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Google Maps Phone Number Question

by mrmatt
7 replies
Hello,

I have a client that uses an 800 number for their business. They do have a local number but the 800 number is on everything they have. Their site, business cards, flyers, and other hand out material.

So, is it better to use a local number or use their 800 number in Maps? What about in other directories for citations. I know how important matching NAP is so everything would need to be the same. They have 4 locations but only one local number.

Also they are only hiring me to do local SEO for one location which is the one they have a local number for. But we will be rolling out the others in the future.

This is the first time I have ran into this so I never even thought about it. What do you all think or have experienced with the 800 number issue?
#google #maps #number #phone #question
  • Profile picture of the author k60mall
    If it was me and as they have the 800 number all over their site etc I would use that. 800 number do attract more calls even if its a local business and anyone seeing the address will know it's local anyway.
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  • Profile picture of the author localbusinessguy
    I agree with k60mall as your client is already known in Google's eyes with the 800 number.
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  • Profile picture of the author mrmatt
    Thanks guys I appreciate it.
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  • Profile picture of the author abbadox
    Sorry guys but I have to disagree, the whole point of Google places is "local", do a random bunch of searches and see how many come up in the top spots with an 800 #.

    For organic rankings the 800 number is fine but it will hurt your rankings for the maps section. It can be done but it will be much harder!.
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    • Profile picture of the author Catalyst eMarketing
      I feel strongly that you need to use the local number. That's what Google wants you to use and if it's an established business they probably already have lots of citations with the local #.

      Easy test. Google: "name in quotes" + phone then same with 800# and see which one has the most listings. If BY CHANCE they are consistent about using the 800# everywhere online then it may be worth a try. But I bet most YP and dir have the local # listed.
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      • Profile picture of the author mrmatt
        Originally Posted by Catalyst eMarketing View Post

        I feel strongly that you need to use the local number. That's what Google wants you to use and if it's an established business they probably already have lots of citations with the local #.

        Easy test. Google: "name in quotes" + phone then same with 800# and see which one has the most listings. If BY CHANCE they are consistent about using the 800# everywhere online then it may be worth a try. But I bet most YP and dir have the local # listed.
        So the results for this test are as follows:

        800# with "name" - 8 results
        Local# with "name" - no results

        The issue is that they are a local company with a national presence. The good news is that in the maps section there is not much competition. So maybe even with out the local number we could get them ranked will in Maps.

        Will let you all know what happens as I am starting on this tomorrow.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zuljit
    Try using local number as Google maps then point out the location of business with its phone number.
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