Whilst stretching my legs outside our Lutterworth office last Wednesday, I spotted something coming down the road that I never thought I would see. One of the Google Streetview Cars. In utter shock and amazement, all could do at that moment after stopping in my tracks, was giving a thumbs up and smile to the car as it cruised past me.
I’m not exactly sure when Google Streetview will upload Lutterworth onto the system, but when it is uploaded, it will be interesting to see if my classic pose made the final cut of Lutterworth Town Centre!
How to spot the Google Car!
If you look at the image opposite, this is exactly what I saw. A black Vauxhall Astra with Google livery on the doors and most importantly, the huge, bizarre scaffolding of cameras that are attached to the roof!
Although the image opposite was taken in Paris, these are the same vehicles in operation in the UK. As the car cruised past, I also noticed the Laptop Size Sat-Nav the driver had attached to his dashboard. The cars are not exactly subtle!
How to prepare for Google Streetview
What struck me most about this encounter, and prompted me to pass on the advice in this blog, was just how clear the images are in Streetview are. Whilst Streetview is still relatively new, it seems to be becoming increasingly popular, much like Google Maps and Google Earth.
If you own a company with a retail outlet or shop front, then likelihood is that your companies’ building is going to prominently appear in Google Streetview. In my opinion, Google Streetview is going to take off, and a lot of Internet users are going to be using it. Not only are they going to take a look at their house and town etc, but if they are considering going to a restaurant for example, they may consider checking out the restaurant from a pedestrian’s point of view on Google Streetview.
If your town or city has not yet been added to Google Streetview, then it is imperative that you maintain the road-facing external view of your premises. If there are dead plants, litter or dirty windows for example outside your property, they are going to be immortalised for years on Google Streetview.
From what I’ve learnt, Google are currently canvassing all towns and cities in the UK. I would recommend maintaining a daily routine of checking the appearance of your business’ shop front. Send somebody out to check for litter, loitering youths or anything that could cast a negative shadow over your business.
Another thing to bear in mind is how often Streetview would be updated. If Google Earth is anything to go by, then it could be years in between updates.
Make sure your business is ready for its’ close up!
