SMB Warning: Check your Google+ Local Page - Don't Let This Happen to You!

[Linda Buquet]

Don?t let this happen to you!

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This Dentist has a decent web site and it seem like he probably cares about trying to put his best foot forward and create a good impression for patients.

But he's not keeping an eye on his Google+ Local page!

When I stumbled on that image in map search I thought either this Dentist has terrible image taste in selection or he has a really unhappy patient. Yep - user upload!

Not only can users upload negative images, but Google sometimes changes your name or address on you
OR there is a bug and your phone # disappears. So put it on your to-do list (or your staff's) to check your Google+ Local with a fine tooth comb at least weekly.

And while you are at it, check for duplicate listings that can steal reviews and hurt your ranking!

/end public service announcement.

 

[Colan Nielsen]

Great point, Linda! It's amazing how many local business owners don't keep an eye on their local listings.

Here's a little background on that image (based on a Google Image search):

In the Court of the Crimson King - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Linda Buquet]

Ya that image is kinda cool in a way. Thanks for tracking down the history.

Kinda sccary for a Dental office though.

 

[Nick.SEOSpark]

Thanks for the public announcement/warning Linda. It's generally a good idea to keep an eye on the Google+ Local page for lots of reasons.

Ha! That image (whilst being cool) really makes you click away and not use that Dentist!

 

[Colan Nielsen]

I find it interesting that a Google reviewer approved that photo...

 

[Linda Buquet]

REALLY? Good catch Colan. I never even checked MM, just posted as soon as I saw it.

Wondered if anyone was going to notice too the name is Geo Stuffed? (Possibly)

This Dentist could be a good lead for someone, he obviously needs some help and has several locations.

 

[Colan Nielsen]

Sorry Linda, I just meant that a photo that is uploaded by a "google user" has to be approved before it's published live. Doesn't it?

So if that's the case, it makes me wonder WHY this photo upload wouldn't have been denied...

 

[Linda Buquet]

Ahhh, sorry, I thought you sounded like you actually saw a Googler edit approval.

Good question for Andrew and Gregg...

Do you guys know the procedure for approving user image uploads.

I've seen other cases of image slander if you will. One you guys might remember is the Insurance agent that had dog poo images added to his listing.

On a related note, there was a guy who taught in a course about how to hijack competitor listings by putting IMAGE ADS like "Get a $20% Discount - Call This Number" on competing listings. He said lots of those images even stick.

So makes me wonder how much images are really reviewed before going live???

 

[Andrew Sawyer]

Ahhh, sorry, I thought you sounded like you actually saw a Googler edit approval.

Good question for Andrew and Gregg...

Do you guys know the procedure for approving user image uploads.

I've seen other cases of image slander if you will. One you guys might remember is the Insurance agent that had dog poo images added to his listing.

On a related note, there was a guy who taught in a course about how to hijack competitor listings by putting IMAGE ADS like "Get a $20% Discount - Call This Number" on competing listings. He said lots of those images even stick.

So makes me wonder how much images are really reviewed before going live???

User image uploads are a G+ thing I believe. They aren't in Maps so we don't see them.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Don't think it's G+. User image uploads were around back when they were still Place pages.

Here's the dog poo insurance agent image from SEO Roundtable - June 2011.

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Or at least the problem of user image uploads has been around since back then. Wonder how/who approves these or if they are moderated at all?