Google My Business: The good, the bad & the ugly. Presented by: Amanda Wiebke

Why are Google My Business listings so important? 1.Local 3-pack results on SERPs than-on-desktop

Why are Google My Business listings so important? 2. Local listings are the most relevant and trusted by consumers than-on-desktop

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Why are Google My Business listings so important? 3. Google Maps and increase in mobile searches than-on-desktop

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Are G+ and Google My Business Different? Yes. G+- Social sharing platform connecting communities with common interests. GMB- The management dashboard that updates information on your Google My Business listing.

Old Look:

New Look:

SERP

Is Google MapMaker different from GMB and Google Maps? Yes. Google My Business is a platform that manages your business listing in SERPs, Google Maps & G+. Google Map Maker allows you to make edits to the existing listings or other map elements in Google Maps.

What is the most effective process to claim and verify listings? Step 1: Your Gmail Address 1.If you are a non-agency, use your main Gmail address to claim the listing. 2.If you are at an agency, first ask your client if they have an existing Gmail they’d like to use. If not, develop a new Gmail for them to manage listings.

What is the most effective process to claim and verify listings? Step 2: Claim Website URL with Gmail in WMT 1.Verify your website listed on your GMB listing in WMT with your GMB Gmail. 2.Claim your business in Google. It may instantly verify. You won’t know until you try. webmaster-tools-for-most-business-categories/

What is the most effective process to claim and verify listings? Step 3: Search & Claim Your GMB Listing 1.Make sure there’s not an already existing listing for your business. Duplicates are a PAIN. 2.Make sure you are logged into the Gmail used to manage the listing before clicking ‘Own this business?’

What is the most effective process to claim and verify listings? Step 4: Verify Your GMB Listing: 1.Instant verification 2.Phone verification 3.Postcard verification 4.Bulk verification

How do I delete a Google My Business listing completely? Simple answer: there is no way to delete a Google My Business listing unless you can successfully submit it as an impersonation, or have MapMaker mark it as a duplicate.

How do I submit edits to my listing, and which method is best? 1.GMB dashboard 2.MapMaker 3.SERP GMB listings 4.Tell all your friends it’s the cool thing to do to submit these edits in MapMaker and SERP GMB listings. Seriously. Do it.

What do I do if Google marks my business as a duplicate listing? If your GMB listing is marked as a duplicate in your dashboard, your only option is to call Google Support.

Is it necessary to contact GMB Support? Not all the time: 1.GMB Support won’t be able to delete your listing or manually release your ‘duplicate’ status on the spot. 2.If they feel like it, they’ll read directly from the ‘Google Support’ web pages.

Are GMB reviews really that important? 1.Consumer trust signals 2.Higher conversion rates Absolutely. guide-to-local-seo/

Are GMB reviews really that important? ‘ For nearly 9 in 10 consumers, an online review is equally as important as a personal recommendation’ recommendations

‘90% Of Customers Say Buying Decisions Are Influenced By Online Reviews’ resolution-38756

IS IT OK?! Claiming a Google My Business listing that is not physically staffed, but uses a space with another company, with that company’s permission?

IS IT OK?! No, but we’ve seen it happen. Goes directly against Google’s guidelines. Your listing may be removed by Google permanently. You may be marked as a duplicate.

IS IT OK?! To submit multiple edits using the same Gmail to a listing?

IS IT OK?! Yes, but it won’t speed up the process. Best option is with multiple accounts submitting edits from different locations. Shouldn’t harm anything if you’ve already done it, though.

IS IT OK?! If you work for an agency, and you claim a Google My Business listing for your client?

IS IT OK?! Yes- I work for an agency and do this all of the time. Make sure you are claiming with a specific Gmail account for your client, not your personal.

IS IT OK?! To use one Gmail address to claim and manage multiple listings?

IS IT OK?! Yes. Make sure that you have a separate Gmail per client specific to their company. Keep in mind, if one listing is marked as violating Google guidelines, all are at risk.

IS IT OK?! To accidentally go through the claim process with the wrong Gmail?

IS IT OK?! Yes! Don’t panic- it’ll be ok. You can transfer ownership/ managers.

IS IT OK?! If the address of the business shows up differently on the Google My Business listing?

IS IT OK?! Depends on what part of the address and how it’s showing up. Google will shorten address items to show up in listings based on space on mobile and Google Maps.

Thanks! Contact Information: Amanda Wiebke