Usually, it’s the big companies that are able to capitalize on the new innovations Google produces. From search engines to advertisement, the people at Google have turned around and added new dimensions to entire elements of the Internet. To properly take advantages of these changes and additions, time and money needs to be spent on planning and implementation of new ideas. That’s why companies that have the money to pay teams of experts are often first on the scene to use the new technology. Lately, web solutions teams, that specialize in making these transitions easier for small businesses easier have gained more notice. Short of their reliable services, small businesses online were left to fend for themselves. Now, Google is making an effort for the little guys, by launching Hotpot.

Its an extension of Google Places, the local search database of more than 50 million locations in which merchants can claim their businesses, provide their addresses and other information, and engage with customers. Hotpot adds two important new features into the mix: user ratings and recommendations from friends. Using a 5-star system, the ratings made are always public. The idea is for people to leave reviews of local places online, for others to stumble across, should they find themselves at the same establishment.

Frankly, any business would be better served by creating a website and having a team of expert web marketers carve out their presence online. Hotpots may be starting with 50 million locations and adding more all the time, but it’s not really all that helpful to local business. It’s still a much better plan to advertise your own presence on the Internet, rather than relying on databases like Hotpot to do the work for you.