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Need Help with Google Local Maps

by gmr324
11 replies
Hi,

I just got my first client for doing SEO work on their existing Google Local Maps
listing. It's listed in the number 9 spot and doesn't show up in the 7-pack. So, I have some plans to beef up their listing info, citations and reviews.

So, my problem is that the listing is listed as "Owner Verified" but they don't remember
the login info they originally used to setup their listing. I want to know how I can claim their existing Maps listing without risking setting up duplicate entries. I've read some horror stories in the Google Local Listing forum about consultants inadvertently setting up duplicate listings that they can't rectify.

Any Advice Appreciated

George
#google #local #maps
  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    Originally Posted by gmr324 View Post

    Hi,

    I just got my first client for doing SEO work on their existing Google Local Maps
    listing. It's listed in the number 9 spot and doesn't show up in the 7-pack. So, I have some plans to beef up their listing info, citations and reviews.

    So, my problem is that the listing is listed as "Owner Verified" but they don't remember
    the login info they originally used to setup their listing. I want to know how I can claim their existing Maps listing without risking setting up duplicate entries. I've read some horror stories in the Google Local Listing forum about consultants inadvertently setting up duplicate listings that they can't rectify.

    Any Advice Appreciated

    George
    They have used a Gmail account. Did they forgot the use/pass of THAT Gmail account?

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  • Profile picture of the author DogScout
    Just make a new account and claim the listing, Google will re-verify. Takes 10 minutes tops.
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    • Profile picture of the author gmr324
      Thanks for the replies. They don't remember the Gmail account or associated password they used to setup the Google Maps account. I've read that I should log into my Gmail account and attempt to add another local business listing with the identical name, address, phone number, categories etc and then Google will prompt me to claim their existing listing.

      Now, I'm hoping this doesn't backfire and create an identical Local Maps listing. Has anyone actually used the process I mentioned above to take over control of a client's listing without any problems?

      Thanks

      George
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve Peters Benn
    Hi George,

    It's been my experience that the process can be rather slow. I think this is due to the practise some had (it was someone in New York as I remember) of stealing rival businesses listings and changing the phone number to point to them.
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    • Profile picture of the author Henrick1980
      "It's been my experience that the process can be rather slow."


      Yeah, this is right as far too many have tried to steal listing (pretty sad if you need to do that). But you should be able to resolve.

      You can phone google if you are an advertiser, they do actually speak to you eventually (!!!) so that might be worth considering if you advertise with them. Ask for phone number through online contact form and someone should email you their number.
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      • Profile picture of the author gmr324
        You can phone google if you are an advertiser, they do actually speak to you eventually (!!!) so that might be worth considering if you advertise with them.
        I don't do any PPC advertising with Google. All I want to do (with my client's permission) is take over control of their Local Maps listing. The client is willing to pass on the PIN number to me dispensed through the verification phone call. The twist here is that I don't want to accidentally create a duplicate or secondary local business listing through claiming their listing. Anyone have recent experience with this process?

        Thanks

        George
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  • Profile picture of the author John Pawlett
    George

    You can't create a duplicate when claiming the listing.

    I have set one up on video, because I messed up the first take of the video the listing already appears (I did it earlier) the vid then shows that after the first page you can either claim the existing listing or add a new one.

    In your case add a new one.


    Hope its helpful

    Regards

    John
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    • Profile picture of the author gmr324
      Hi John,

      Many thanks for the reply. I watched the video and didn't see where you were presented with the Claim or Add option. Maybe you can point out the minute stamp in the video where that shows up.

      In your case add a new one.
      I think in my case, wherein I'm taking over control of a client's pre-existing Local Listing, I would select the claim button.

      Also, the Google forum thread I'm referring to where the duplicate listing was inadvertedntly created is located here:

      Google please help I am unable to claim an existing Google LBL. Everytime I verify it a brand new listing is created? - Maps Help

      So, John please just confirm that I should be selecting the Claim Listing option and that by entering the all the same duplicate information to get to that point in the process does not accidentally create this dreaded duplicate listing.


      Many Thanks

      George
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  • Profile picture of the author John Pawlett
    Hi George

    I will try and make it a bit clearer.

    When you create a listing you cannot create a duplicate but you can create a 'near' duplicate.

    On the Google forum thread you pointed to the guy had got the address slighty wrong that's why he created a 'duplicate' (which in fact wasn't a duplicate but a very similar listing).

    In the video at 4.15 you will see that I have completed the first page of the listing and clicked next, Google then goes to search if there is already a listing in place, in this case there was as I had done one early (and if you put the address in exactly as the original listing google will find the original). When Google finds the original listing claim it then.

    If you still have issues after this then skype me (john.pawlett) and I will talk you through it.

    Kind regards

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author gmr324
    Hi John,

    I absolutely appreciate the clarification. This now makes perfect sense and emphasizes how critical it is to create an exact duplicate listing to trigger the option to claim the client's listing.

    Thanks Very Much

    George
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  • Profile picture of the author John Pawlett
    Hi George

    No problem.

    When you are trying to climb in the rankings by getting links (or citations or mentions or whatever you want to call them) having the exact same address and telphone number is crucial here to.

    I cover that in part 2 of the video if that helps.

    Kind regards

    John
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