UPDATE
This procedure is now redundant as Google has introduced Google My Business and all new Pages are social pages. Claim your listing via google.co.uk/business
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Merging Google+ Local and Google+ Business Pages
Google recently announced the first stage of merging your Google+ Local (Google Places) with your Google+ Business Page.
This will enable you to manage your Google Plus business presence from one dashboard through Google Plus. The old Google Places dashboard will no longer be needed.
At the moment, the merge is only available for Google+ Business pages in the Local Business category. It also requires a reverification of your address by postcard.
Hopefully, this will end all the waiting around on Google+ Local updates – particularly the image updates!
How to merge your Google Plus business presence
Update: I verified my business and made this video before the Google groups announcement was updated. Apparently the merging of pages is not available for service area businesses – it will be interesting to see if my postcard arrives and if the merge goes ahead glitch free.
What about if I’m a service area business with hidden address?
The new verification process does not currently support service area businesses with hidden addresses.
Other Google+ Local help and resources
Google and Your Business group – initial merge announcement thread
Google help doc – verify your page step-by-step
Google help doc – edits to Google+ verified pages
Blumenthals blog – Step-by-step verification with screenshots
Will you be merging your Google Plus local business pages?
Merging Your Google+ Local and Google+ Business Page 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 post Jan, what would we do without your words of wisdom.
Lol Athena! Reading someone else’s blog maybe? Thanks for popping in and your continued support 🙂 I appreciate it!
Hi Jan,
I often read your posts with interest, thanks! I didnt originally set my G+ biz page as a local business, but have a Google Places page… Is there anyway i can edit my biz page to become a local listing, just like you can in Facebook, so i dont miss opportunities or effect my rankings in Google? I imagine you wont get extra brownie points if your not listed as local??? Maybe i need to delete biz page and start a fresh? I only have a few people connected, but want to keep the same biz name obviously!
I look forward to your reply and wisdom!
Steve
Hi Steve, there is no way to change your G+ Business page category. I wouldn’t delete and restart anything just yet, the merge has only just started. It’s a case of sit tight and hang on – let’s see which way Google decides to play it first.
Thanks for popping in and your question 🙂
I’m looking for an example of a Google+ page merged with a Google+ Local page that has a Street View business tour (aka Google Business Photos) on it, as I’m interested to see how it’s displayed. Do you know of any examples Jan?
Hi Abi, I don’t personally know any businesses who have gone for the Google Business Photos. Do you remember when the merge was first announced and Google gave some examples of flagship pages – one I have bookmarked is Delfina Restaurant they have the street view – blink and miss it 🙂 It’s under the map “see inside”. The Plus page has limited views, but click the image and it opens Google Maps for the full view.
Hope that helps!