In my recent interview on SEOBook I mused that Google might create ways for agencies to get access to a business’ GLBC profile. Matt McGee spoke with a GLBC rep today and got the following responses:
“agency access to LBC is unlikely”
&
“they may give biz owner a way to share account with one person”
Not perfect but sounds like a step in the right direction.
6 Response Comments
the sooner the better!
I was at the GetListed.org Local University event in Spokane, WA and prompted this question… I was asking (rather brazenly I might add) if the new enhanced listing service would have a distribution channel of resellers. Google does this with its Google Apps Premium product, and I reasoned that it is working well because it broadens their sales team and reduces support costs.
The response from Google was that they wouldn’t really be interested in having an agency “own” the listing or be an intermediary between the business owner and Google.
The ability to share access ala Google Analytics would be AWESOME and much more likely.
I hope that they reconsider a model that would create a modest financial incentive for local SEO’s, agencies, and others to promote that product. A tiny minority of businesses have claimed their listing and giving qualified professionals a direct financial incentive to help would drive a lot more adoption FAST. It could also control the amount of money that changes hands for “1st page Google listings” and potentially reduce fraud and abuse from the SEO community.
Perhaps an affiliate model where the enhanced listing service being $25/month would pay $5-$10/month based on coupon code usage would be enough incentive without going to the full “reseller” model.
My guess is that it will happen when hell freezes over.
Oh wait, hell froze over on Sunday, I guess I’m being optimistic.
I hope this happens, too. And more sites should be aware of this problem. The whole client/agency account creation can get pretty messy and confusing. Blah.
This would be nice! Currently, it is a big-time pain in the butt to manage local business profiles on behalf of clients. Especially tough if the client is a franchise.
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