Verified in Google Places, automatically upgraded to Google+

[a11c]

Today, I phone verified a Google Places listing in the new dashboard, and upon completion, I received a message that stated my Google+ Local page was automatically linked to the Places page.



Is this how Google is going to upgrade listings to Google+? I was initially told that verified places listings would need to request an upgrade to Google+ as detailed in this screenshot

 

[a11c]

Looks like Blumenthal just posted the answer

Google Announces Availability of a Google+ Widget for New Dashboard | Understanding Google Places & Local Search

 

[mblumenthal]

I assume then that the business
1)Already had a verified social G+ Page for local?
2)That the email address used to claim it was the same as the dashboard?

I think what you experienced was the automatic upgrade if someone meets the criteria. If the business doesn't already have the social local + Page then they will get the option to upgrade (if they emails are the same, if the categories comply, if they are not using Adwords...lots of ifs for now).

 

[a11c]

In this instance, the G+ page for local was NOT verified, but was using the same email

 

[mblumenthal]

In this instance, the G+ page for local was NOT verified, but was using the same email

I had heard that Google would merge them automatically if they both had the same email. It is interesting that they will do so even with the page not verified. Although it makes all kinds of sense to not have to verify twice.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Thanks so much Mike!