How to remove a former business location from Google Places?

[BlairKuhnen]

I've received a strange response from Google Places on local listings for a home builder.  Google's rep suggested that we not list the new home sales center (a model home) since at some point it will change from being a business listing to a residential listing.  That is just wrong.  It will be a place of business for the next 3 years and then will flip to being a private residence.

These days it is uncommon, but not that rare to turn over ownership from public to private or vice versa (A residence becoming a law or other commercial establishment.  Or a whole office building becoming condos.)

The issue is, when it does happen, how do we get Google and others to recognize that a business is no longer a business location? I've had trouble bringing down the address of former former model home sales centers on Google Places much to the chagrin of the residents.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Blair,

Funny, I recalled this question, too, but didn't realize it was yours

I wish we could get an 'official word' from Google on this, because it's something the guidelines hint around but don't speak to directly. Have you ever posted this question in the Google And Your Business Forum, just to see if you get any feedback from the TCs there? Maybe even from a staffer? What's really important, I think, is the distinction between what Google's guidelines state about rental properties, etc., and the fact that a main office is being located on the property for several years. I mean, if it were a watch repair store that opened for several years and then closed, no one would fault them for having a G+ Local page, right? So, I think there is grey area here. You've been told by a Google rep not to do this, but I am truly curious as to the reasoning behind that individual's advice, and whether they could have been misinterpreting the guidelines.

Blair, as this is a business model you deal with constantly, I'd suggest trying again to get feedback from a Google staffer on this, maybe via their forum. If that doesn't work, you might try contacting a TC, like Linda Buquet or Mike Blumenthal to see if they would consider writing about your topic ... because there just isn't a clear guideline for this, in my opinion, given the exact details of the business model.

[BlairKuhnen]

Miriam,

Not sure how I missed your response.  Great answer.  We are really a consortium, so I am seeking a general solution not just one for a client. Based on the linked thread and your advice, here’s what I think all home builders should do regarding their sales offices and Local SEO:

1. If you have an onsite sales office, do a Google Places listing for it.  Blow it out with pictures, relevant copy and anything of use to the target persona.
2. Make sure you add a geo coordinates as Google and others may be lagging your land development efforts.
3. When the sales office is ready to close, delete everything that is possible to delete in the Google Places account.  Makes sure names, pictures, and other content are removed.
4. Market the business as closed.  At the time of closing, check for options for reclassifying as a residence.  While they do not have this function today, those #googlers are darn smart and they will figure out a way to allow locations to change from residence to business or the reverse someday soon.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Blair,

I am a bit surprised, too, by the advice you were given. I wonder if the rep could possibly have been thinking of this entry under the heading of 'ineligible business models' on the Google Places Quality Guidelines:

"Rental or for-sale properties, such as vacation homes or vacant apartments, are not eligible to be listed on Google Maps and should not be verified. Instead, verify the listing for your sales or leasing office or offices. If you have a property with an on-site office, you may verify that office location"

It says right there in the guidelines that if you have a property with an onsite office, you can verify it, and that appears to be what you are describing, even if it will be closing in three years. I guess maybe it's a grey area and you probably shouldn't go against what Google has told you.

If, despite what they said, you decide to go ahead with the plan, it's a bit hard to advise you. Right now, if a business needs to be closed, there are specific options, some of which are described well in the Google And Your Business Forum thread:

https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!searchin/business/mark$20as$20closed/business/ybLoj6VAtMk/EwGnYbVT9aoJ

But, what the options will be 3 years from now, who can say? So, you'd probably need to look into this again when the time comes.

You would also need to try to shut down any citations you may have built, or they may cause a new Google+ Local page to be automated. Hope this helps!

[hecklerponics]

A good place to start is here if it has a physical location: http://www.google.com/mapmaker

From mapmaker you can close the business (it isn't immediate as they use crowd sourcing).  You can also report the business as being closed through the maps listing.

If you do a search for the listing in question, in the list view (http://maps.google.com) you'll see an option that says 'more' with an arrow pointing down.  Click that and hit 'report a problem'.

Hope it helps.