Renting a Google Places Listing

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I want to use the rent-a-site model by ranking a site in Google Places. I have one that was done in 2012 that is still in the 7 pack even with a UPS store address. It is my understanding that definetely won't fly in 2014 and so I had to come up with an idea on how to make it work in 2014.

My thoughts are to build a nice site and then contact a business owner in that niche that is not on page 1 organically. I would make a proposal of getting them on page 1 and their phone ringing for my monthly fee. Once in agreement I would create the Google local for their business and add my website.

I would then have a rented site, be in compliance with Google Local terms by having a legitimate physical address. The tenant should then be so grateful for the increased business that they would not dream of not paying and then having me remove the listing.

Please share your thoughts on how this will or won't work.
#offline marketing #google #listing #places #renting
  • I have been working with google places and frankly it has been a major pain in the azz...unlike Facebook I have found many business owners created a g places or plus or local or whatever they were calling it at the time and then forgot about it....to try and claim a listing, verify or even get their password to do it for them has proven to be cost prohibitive...perhaps others have had a different experience but we stopped offering it as a service...
  • It will work, if the site makes phones ring with the right kind of people. It will not if the site only makes it to page one for x# keywords. Or the calls are from people like you.

  • To each their own, but I think that's a bad way of doing business. 1. It's fraudulent & against Google's TOS. 2. There's better ways to generate leads then trying to maintain a fake Google Plus local account.
    • [3] replies
    • That's what he was doing. Now, he's wondering whether ranking a site, renting it to the owner of a business, then setting that business owner's Google page works.

    • Matt I am open to suggestions. I certainly want to be in compliance while also being able to compete with the Google local listings? Any advice how this can be done. Besides the ranking I also want to maintain control of the asset (listing+website).
    • This is exactly why you don't want to do it.

      I wouldn't risk your clients business, what if it does get suspended? Now you've potentially seized the flow of leads, and it'll be a big headache.

      But ultimately it's up to you
      • [2] replies
  • How about renting a mailing address in that city and then using that as the business address?
  • It is very much a viable model, even with a UPS address - risky mind you, but viable. Risky because whether you rent out a real address or a UPS box, one way or another, you are still not what Google is looking for, and are violating terms as Matt explained. If you can manage the risk, and "rank and bank" power to you, but I haven't seen too many do super well at this. If they aren't getting burned by Google, the vendors buying the leads are screwing them. It's a tough business!

    I may not like competing against nonsense businesses, but I always lead with an open mind, especially when it comes to these matters. Few SEOs rank in Google without breaking a TOC along the way, they just don't care to admit to it, or don't feel it is severe enough to worry about. Everyone else is doing it right?!

    I advise to you is to cover your ass, and rank organically too. I would also try and stay away from UPS addresses, and get more creative. Finally, make sure your agreements with lead buyers is rock solid, and you have been very precise in defining what a lead is.
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
  • Agreed, violating G's TOS and taking spot from another local business who plays by the rules.
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    Renting a Google Places Listing

    I want to use the rent-a-site model by ranking a site in Google Places. I have one that was done in 2012 that is still in the 7 pack even with a UPS store address. It is my understanding that definetely won't fly in 2014 and so I had to come up with an idea on how to make it work in 2014. My thoughts are to build a nice site and then contact a business owner in that niche that is not on page 1 organically. I would make a proposal of getting them on page 1 and their phone ringing for my monthly fee. Once in agreement I would create the Google local for their business and add my website.