Google+ Company Verification Help
-
I am in a huge Google+ pickle. Backstory:
- Client's past marketing manager set up a Google+ Company Page with their old work email as the username - that marketing manager is now gone
- Client also moved into a new unit within their building, therefor keeping the same address but a different suite #
- Client's President (my point of contact) created a new (unverified) Google+ Company Page for the new address & suite #
If I verify the correct Google+ Company Page, does this overwrite the old one with the incorrect suite #? Or will I still need to dig up their old company page login to transfer ownership?
Also, does anyone have any helpful beginner articles on setting up Google+ Company Pages for businesses with multiple locations?
Thanks!
-
You don't want duplicate or near duplicates in the same account for sure. Last I checked, that's a violation of The Googles terms of service. Naturally you want everything to be as accurate as possible.
I would probably Report the old, inaccurate listing as closed and verify the new listing with the correct information at roughly the same time. Then hustle and update all of the top tier listings with the old suite number. And when I say Top Tier, I mean pretty much anything Moz Local would feed if/when you have an account. Then I would prioritize top listings by some combination of city and category. There are probably also some 'hidden gems' that show well for your client's geo/keyword combinations.
If you use Moz Local to do the job, make sure you submit the new NAP.
-
Thanks! This was super helpful.
I'm stumped on the best order for the following:
- Verify the correct business listing
- Try to uncover the old business listing and merge the two accounts
If I verify the business listing first, is that going to hurt any other efforts?
-
Just for the benefit of this discussion, Google now is allowing for automatic verification if the site has a verified GWT account.
Details below:
** Instant verification**
You may be instantly verified to manage your business if you’ve already verified your business’s website with Google Webmaster Tools.
Make sure you’re signed in to Google My Business with the same account you used to verify your site with Webmaster Tools. Note that some business categories may not be eligible for instant verification.
Once you’ve verified, you may see a banner asking you to review your information and make any final changes.
Click Done editing when you’re certain everything is up to date.
Note that you won’t be able to update the business’s name until the verification process is complete.
-
Is there some reason you can't access the old marketing manager's email? You could just get permission from the head honcho and have your IT let you in. Also, you would be surprised how easy it is to get into things when you simply ask for it. Maybe the old marketing manager would be receptive?
Either way, you still have near duplicate listings. It sounds like you have a larger job ahead of you than you know. I'm not envious, but I do feel your pain. Some of this information may be a little out of date, but this is pretty close to what you're dealing with. Report a Problem link will be your frenemy from now on.
Plug in your business name and ZIP here to get quick overview of the damage.
You should start here for the basics. It's pretty comprehensive, but you will eventually want to get into theory and trends.
-
You have to locate all instances of the NAP ( especially phone number), delete extra pages and make 100% all other listings reflect the current / new address.
Google will keep both on file and this will limit your client's site from the highest ranking. So, locate and eliminate/ merge / correct all G+ listings and it should be set to rights.
This is a great place to get hands on information and tips http://localsearchforum.catalystemarketing.com/
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Former tenant Google Map listing still displays
Our tenant closed their business and we now occupy the address, their Google map still displays, albeit "Permanently Closed" along with ours at the same address. I can't seem to get it removed, it's been 2 years. Help 🙂
Local Listings | | KevnJr0 -
Single Local Result on Google... Wut up with that?
I'm seeing, for several different locations, single businesses suddenly coming up for searches on local services, where there used to be 3-Pack results. Now it's like a knowledge panel result on the right. Anyone else seeing this? Any ideas as to what's going on... and if there's anything that can be done to revert it? (influence the type of local result). Thanks!
Local Listings | | WP-Pro1 -
Google Business Listing with no physical office location
Hey, everyone! As a business owner who works from home and doesn't have a physical office location. Is setting up a Google business listing without location going to hurt my local search ranking? Should I get a virtual office so I have a physical location? Thank you!! 😃
Local Listings | | ichorstudios0 -
Does Google call your satellite offices and ask what's down the street?
Is this a real thing? Do they actually do this? Should I be concerned and train my receptionists to know their surroundings?
Local Listings | | marketingdepartment.ch6 -
Google My Business marker/pin - Do I have control over moving it?
I am working with a country club. We opened the Google my business account and Moz Local. i think the developer/builder of the Country Club planned on the address being in different place than it is today. Do I have control over moving that marker on this massive property. Or, is this done at the city/county level? The marker isn't quite near the building or the true entrance to the country club.
Local Listings | | Joseph.Lusso0 -
How to add details to Google Local Listings
Hello, A website I am working on made it to Google's Local Pack. However, it does not have the website, hours, or location info. What is the best way to add it? I added an image link for context. http://imgur.com/rT3lQ4K Thanks!!
Local Listings | | HectorCortes0 -
Why would a website link disappear from a Google Place listing?
Hi, a local non-profit recently re-branded their name from MacDonald Center to Maybelle Center. When they updated their business information their website link disappeared. They've updated from within and dashboard to no avail. We've requested edits/updates via Google Map maker but it says Denied. Here's a URL for the SERP result. Note the button for "website" would normally appear by the button for "directions" https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome-psyapi2&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8&q=maybelle center portland&oq=maybelle center portland&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i59j69i61.4316j0j7
Local Listings | | Flock.MediaCan someone please explain why this is happening and how we can fix it? They are a great community organization who's about to receive some media coverage and we'd really appreciate it if users hearing about the group be able to easily access their new website. They are aware of their duplicate listings but, typical of non-profits, have limited time and funds so are prioritizing to address more urgent issues first. However, I don't believe duplicate listings would cause such an issue but please let me know if I'm wrong here
0 -
Getting Google Local Pack Results
Does anyone know of a good article that lists all the things needed to get good Google local pack results? That would be extremely helpful. Thanks in advance!
Local Listings | | Gavo0