This article was originally published on the Spectrum blog. 

I know what you’re thinking: here we go again.

Here’s another Google product.

Here’s yet another time burner.

Here’s something else I have to spend a buck on.

Believe me, I’m with you. Keeping up with Google’s ever-evolving landscape for the sake of your online marketing can be tiresome; it seems like something new is a-brewing every few months.

That’s because it is – and more often than not it’s completely worth it.

Business owners should take solace in the fact that, while Google’s pervasive updates can be frustrating, they're for good reason: they support the search giant’s (now famous) mission statement:

“To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

Your business is very much a part of the world’s information. So don’t be overwhelmed when Google releases a new product (or a not-so-new one starts to pick up momentum), because, ultimately, it’s going to help you reel in better leads (and more of them).

Pretty soon every business in America will be set up with Google Business View, a product that helps consumers make informed decisions about whom they do business with in a simple, intuitive way.

Here’s the scoop on the best thing to come out of Google since Street View:

Google Business View was initially offered in April, 2010. Back then, it was only available in select cities around the US.

Fast forward 4 years and Google Business View has expanded to 27 countries and 180 American cities.

What is Google Business View?

Think Street View, the informative and equally entertaining Google product that provides a 360 degree panoramic view of just about any road in America. Now imagine that technology in your store, warehouse, gallery, showroom, restaurant, etc.

Bringing the virtual tour experience inside the walls of your business can be extremely beneficial. Here’s why:

Your Business Comes to Life!

Business View makes consumers feel comfortable.

The product serves its purpose by providing potential customers with a terrific first impression of your business. After all, what’s more professional than allowing people to virtually explore and interact with your company?

The product isn’t only for aesthetically driven businesses, either. Sure, florists and furniture showrooms and art galleries love Business View, but the underlying impression of reputability, confidence and professionalism are universally appealing.

Consumers are always trying to find something that differentiates you from their other options. Many businesses – especially those offering commoditized services and products – are using Business View to demonstrate their distinction.

Traffic to Your Website & Social Properties Will Increase!

It’s a fact: pictures command attention.

And With Google Business View, your company’s photographs will appear across 3 very important and popular Google products: Google Search, Google Maps and Google+ Local.

A typical search result is easy to overlook because it’s only several lines of text. However, once your photos are uploaded your listing will 1) make people take notice and 2) engage people, as your interactive photos will literally expand to the size of the entire computer screen.

There’s no better way to showcase your business.

Touch Prospects Anywhere!

Online browsing, shopping and researching are becoming more and more prevalent every day. Google knows this better than anyone, which is why they made Google Business View completely mobile friendly.

So don’t worry, the fully immersive and utterly satisfying interactive experience of Business View can be had anywhere and at anytime – on an iPhone, Android, iPad or Windows tablet.