their website properly indexed. The tools help you fine tune your site and create a site map for indexing.
https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools
12. Google Gadget – uses as weather forecast gadget for services page.
http://www.google.com/ig/directory
I use the weather gadget on the services page. But as you can see it’s currently providing weather for Rio de Janeiro. There are lots of open source types of gadgets available. Some are better at providing quality information than others. On the Services page the Directions tool on the left works well for providing driving direction.
13. Google Translate – translates the Anaheim site into over 30 different languages.
http://translate.google.com/translate_tools
Used on every page of the site to translate the pages to many languages. Works well. If I had my pick I would just like the Spanish option not all 35 languages.
14. Google Transit – detailed driving directions and ground transportation updates. http://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/transit/#mdy San Diego to Disneyland transit options
15. YouTube – video content to make the site more interactive.
Granted I only have one video on YouTube on the above link but I think it goes without saying that the online video medium is a great way to broadcast your message. I promise to spend more time at Disneyland taking more videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/AnaheimVisitorsGuide
16. Picasa – add pictures and slide shows to the site.
http://picasaweb.google.com
As part of the site the Picasa Photo Gallery has been implemented and includes original photo slide shows that have been added to the website and blog. The photos on this Anaheim site have been viewed 1000's of times. Notice the link under each photo. http://picasaweb.google.com/anaheimvisitorsguide
17. Blogger – easily add updates on various topics via email.
http://www.blogger.com/
The Anaheim Visitors Guide blog was setup in 2009 and also receives organic traffic and feed visitors into the main website. http://anaheimvisitorsguide.blogspot.com
18. Google Voice – Online voice mail system that stores messages like Gmail stores emails. You can call long distance by purchasing credits.
https://www.google.com/voice
The (714) phone number and voicemail service on the Anaheim site are driven by Google Voice. The Google Voice settings allow you to store and forward voicemails via email, translate voicemails to text and receive SMS messages.
19. Google Sites – used as graphic and file storage for downloading PDF files.
http://sites.google.com/site/anaheimvisitorsguide
The Google Sites account includes space to create a website. I have uploaded the eBook “Anaheim Visitors Guide to Disneyland and California Adventure.” This prevents excessive bandwidth usage by using Google’s server as a download source.
20. Google Earth – although this is a desktop application you can use it to create .kml files which are used for indexing map locations.
http://earth.google.com
21. Google Custom Search Engine – search the site content and combine with AdSense links. http://www.google.com/coop/cse
Thanks for reading this far. I look forward to adding more Google Apps.
