Google Offers Local Coupons

Google Maps (a local search directory) is offering coupons for local businesses. The idea is to use Google Maps to find local companies and then be able to print coupons for goods or services for those local companies.

Vendors can upload coupons at no charge which will be displayed along with their business name and information. Google will also work with ValPak coupons to provide discounts and coupons for local businesses. Vendors may also purchase Google ads (sponsored links) to get more traffic to their coupon offers without having to have a website.

This is a very cool feature -- one I am certain will catch on, especially as people learn to use Google maps using their cell phones. Of course, local businesses will need to incorporate some way for customers to utilize coupons from their phones rather than having a printed version.