Renting a Google Places Listing

11 replies
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.
#google #listing #places #renting
  • Profile picture of the author erakor
    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...
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  • Profile picture of the author DABK
    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.

    Originally Posted by thefsboking View Post

    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 & 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Lee
    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.
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    • Profile picture of the author DABK
      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.

      Originally Posted by Matt Lee View Post

      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.
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    • Profile picture of the author thefsboking
      Originally Posted by Matt Lee View Post

      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.
      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).
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    • Profile picture of the author atrbiz
      Originally Posted by Matt Lee View Post

      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.
      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
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      • Profile picture of the author John Regal
        Originally Posted by atrbiz View Post

        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
        This is so true, you could damage your relationship with the client if you do something like this to provoke there business
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      • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
        You could also open yourself up to legal liabilities as well.

        Originally Posted by atrbiz View Post

        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
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  • Profile picture of the author kruger7
    How about renting a mailing address in that city and then using that as the business address?
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  • Profile picture of the author bluesteele
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Agreed, violating G's TOS and taking spot from another local business who plays by the rules.
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