To Merge or Not to Merge...That is THE Question in Local These Days
I t's safe to say its utter chaos in the Local Search Department at the Googleplex. The shift to Google+ Local took place a few months back and many businesses are still wondering what exactly happened. The biggest concerns we're running into are figuring out exactly what someone is supposed to do with existing Place Pages and how to deal with new clients that want a newly created local presence. Do you create a new Place Page or just add a G+ Business Profile...or both?!
Hopefully this will clarify some things for you. Here's a guide on what to do in different situations that was posted by Googler Jade Wong:
What you should do during the upgrade to local Google+ pages?
Should I verify?
- Storefront business with a page in Google+ (under the local business/place category) who are using it regularly: request verification. You will need to get a postcard sent to your business address and enter the PIN. Then, manage this page using the Google+ pages admin. Do not use the Google Places for Business to edit after verifying in Google+.
- Verified owner in the Google Places for Business: continue to manage your information from the Google Places for Business dashboard and please wait for further instructions. We are working on a smooth upgrade process for everyone.
- New storefront businesses: (not verified on Google Places for Business) you may create a page in Google+ (under the local business/place category) and go through the verification process. Then, manage your page through the Google+ pages admin.
What if I'm a...
- Service area business with address correctly hidden: the upgraded (merged) local Google+ pages are not currently supporting service area businesses. Please continue to manage it via Google Places for Business and hide your address as necessary, detailed in the quality guidelines.
- Big brand or business with multiple locations: There is no way to link a single brand page to multiple local Google+ pages. Continue to manage your brand...
