Another change for the better over at Google+ Local (Google Places). Google have updated the guidelines for changing a business address.
It is now perfectly OK to change your business address in the Google Places dashboard or on the Google+ Local Business page if you have a verified merged Plus page.
No Need To Mark As Closed
Previously, you needed to mark the business as closed and set up a new listing. Since this was never explained on the dashboard, obviously many business owners neglected to do it.
If you have ever tried explaining to a business owner why they need to mark their business as permanently closed when they are simply moving premises, you will know how frustrating that conversation can be! This current change to the guidelines makes sense and should make things easier for all involved.
Here’s what Jade posted over on the Google and Your Business Forum
Verified business owner of a page, and is your business moving locations? Here’s what you do.
Edit your address in Google Places for Business or in the Google+ page admin area, whichever you are using to manage the page. This will either make a new page or edit the address on the existing page. It may take a week or two after editing your address before you see an update. At this point, you may need to go through a verification process again. Don’t worry — this is normal.
If you see a page that’s still got the old address, click on Report a problem and mark that location as closed. Provide the link to the new address or information about the new location if possible. You can find more instructions on closing a location here: http://goo.gl/YZIjq
It’s great to see Google starting to fix some of the frustrations with Local – there’s still a long way to go though!
Moving Business Address? Google Local Updates The Guidelines (Again) by Jan Kearney
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Well, at least this change is for the better and doesn’t have you screaming bloody murder! LOL
I still don’t see the sense in this service. I never understood it, still don’t get it, and probably won’t conform!
Hahaha – it doesn’t take much to keep me happy, Bonnie 🙂
If you ever open up an office or a shop, give me a shout – you’ll see the value of Places then 🙂
Ah, so Google places is basically for someone who has a storefront (i.e. physical location) they do business from rather than a virtual business (i.e. online vendor).
Do I understand this correctly?
In a nutshell, yes. Virtual businesses/online vendors can’t have a G Places marker. Google doesn’t like that, the guidelines state, “Only businesses that make in-person contact with customers qualify for a Google Places listing” You can have a marker (like me) if you work from home and go out to meet your customers rather than have an office.
I actually agree with Bonnie, don’t get it and probably won’t do it! I haven’t chosen google+ as a platform for my business. I’m sticking with LinkedIn, FB and twitter and have so much to learn:)
Hi Debra, Google+ Local is just a small part of Google+ and Google+ IS Google. It’s far wider reaching than just being another social network. It’s well worth connecting your site up even if you don’t use it socially yet. I know, it’s confusing – even Google can’t agree on guidelines and terminology between departments when it comes to local (Maps, Places/+Local and G+ Local Business Pages).
In your case, I would step back from the local side and at least complete your G+ personal profile.
Hi Jan,
It appears I’m in agreement with Bonnie & Debra. There are so many avenues to learn & use when it comes to marketing your business.
I’m only beginning to learn social media. Google + & Places will have to wait in line.
There just isn’t enough time in the day for everything. I will be outsourcing much of my social media tasks, so I can focus on other aspects of my business.
Thanks for a great post, Jan! Take care!
Regards,
George
Hi George, as an online business, you won’t be eligable for a Places/+Local listing. You should definately take a look at Google+ though 🙂