Businesses can also show photos, respond to reviews and offer coupons, all for free. All that is required to get started is setting up a free Google account. For a flat fee of $25 per month, businesses can also participate in an advertising program called Google Tags that provides a way to call attention to the listing.
Google Places has more than 4 million local business using its service; Google sees more than 100 million visitors each month to Google Maps.
Enter Facebook Places. Facebook Places is a location-based platform that lets Facebook members check in from a local business and then tag friends to let them know where they are. Both services seek to connect local businesses with consumers.