A One-Year Status Report on Google Base - Very User Friendly
(Page 2 of 4 )
The first question is the easiest to answer. Google Base is fairly user friendly in that it utilizes a simple web form that lets users upload individual items and allows for all sorts of accompanying images and attachments. There is also a more advanced "Bulk Upload" option, which was recently upgraded, but we'll get back to that later.
Google Base also allows users to describe their items with detailed information tidbits, which Google refers to as "attributes." These tidbits of information are akin to terms found in a "keyword" meta tag. They essentially tag the item with descriptive terms that will help searchers find said content. A given item can actually have multiple attributes, each with its own accompanying list of descriptive terms.
Each item listing can also be accompanied by 15 attachments, utilizing any of the following file formats: PDF (.pdf), Microsoft Excel (.xls), text (.txt), HTML (.html), Rich Text Format (.rtf), Word Perfect (.wpd), ASCII, Unicode and XML.
Crafty SEO marketers, take note. Once an item is uploaded, Google hosts said item listing for free within Google Base, and interestingly enough, the item can be indexed by Google's main search index, Froogle, or even Google Maps.
I went ahead and played around with the interface for a while, uploading various obscure items, and I must say that Google did a good job of making this offering very user friendly. Even tech-challenged individuals should have little trouble uploading items of their own. One thing that I did notice while I was in there is that Google actually allows users to create an Adwords listing for individual items. I found this fascinating for two reasons. First of all, it was the first hint of commercialism profit-mindedness I encountered. Second, it gives marketers that don't have the means to create a proper website a way to pitch their products or services (eBay does the same thing with the e-store option, but Google Base seems like a much simpler avenue for such ventures).
It's also worth mentioning that Google has included some extremely useful features, such as the Google Base API, in their burgeoning product. This programming tool enables users to integrate Google Base search results within their websites. A fine example is Findaconvertiblecar.com, which enables the user to find convertibles in the USA by selecting attributes such as the make, model or year, and integrates the search results with Google Maps.
Next: But Who Knows About it? >>
More Search Engine News Articles
More By Hugo Guzman
/ 5 
