Cherie Dickey
Member
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2018
- Messages
- 352
- Reaction score
- 273
Hi all!
This one has me stumped. It's a bit of a complicated case. It's a chiropractor.
The client came to us saying they found duplicates. After looking at the address, I actually found four listings. One practice (we manage), one Doctor, one for our doctor using KWs in the business name, and linked to a duplicate site that is using those KWs as the business name, and one for a different Dr under her own business name using her own phone number and website.
I requested a merge for the practice and Dr listing via Twitter, and advised my client to take down the duplicate website so that I can have that listing removed as well. I figured it would be easier to remove the site so Google doesn't try to argue that they are different businesses.
My plan was to leave the other Dr's listing alone since it's her own brand, website, and phone number. She is renting space from my doctor, so there is no separate Ste # for her to use... and I wasn't too concerned with that part because it's my understanding that Ste numbers don't matter for local. If she outranks my Dr, then that's what he gets for allowing a competitor to move into his building, you know? You pick your battles with these guys, and do what you can do.
Well, Twitter is giving me a hard time, and is now telling me things about Google's standards that I've not heard before. Here's the conversation. Enjoy, haha:
Me:
"Hi Google!
I found a duplicate listing for [MY DR] Chiropractic
The first listing we use [MY EMAIL] to manage. The link to this listing is: [LINK]
The second listing is unclaimed. Dr [MY DR] is the only doctor at this practice, so it’s against Google’s standards. Here is the link: [LINK TO DR LISTING]
Any help you can give to have these listings merged would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!"
Google:
"Hi Cherie!
Thanks for reaching out! Before we can work on merging the listings, we need a bit of information from you. Can you please confirm if there are any other doctors or practitioners that work at this office?
Once we have this information we can proceed with troubleshooting your issue!
-R"
Me:
"Hi! There is another chiropractor in the same building, but they are different businesses. She is "S... Chiropractic." "[MY DR] Chiropractic" is the practice that I am requesting the merge for."
Google:
"Hi Cherie,Thanks for the info. After looking at the business, I can see that there is another practitioner showing associated with the business. Could you confirm if [YET ANOTHER DR] is still associated with the business?
Could you also confirm the relation between the business and S... Chiropractic? I know you advised that there are different business but both locations have the same address which would be a violation of Google My Business guidelines.
Once we have that information, we can assist further.
Thanks,
-B"
Me:
"Thanks, B. I have sent an email to Dr. [MY DR] asking him to confirm some answers for me. I want to be sure I'm answering you correctly.
Regarding S... Chiropractic's presence at the same address being against Google's Standards, it's my understanding that it's only a violation if they are different listings for the same business or person – except for in the case of a multiple practitioner business. Multiple listings are allowed if they work for the same business or brand – which is not the case with these two chiropractors. It’s possible that Sincere is renting space at my client’s address (that is what I am confirming with my client). If she is renting space from Dr [MY DR] (streetview images show that it’s his space, not hers) - Are you saying that her listing is in violation of Google’s standards? If so, a link to the article explaining this part of Google's TOS would be greatly appreciated. I'm not seeing where the issue of sharing an address is addressed in this: Guidelines for representing your business on Google - Google My Business Help …"
Google:
"Hi Cherie,
Thanks for the reply. The only exception for businesses sharing the same address is if the businesses in question have a suite number associated.
If there is indeed 2 separate entities working at the same address, we would need photos showing that the 2 businesses are distinctively separate. For example, each business would need it's own entrance and permanent signage displaying the different entities.
You are correct regarding the other page being in violation since the business displays as McCauley Chiropractic. In order for us to assist with your issue, the conflict with the 2 businesses would have to be resolved first.
If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach back out!
Best,
-B"
So, apparently they need Ste numbers to be in compliance? And separate entrances? Has anyone ever heard of this? Of course, MY client's listing will be the one left over after all of this... I think Google is wanting to remove HER listing... but I doubt that will make my client happy either...
I just have not heard of this. I mean...I know it's not the best business model for the Drs, but sharing space like this without a dedicated Ste or entrance is fairly common in some industries. Chiros, Lawyers, therapists... I've never heard of it actually being a violation of quality standards because they ARE different businesses. The only thing that is the same is the address. Plus - the rep never supplied the link I asked for, so if any of you are aware of where this is in writing, that would be great as well... If this is true, I need to change how I counsel some of my other clients...
Thanks! Sorry this is a bit long..
Cherie
This one has me stumped. It's a bit of a complicated case. It's a chiropractor.
The client came to us saying they found duplicates. After looking at the address, I actually found four listings. One practice (we manage), one Doctor, one for our doctor using KWs in the business name, and linked to a duplicate site that is using those KWs as the business name, and one for a different Dr under her own business name using her own phone number and website.
I requested a merge for the practice and Dr listing via Twitter, and advised my client to take down the duplicate website so that I can have that listing removed as well. I figured it would be easier to remove the site so Google doesn't try to argue that they are different businesses.
My plan was to leave the other Dr's listing alone since it's her own brand, website, and phone number. She is renting space from my doctor, so there is no separate Ste # for her to use... and I wasn't too concerned with that part because it's my understanding that Ste numbers don't matter for local. If she outranks my Dr, then that's what he gets for allowing a competitor to move into his building, you know? You pick your battles with these guys, and do what you can do.
Well, Twitter is giving me a hard time, and is now telling me things about Google's standards that I've not heard before. Here's the conversation. Enjoy, haha:
Me:
"Hi Google!
I found a duplicate listing for [MY DR] Chiropractic
The first listing we use [MY EMAIL] to manage. The link to this listing is: [LINK]
The second listing is unclaimed. Dr [MY DR] is the only doctor at this practice, so it’s against Google’s standards. Here is the link: [LINK TO DR LISTING]
Any help you can give to have these listings merged would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!"
Google:
"Hi Cherie!
Thanks for reaching out! Before we can work on merging the listings, we need a bit of information from you. Can you please confirm if there are any other doctors or practitioners that work at this office?
Once we have this information we can proceed with troubleshooting your issue!
-R"
Me:
"Hi! There is another chiropractor in the same building, but they are different businesses. She is "S... Chiropractic." "[MY DR] Chiropractic" is the practice that I am requesting the merge for."
Google:
"Hi Cherie,Thanks for the info. After looking at the business, I can see that there is another practitioner showing associated with the business. Could you confirm if [YET ANOTHER DR] is still associated with the business?
Could you also confirm the relation between the business and S... Chiropractic? I know you advised that there are different business but both locations have the same address which would be a violation of Google My Business guidelines.
Once we have that information, we can assist further.
Thanks,
-B"
Me:
"Thanks, B. I have sent an email to Dr. [MY DR] asking him to confirm some answers for me. I want to be sure I'm answering you correctly.
Regarding S... Chiropractic's presence at the same address being against Google's Standards, it's my understanding that it's only a violation if they are different listings for the same business or person – except for in the case of a multiple practitioner business. Multiple listings are allowed if they work for the same business or brand – which is not the case with these two chiropractors. It’s possible that Sincere is renting space at my client’s address (that is what I am confirming with my client). If she is renting space from Dr [MY DR] (streetview images show that it’s his space, not hers) - Are you saying that her listing is in violation of Google’s standards? If so, a link to the article explaining this part of Google's TOS would be greatly appreciated. I'm not seeing where the issue of sharing an address is addressed in this: Guidelines for representing your business on Google - Google My Business Help …"
Google:
"Hi Cherie,
Thanks for the reply. The only exception for businesses sharing the same address is if the businesses in question have a suite number associated.
If there is indeed 2 separate entities working at the same address, we would need photos showing that the 2 businesses are distinctively separate. For example, each business would need it's own entrance and permanent signage displaying the different entities.
You are correct regarding the other page being in violation since the business displays as McCauley Chiropractic. In order for us to assist with your issue, the conflict with the 2 businesses would have to be resolved first.
If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach back out!
Best,
-B"
So, apparently they need Ste numbers to be in compliance? And separate entrances? Has anyone ever heard of this? Of course, MY client's listing will be the one left over after all of this... I think Google is wanting to remove HER listing... but I doubt that will make my client happy either...
I just have not heard of this. I mean...I know it's not the best business model for the Drs, but sharing space like this without a dedicated Ste or entrance is fairly common in some industries. Chiros, Lawyers, therapists... I've never heard of it actually being a violation of quality standards because they ARE different businesses. The only thing that is the same is the address. Plus - the rep never supplied the link I asked for, so if any of you are aware of where this is in writing, that would be great as well... If this is true, I need to change how I counsel some of my other clients...
Thanks! Sorry this is a bit long..
Cherie