"If you can't buy them, join them" states Mashable in their article this morning about Google's newest addition, Google Offers. The search engine giant cleverly tried to purchase Groupon back in 2010 with a $6 billion offer, but after the deal fell through, Google decided to take matters into their own hands and create a Groupon-like system that will mimic most of the great features and offers of Groupon. With Groupon's success and Google's popular brand name, who will come out alive as this war between social coupon buying begins?
The Chicago-based social buying site denied Google at the end of 2010 with a $6 billion offer. Forbes calls Groupon "the fastest growing company...ever." Google, as intelligent as they are was eager to get their hands on the rapidly growing commerce site, but after being denied, I wonder if Google will be able to catch up to Groupon once they launch the new platform, or if they'll fail miserably?
Google has the name, but Groupon already has the audience who eagerly awaits the daily e-mail, highlighting the local deal of the day. Google already has a two page document that the company will be sending to businesses in order to get their attention and promote the new platform. The incentive behind choosing Google Offers is clearly the advertisement associated with the search engine giant; however Google has confirmed that they're in the testing phase of the entire process. Until the system gains momentum, Google had nothing more to say on the matter.
Stay tuned for more updates on Google v Groupon with Hudson Horizons!
Do you currently use Groupon? Are you willing to try Google Offers?