Comments on: New Google Maps Business Listing Guidelines – What’s Changed

By: Google Places Updates Quality Guidelines on the Use of PO Boxes | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:07:14 +0000

[...] first added the prohibition on the use of PO Boxes in 2009 after widespread abuses of the feature to create [...]

By: raj singla

raj singla — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:04:09 +0000

pOst Boxes do not count as physical locations.

This is a pain in the neck. Google has got to figure out a solution for local businesses with private addresses…remember, 50% of SMBs are run from home.

By: MitchB

MitchB — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:34:47 +0000

Mike, thanks for the post. I run the marketing for a cell phone store franchise owner. We have 45 stores, all with unique locations and phone numbers. I’ve claimed all our stores and all is well for 4 months. Then, today my account got a nasty red bar at the top saying it has been suspended.

I have used no keywords in title, and have seemingly followed all guidelines Mike listed above. One guy I talked to said I should “start over”, but this wasn’t much of an answer, as I would simply do the exact same listings again for what? To spend 2 weeks redoing it all and getting suspended again?

I would really appreciate any feedback you guys have.

By: David Faltz

David Faltz — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:38:41 +0000

As I mentioned this before, Google goes way to far in trying to create an equal playing field. They are actually doing the complete opposite. These new rules, and guidelines, and the combo algo are geared to the much bigger businesses who can afford to all take all the steps necessary to be successful. In my opinion they are ruining the end user experience as well. I am sorry, but I dont think there is anything wrong with a criminal lawyer having their title reflect that, or a painter reflecting that. It is ridiculous..It makes it easier for me to know what I am getting. I mean I dont want to call a Injury lawyer, if I need a dui lawyer…and if I want a lawyer in Houston, I dont want to call one in Dallas…If I was to be listed in the yellow pages, my title would describe who I am. what I do, and where I do it…Why is that a problem? As far as the addresses are concerned…If someone is willing to pay for a UPS box, cuase it is more cost affective then a virtual office, and they want to expand by doing so, then who cares. That is smart business move…..Google became relevant cause we the people made it relevant…We made people care, and now that people care, and spent time and money to promote their services in multiple locations, or let people know what they do, and offer via the categories, Google decides it is not good. It is not fair, and the rich keep getting richer. It is ok to be detailed on your website with the titles and descriptions, and very necessary, so why just leave well enough alone…I am not a fan of spamming at all, but being descriptive is fine with me, and makes it easier for me to find what I want in a timely manner. I like the new interface, but personally the need to be more flexible on their policies, or we should all find another search engine to promote…The world of advertising, marketing, and SEO is desciptive in nature….Lets people know what they are getting!! They are turning this into a sterile enviornment, where the average person will never be able to compete…

By: Google Places Updates Quality Guidelines | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:42:53 +0000

[...] last rolled out the last major Places Quality Guidelines update almost exactly one year ago. There have been a number of often critical additions (here, here and [...]

By: Thoughts On Local Search Ranking Factors » Nodal Bits

Thoughts On Local Search Ranking Factors » Nodal Bits — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:02:32 +0000

[...] read Google’s quality guidelines carefully and perhaps look over Mike Blumenthal’s chart of Google Places guidelines which were updated near the end of 2009. Drifting over into breaking one of Google’s rules [...]

By: “Lead Generation” Map Spammers | Naper Design Naperville Web Design

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:22:18 +0000

[...] A great comparison chart on these new rules vs the old rules can be found here. [...]

By: Nick Wood

Nick Wood — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:04:17 +0000

Google is making life more difficult and no doubt would love to charge to add business’s onto their maps.

Google maps for business is a basic solution and not the real deal with ViaMichelin or microsoft. I have developed a google API myself and the accuracy is poor and customisation is worse.

No serious business / company would consider using Google maps for their store / branch finder / locator .

The latest API’s are so advanced of Google and even their enterprise is poor and overpriced compared to the likes of ViaMichelin and multimap ( now bing ). For coverage in Ireland and content I would suggest you try Viamichelin or for minors business Vm Local for business mapping , Location solutions

By: Year In Review: Local Search & Maps

Year In Review: Local Search & Maps — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:41:08 +0000

[...] put in place clear guidelines in the fall for do’s and don’ts of its LBC, with a few noteworthy changes to combat spam, as well as a guide to the Local Business Center in [...]

By: Google Maps Local Listing Ad Spam & Other Notes | Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:23:14 +0000

[...] (41 comments) on Google Maps: Tightening down on LocksmithsPureSheer (41 comments) on New Google Maps Business Listing Guidelines – What’s ChangedGlenn Y (15 comments) on Google Maps: Tightening down on LocksmithsStever (119 comments) on Google [...]