I read about this on Engadget and thought that it was a pretty good idea from Google. Local brick and mortar businesses would definitely be able to gain a head start from their competitors. The question now is: Is there an opportunity here for online Internet Marketers?

The way I see it, new online start-ups can utilize this to build their brands. This would be just one of the various avenues they could use to promote themselves offline. Then again, their decision could also depend on the costs involved, and the specific target market the map would go to.

An example would be, if a person is looking for directions to a restaurant a gas pump Google map, alternative information on online restaurant reservations services, online hotel agents, online travel agents, and even local online tour information could be advertised on these coupons. Special promo codes could also be easily incorporated to encourage quick online access.

Additionally, with 80% of US citizens going online, there is no doubt on the blurring of the boundaries between offline and online marketing channels.