Service Area Business w/ Hidden Address - IMPORTANT UPDATE G+ Business Page Merge

[Linda Buquet]

No SABs should still not verify/merge.

In fact no one should right now until the update is complete. That's Google's advice for now - wait.

What do you mean "Also, is it OK to link the website?" Where? On what page? In what spot?

It's always been fine to link to the website in the URL field in the Places dashboard, if that's what you mean?

 

[Colan Nielsen]

What do you mean "Also, is it OK to link the website?" Where? On what page? In what spot?

I think Jim might be referring to this procedure, which I'm still hazy on:

Link to your website - Google+ Help

 

[Jim Froling]

On their G+ Page, under the "Hours" category comes "Links". Their website is displayed there then a Google button "Link website". (Can send you screenshot if you like).

Seems innocuous enough but these days, "do this, but don't do that, wait a little while..." thought I'd ask

 

[Linda Buquet]

Ahhh, on the G+ page. I got it. Not aware of issues specifically with that part.

Went to one SAB's G+ I manage. He was "categorized" under "Construction". ERRR! Wrong!! He cleans and services pools and spas. Always has. So that little migration didn't transfer over real seamlessly.

No drama. I just corrected them. I'm a recognized "Page Manager" after all. Then I learn my edits won't appear until I verify that I'm the business owner.

That's just bad messaging did not mean you had to verify and should not have. The messaging is just poorly worded. What it meant is that the listing won't show in search or maps unless it's verified. Did not mean the changes would not go live.

 

[Daniel]

Ah wow, this seems like a real mess!

I am SAB with both G+ Business page and Google Local Business place (hope I got the nomenclature correct). A while ago I read about how SABs should hide their address on their local page so I did that. All of my competitors have their address showing...doesnt seem to affect their rank. Furthermore, I think it's good having your address showing - it promotes trust.

Not sure if this question is off-thread topic, but I was wondering: IF local wants your address hidden, then should I not list it on my website? This seems contra to best practice of NAP listing on every page that I have read about. Thanks!

 

[Colan Nielsen]

Not sure if this question is off-thread topic, but I was wondering: IF local wants your address hidden, then should I not list it on my website? This seems contra to best practice of NAP listing on every page that I have read about. Thanks!

Hi Daniel,

There is some great discussion on that exact topic over on this thread - http://localsearchforum.catalystema.../6449-how-optimize-service-area-business.html