Hibu claimed a new GMB listing w/out client's consent- rejected owner request

[Chris Ratchford]

I'm consolidating a number of dup GMB listings for a client. Unbeknownst to him, Hibu created a new GMB listing and now we're trying to get access so we can merge with the original claimed listing.

I can't find any APPEAL button in the notification email from Google. I'm trying to handle this for my client as he's not very tech savvy when it comes to this stuff.

I know I can call the support number, but I wanted to check here first to see if there's a better option.

 

[Cherie Dickey]

There are ways to escalate the issue, but I think in this case the path of least resistance is to have your client call the number Hibu provided, and ask them to unverify/release the listing. Then you can move forward with your merge request.

 

[Tim Colling]

^I agree with what @Cherie Dickey said. Is there some reason why the client is reluctant to call Hibu?

 

[Chris Ratchford]

Dentists... they're with patients all day and it's hard to get them to commit after work.

 

[Cherie Dickey]

That's a tough spot for sure. But escalating the issue with Google isn't going to help you much without the client's participation. Only the business owner or someone authorized at the business location can force a release of a listing. And its likely to be more complicated than a phone call to Hibu once Google support gets involved.

Sorry I don't have better news... maybe someone else has more ideas...good luck!

 

[Colan Nielsen]

Google has been getting better with something called a "Manual Verification Process" where even if the current page owner denies the request you can trigger a postcard re-verification.

Ask support about that. Basically, GMB support sends the ownership request on your behalf.

 

[JoshuaMackens]

Believe it or not, I would just call HIBU. I called them for a client and got added to the listing right then over the phone.

I got "Primary Owner" but that took a week or so for them to hand that over. Then we deleted them off the listing.

I was skeptical of calling their support but it was actually pretty painless. Besides the week waiting time for primary ownership of course.

 

[JoyHawkins]

@Chris Ratchford the lack of an appeal button seems wrong. Let me check with Google on this and report back.

 

[Nikki Stine]

Believe it or not, I would just call HIBU. I called them for a client and got added to the listing right then over the phone.

I got "Primary Owner" but that took a week or so for them to hand that over. Then we deleted them off the listing.

I was skeptical of calling their support but it was actually pretty painless. Besides the week waiting time for primary ownership of course.

This is good to know @JoshuaMackens. I have a couple prospective clients who are currently with Hibu and I wondered how the GMB ownership might be handled.

 

[LexiMStL]

Someone on our team actually covered this. We were seeing it quite frequently a little while back - Google approving transfers following rejected ownership requests. Pretty frustrating. I'll be watching to see what Joy reports on regarding the appeal button going missing.

Google Approves Transfers of Rejected Google My Business Ownership Requests | BizIQ

 

[Paul Warren]

In my experience with a large physician practice, we just called Hibu and got it resolved pretty quickly. Don't put it on the client.

 

[abbietorres]

You can call or email Hibu Support support@hibu.com or call 877-237-6120. I had two clients with a similar issue. I sent their Support team an email with the business owner cc'd, they released the listing pretty quickly.