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Google This… Free 411 Calls with 800-GOOG-411

Inside Small Business | December 2nd, 2008

Bryan Stapp, Loud Amplifier Marketin g

You don’t need a computer, internet connection or even a keypad on your phone to get Google search results anywhere, anytime. Google offers two ways to access their search results with a simple telephone.

1-800-GOOG-411 is a voice activated system offering directory assistance Google Search results from any phone (mobile or land line, it doesn’t matter) for free. Which means you can now stop paying $1.50 to the phone company every time you need a phone number.

Dial 800-GOOG-411 and give the location and name of the business you are looking for. If there is a direct match, the service will connect you with your match. If you don’t know the name of the business, the service will provide a list of options in your area. And if you are calling from a mobile device, 1-800-GOOG-411 will send you a text message with more details and a map.

You can also send a text message to GOOGL (46645) to get search results. I have found this very handy for current stock quotes, flight status, sports scores, movie times and for directory assistance. It’s also great for weather forecasts – just type in the letter “W” and the zip code or city name to get current conditions and a three day forecast. For a full list of search options, visit the Google SMS page.

You may find this service addictive, as I have. So here are a few insider tips on how to get the most out of it:

To receive an SMS – say “text message” or press 9
To navigate between results – say or press the listing number
To receive a map – say “map it”
To enter a zip code – say it or enter it with the keypad
To receive more details – say “Details”
To start over – say “start over” or press the * key
To go back – say “go back”

I hate paying for 411 calls – keep a few bucks in your pocket and get better results with 800-GOOG-411, and Google SMS.

*Bryan Stapp is the Chief Marketer for his firm Loud Amplifier Marketing, providing strategic marketing consulting to private equity firms, CEO’s and CMO’s in multiple industries. He also operates several direct-to-consumer online businesses, and plays lead guitar in a rock band just to keep things interesting.Bryan frequently presents at industry conferences, and writes about internet marketing, consumer relationships, and brand building. He has deep experience in combining online and offline strategies for customer acquisition and building brands. Read Bryan’s blog posts at www.LoudAmplifierMarketing.com.

Posted on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 at 3:33 pm and is filed under Internet, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.