Google Offers Downgraded to Local Coupon Service

Google Offers has been revamped yet again. The Groupon-like version of Offers is now dead and it is again just a coupon service. Google says these coupons will get prominent placement on Google Maps and Google+. There's currently a free version and a paid version.

With the paid coupons, the issuer pays Google per coupon download. The difference between the two is unclear, although I suspect the free ones might only show up on a business’ own listing and/or for a brand search, while paid ones might show up on competitors’ listings, too.

Here are some of the basic guidelines for creating Google Offers:

• "Offers must add value above and beyond the product's normal price." - whether that be a discount or an additional good/service.
• "Offers must represent a unique and limited opportunity." - Set a timeline for your offer. For example: valid for one month.
• "Offers must be easy to understand and simple to redeem." You can't restrict the kind of customer the offers apply to. For example: Offer valid for senior citizens.

Business owners will only pay if a customer saves your offer. To redeem the coupon, customers can have their mobile phone scanned or they can print the voucher and present it at the store.

Visit Google Offers for Business to create coupons for your business or go here to check out the consumer side.