Don't Merge Google+ Local with G Business Pages Yet?

[Linda Buquet]

Just caught a post from Mike Blumenthal, saying that Joel from Google said at LocalU that no one should merge right now.

Step by Step Guide to the Google+ Business/Local Merge Verification Process - Comment

"In fact at a recent presentations at LocalU, Joel Headley said that users should not merge their G+Local pages even with a local G+ Business page at this point as Google will be rolling out an automated way to do so."

I just asked Joel to confirm and asked if I can get any more details I can share, as that comment begs a few questions in my mind.

 

[Andrew Sawyer]

Just caught a post from Mike Blumenthal, saying that Joel from Google said at LocalU that no one should merge right now.



I just asked Joel to confirm and asked if I can get any more details I can share, as that comment begs a few questions in my mind.

Seems that they learned where the bugs are and can now have a tool to do it. Hopefully the G+ and GMM will play nicely together when they implement this process. Good news! Wonder how SABs will be affected?

 

[Linda Buquet]

OK so Mike and I have been telling everyone to wait and don't merge yet. But the only place I really noticed Google coming right out and saying wait was HERE in this forum when Jade made a comment once.

I guess Joel is still out of town, but Jade just answered saying all along Google has advised NOT merging yet if you don't already have a G+ business page.

She pointed me to the following post at the Google forum, which I've read several times. But I guess the #2 bullet didn't jump out at me because it was written in that very subtle Google way PLUS I mainly read and refer to that post when trying to tell SABs, multi-location businesses and those with data issues that they definitely should not even try to merge yet.

What should I do during the upgrade to local Google+ pages?

Storefront business with a page in Google+ (under the local business/place category) who are using it regularly: request verification. You will need to get a postcard sent to your business address and enter the PIN. Then, manage this page using the Google+ pages admin. Do not use the Google Places for Business to edit after verifying in Google+.

Verified owner in the Google Places for Business: continue to manage your information from the Google Places for Business dashboard and please wait for further instructions. We are working on a smooth upgrade process for everyone.

New storefront businesses: (not verified on Google Places for Business) you may create a page in Google+ (under the local business/place category) and go through the verification process. Then, manage your page through the Google+ pages admin.

Red by me, to highlight the fact that Google evidently has been saying all along not to merge. Which is what I've been saying too - but just missed that 2nd bullet which would have backed me up a little more when people have argued that it's OK to merge now.

 

[Ross Barefoot]

Just read this Linda. So is the best path right now with a business that does not have a G+ business page to verify in Places as the first priority?

 

[Linda Buquet]

Just read this Linda. So is the best path right now with a business that does not have a G+ business page to verify in Places as the first priority?

Ross, there are so many different scenarios so I'm going to be sure I understand which situation you are asking about...

1) If you are saying the business has NOTHING, no Place page or G+ page, then yes I would do Place page only for now.

2) Other option is if they already have a Place page but WANT to start on social. (Or if already have a G+ biz page.) Fine to do a G+ Biz page set as local category. Just don't verify it yet as that will merge it with the Place page and that's the part you should hold off on.

 

[Ross Barefoot]

Thanks Linda. Yes, they have, or have had until a couple of days ago, nothing, no presence at all. I added them to mapmaker last week and the edits were accepted, so I was going to proceed with the next step. In essence I believe you've given me the advice I needed.

 

[Dialady]

Linda, if the business already has a verified Google+Local page, should they setup a Google+ for the social side? Most of mine only have the Google+Local as I've been waiting for the "merge." Just seems like they're missing out on some good Google juice without the Google+ Business page.

Thanks!!!

Theresa

 

[Linda Buquet]

Fine to set up a G+ page and start building social.

Just don't merge yet. It's not ready, too buggy and even Google says wait on merging.

 

[Louis Nava]

Sorry to bump an old thread but was wondering if there's an update on whether to merge or not to merge?

A few friends of mine still do not have an updated dashboard and are still managing via Places. Is Googles merge roll out still happening?

 

[Linda Buquet]

Google still says to wait until you get the new dashboard and the one button upgrade inside the new dash. Gradually the new dash is rolling out more broadly, so hopefully you won't have too much longer to wait.

 

[Susan Walsh]

Hi Linda,

Thanks for the update. I'll be glad when we all have the new dashboard and can make our edits and manage it in the new one. Currently, any changes we make on any of our clients or our Google+ Local pages through the old dashboard to not work. You can see photos in the dashboard, but not on the pages. Luckily most of the reviews are still there. I don't think the Places for Business (old dashboard) is working, at least not for us.

We will hold on tight as you say and hope to have the new dashboard soon.

Susan