Google Local - Google Places - Google Maps?

I think you are confused.

There is Google + Local
There is Google +
There is Google Maps

I think that's it... unless I am confused too???

Google Places is now Google + Local. You still log in and control everything in the old Google Places dashboard, but it is now called Google+ Local.

This may explain things a little?

Official Google Blog: Local—now with a dash of Zagat and a sprinkle of Google+

I just had a little bit of a problem on my Google Place Page account, seems that all the uploaded pics are not showing up every time I check my business address on google maps. I don't know what's going on with it. Probably it has something to do with the verification? But I already received the verification letter with the pin code in it, so I assume its verified since it says that once received a verification code after a few days the address will show up and so with the videos and pictures uploaded. Unlike Bing's which is more 'user-friendly'

Looks like I'm late to the discussion. I miss hanging out here. Been so busy =\

Google Places backend hasn't changed, but the new front end is Google + Local. Some companies can manually merge G+ Local with the G+ Business Pages you're speaking of. Last I checked, it isn't available to every type of business, and I'm not recommending it to anyone yet. I would rather wait until Google does the merge. And yes, it does appear to be imminent.

I only had time to scan this, so if I missed something. I'm sorry.

James, if your pictures aren't showing up and you're sure you're looking at the right listing, it could be that the listing hasn't updated yet... update cycle can be long (4-8 weeks) or it could be that you have a problem with a duplicate listing.

Also...videos aren't showing at all right now. That's intentional.

Hope that helps.

James

Well, i wouldn't say they're gone for good. I've seen others in the know say that they've deliberately disabled them to help cut down on possible technical issues. Seems they're bogged down enough with fixing review ghosting, dupes, etc.

I do recommend merging the pages if you can, why wait? I have been merging pages for my clients and the benefits are great be able to post like a FB Fan page, post videos etc

What are the best courses / training showing us how set these up for clients?

I saw one expert suggest that the decision to merge (and it's only available to those companies that service clients at the company location) really depends on if you're willing to stick through any technical problems that may arise from it. If you're dealing with a company that doesn't have much of a budget, you'd be better off keeping it simple. If you're on a retainer with a business with a big budget, go for it, because you know you'll be compensated for any time spent fixing technical problems that could very possibly arise from merging.

Best course is David Sprague's Maps Marketing Blueprint. You don't get everything from it, but you get the best foundation I've come across. It's pricey but worth it.

Search the forum for other info on it. It's been discussed before.

I've merged roofers, plumbers, electricians listings and haven't had any issues.. the only problem I had was a few weeks ago with the weird HTML code showing but Jade said the problem was taken care of. In my opinion it's worth the risk of merging it yourself to use the extra features.. but that's just me I'm not a "guru"

Glad to hear you're having so much success with it. I'd hate to think that problems are happening with everyone.

I haven't found a way to merge Google Places and Google Business Page yet. There appears that Google Places/Local are the same and Google+ Business Page is separate.

You're right... those two are the same now. To merge the business page with the local listing, you just have to verify both of them. They will merge automatically. Be sure to use the same Google account for each. Make sure the NAP is identical on each. Also make sure you're a business that services clients at the business location.

Last I heard, service type businesses that have a service area are not eligible for the merge and attempting to do so many actually cause problems.

re: #4 - you still manage the Google Plus Local (Google Places) via the same Google Places login / dashboard. You only manage that page via G+ Page interface if you've merged.

And by "service" businesses, I mean those that serve customers at THEIR locations. Even if you have an office where customers can drop by unannounced... if you're a plumber, roofer, electrician, etc. you need to hide your address and the merge is not available to you.

At least... that's the last bit of news on the topic I was able to find. The poster above mentioned merging roofers, etc. which I didn't think was possible, yet. Maybe it worked for him because he didn't hide the address and selected the "customers come to the business location" option in the dashboard... if that's the case and I'm correct about merging still not being available to those business types, those listings are going to have troubles with ranking and may even be deleted.

So again... businesses that service customers at the customer's location should always hide their address to avoid random deletion and ranking penalty.

Patrick I've been working with Google Places and now Google + Local Listings for a while now so I do understand the rules of hiding address etc and everything is setup correctly and ranking very well actually. You rely a lot in reading which is good I actually learned over the years reading is good but testing yourself it's even better and I will never post something here just based on something I read, If I give someone an advice it's because I've actually done it.. I worked for a company that you personally used for your Google Places optimization stuff before you became an expert in this field seems like.. but anyways my 2 cents

Hey Stone. No need to go on the attack.

I definitely rely a lot on reading. When I don't have the first hand experience, I definitely defer to folks like Linda Buquet for my info. After all, I can't have first-hand knowledge of everything. I do not hide the fact that I spend a great deal of time trying to understand what others are experiencing. It has definitely helped me service people a lot better.

Like I said, I am surprised to hear things merged well for you. Google herself says that the merge isn't possible for companies like that. If you've read differently, please share. Don't confuse my surprise as an accusation that you're being untruthful. It definitely isn't that, so let's keep this friendly.

And it's unfortunate that you won't post things "just based on something you've read." Often what we "just read" is worth sharing. When I've "just read" things coming from experts like Linda Buquet and David Mihm, I feel very confident in sharing. After all, they rub elbows with Google herself. When they speak, I pay attention.

Finally... about me hiring another GP service... over a year ago I hired a Google Places expert for my own offline clients. They did such a horrible job, I was forced to learn how to do everything myself. By spring 2012, I had learned quite a bit. My natural aversion to cutting corners was well received by others and here I am today.

I have never disclosed who I hired, though. That's not how I roll and that's not how I've built my business. I have no idea how you would have that information.

i think google place & google maps are same now...what you guys say ?

Not trying to attack in any way and I would love to show you my Roofer's page but I would rather not disclose my clients in public. There is nothing wrong with reading and maybe I misread your comments above. I just don't like when a lot of people act like "Gurus" without experiencing things, not saying you are one of them but there are a lot of people here..

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ok great, we're cool, then.

Thanks for sharing the screenshot. And you said it's ranking well? First page?

Yessir he is ranking a spot for his city...Moving pretty good for surround towns but hes already doing really good organically for every town..

Have you all tested the Google Places App and Google+ Local that is for iPhone and Android? It gives different results that the web, its a totally different platform. Any opinions of getting ranking for clients?

http://www.google.com/mobile/places/