There’s great news for local businesses who set up the wrong type of Google Plus Page. Google now allows you to convert a Google Plus Brand page to a Google Plus Local Page.
This isn’t a merge of pages. The local data from your verified Google Plus Local Page is removed and transferred to a specified Google Plus Business Page to connect to Google Maps. The original Local Page with the local data stripped away is then renamed and remains live unless you delete it.
Contents
How to Convert a Google Plus Business Page to a Local Page
Many thanks to Wonderland Wigs for allowing me to use their business pages as an example. Like many local businesses, they initially set up their Google Plus Page as a non-local page and are now battling on with two Plus Pages – the Brand page and their (finally!) upgraded Local Page.
You will need:
- A verified, upgraded Google Plus Local Business page
Verified Google Plus Local Page with contact details, opening hours, categories
- A Google Plus Brand Page
Google Plus Brand page example – no contact details, categories or opening hours
1. Log into your Google Plus Local Page on Google Plus
2. Go to page settings, scroll down to the profile section
3. Choose a Google Plus Page to where you want to transfer the local information
4. Check the details and click confirm
5. You’ll be given the option to delete the old Local Business page
(I’ve not deleted anything just yet. I fully expect to log in next week to a whole other set of problems with the rate of change by Google Local!)
If your Plus Local Page is NOT verified and connected to Maps, the option to connect your local details to an alternative Plus page will not be available to you. Verify your Local Business page first.
The option to connect a different Google Plus page to Maps is only available to single location businesses.
How to Convert a Google Plus Brand Page to a Local Page Video
Download the video transcript with screenshots
(PDF – Opens in a new tab or right click and “save as” to download)
What Data is Transferred from the Local Page?
The following data is removed from the Local Page and associated with the Brand Page
- Address and phone information
- Map connection
- Verification
- Opening Hours
- Categories
- Reviews (but NOT review responses)
Each Page retains the original followers, posts, custom url and any associated managers.
The previous Local Page will no longer:
- Be available in Google Maps
- Display any Adwords Express ads
- Display any local information
- Display reviews and review responses
Original Google Plus Local Page with local data removed
Original Google Plus Brand page now with local information and Map connection
I’m really hoping this is a serious start to fixing the mess that has been Google Local over the last couple of years. It’s a huge step toward solving some of the Google Plus Page/Local confusion – I almost put up the bunting and held a street party!
Over to you…
Does the ability to convert your Google Plus Business Page to a Local Page with a Maps listing help your business? Let me know in the comments.
Did you find this post useful? Please share!
How to Convert a Google Plus Brand Page to Google Local [Video] by Jan Kearney
Grab your guide to local search and learn:
- What elements are important on your website
- How to set up your Google My Business Local Page
- How Google Plus can help you zoom past your competitors
- Two things you should not neglect if you want to rank in the local search pack
- How to power past your competitors and dominate your area
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Great sharing, Jan ! Google plus is the best social networking site to promote your brand. Many thanks to you for sharing how to do it as at times, I find difficult to access google plus.
Google Plus is a fab platform with lots of potential for businesses of all sizes. It is a bit of a learning curve though!
Thanks for popping in Cheenu and for commenting 🙂
What a helpful post, Jan. I’d never even thought about the importance of local pages on Google Plus. I love how in-depth your tutorial is. It’s easy to grasp and doesn’t feel too technical.
Local pages are fantasic Avery (yes, I am biased lol) but can be very confusing with the amount of change Google Local has gone through in the last couple of years. They are amazing traffic drivers though once they work!
Thanks for popping in and your kind comment 🙂
Very helpful for the person who works with a Google+ Local page. You know very well most of this is above my head because I don’t use Google+ local pages, but I am sure if someone needs to know how to get this done, your tutorial fits the bill. 🙂
Bonnie, one day you’ll get the urge to jump in local with your business 😉 I’ll be here waiting when you do!
Hi Jan
Having just untangled my PCs, somewhere on the “to do list” is untangling my Google pages and this is a post I’m sure I’ll need to come back to, so thanks for that.
Joy
How well I know that feeling Joy! Good luck!
I honestly didn’t even realize my page wasn’t local. I haven’t done much with google profile pages other than to use them to socialize with or build links with. However, this is actually good because one of the niche sites I have I am considering branching off until a physical product which may lead me to doing more business locally so I may be doing this soon. Thanks for sharing!
If you’re thinking doing business locally Misty, a Google Local Page is one of those must haves. You’ll need to set up a Verified Google Local page first so you can merge the active brand page into it.
Good luck!