Jade Wang of Google just announced that your old Google+ Business Page can now be merged with your new Google+ Local page which used to be your Google Places Page. As usual Mike Blumenthal has got the goods to help you make sense of the whole thing. Here’s Jade’s post:
For those of you that have created local Google+ pages (with social features) — good news! Today, you can become the verified business owner for that local Google+ page.
In essence, this will combine the page you created in Google+ with the page in Google+ Local (formerly Places listing). Your business’ presence across Google Search, Google Maps, and Google+ will be unified. You’ll be able to manage this page from Google+ Pages admin. Check out the Meatball Shop for an example of a combined page, with both social features and reviews.
If you’re ready, just click on Verify now on the right side of the page. You’ll need to verify that you’re representing your business by having a postcard sent, even if you’re a verified business owner on Google Places for Business. Also note that verification will only work for pages created in the “Local Business or Place” category in Google+.
The new upgraded pages aren’t yet available for those that just have local Google+ pages with reviews. We’re working on getting the upgraded experience to all business owners. If you’re curious, go ahead and create a Google+ page in the local category.
10 Response Comments
Thanks for the update, I really hope Google sorts out this mess of local pages soon, it’s getting complicated trying to keep track of everything…..appreciate the great content Andrew, cheers
So what should be the best way to create new listings? Do I need to create a Google + profile & then add a listing or should I go to the old Maps “Add a business”?
Thanks Andrew!! I’ve been waiting for this and as soon as I decide to take a week off work, Google decides to announce we can start the merging process – I don’t know, I turn my back for a second and now I’m having to catch up.
@B.L. I believe the best way is to go with Google+ and ignore the maps route (if that is even still available).
Really excited to read this, and even more excited to have hope that Google+/Places/Local/Pages will all be streamlined one day.
Question: What about businesses that have multiple locations in different cities? We had 19 Google Places pages converted to Google+ Local pages, with reviews, and I would like to link them to our official Google+ Page. Any thoughts or did I misunderstand this post? (Entirely possible. Far too many p-words in one article).
@A to Z Net Ventures
Both Gmaps & Google + are still available options. It actually means you are going to get 2 different verification letters but what happens next- that’s not clear…
I read this article and followed the instructions. A couple days later, I received the post card and verified. I’ve noticed…. nada.
Nothing seems to have changed in any way.. what is the point?
Pitstop,
I am guessing GOOG is updating these in batches. As with all things Google Local, patience is key.
@Pitstop
Last time I set this up for a customer, I think it took about 3-4 weeks for everything to update. Now I am not sure if this is the norm or not. One think I have learned with Google is nothing happens right away.
Well guess what??
So we read this post online that we should reverify our business for the Google Plus changeover.
So we did..
And the listing was removed.
“Your Pitstop Appliance Repair listing was
experiencing issues due to quality violations. Specifically, our records
indicate that the address on file is for a UPS mailbox location. We ask
that you do not create a listing or place your pin marker at a location
where the business does not physically exist. P.O. Boxes are not
considered accurate physical locations.”
We are a residential appliance repair company. All of our repairs are done in the customer’s home. We do not have a brick and mortar location as nobody is going to bring their refrigerator, oven, washer or dryer somewhere to get fixed. We do not sell appliances, so no need for a retail showroom. Our customers schedule from the website, so no need for a room + desk for answering phones.
There are a LOT of service companies that work the same way. Plumbers, electricians, etc.
Not only is this costing us lost business, but who knows how many other thousands of companies.
It is really backward of a modern company that makes all their money off of people online (Google) to punish other businesses who operate in modern day methods.
Really not happy. Any ideas?
Thanks.
@BL, I just read an interesting blog post by Mike Blumenthall which might apply to your situation and others reading here. Check out http://blumenthals.com/blog/2012/08/10/google-business-pages-to-merge-or-not-to-merge-that-is-the-question/ – hope it helps someone. Deciding how to proceed really depends on your situation and what currently suits you best. Of course Google keeps evolving/changing…