Should I be submitting to Google Places AND Google + Local?

[Clicksjim]

I hear there is a merging between Google Places and Google + but I still see a sign up page for Google Places is live? Could anyone tell me if I should be submitting to both Google + Local and Places please?

[OlegKorneitchouk]

I believe submitting to http://www.google.com/local/add/ auto creates a Google+ profile for the business.

Would like to get second opinions though.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Clicksjim,

This is an 'it depends' answer.  Basically, yes, if you're creating a brand new listing, you still create it via Places, but in regards to what happens with + and + Local, that's more complex.

Here's Google's own explanation of this topic:

http://support.google.com/plus/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2623007

And here is a really good FAQ:

http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!msg/business/oRvAQC_IakA/vsfNhuMzURYJ

In reading that last post, do note that it was written before the whole merging thing happened, so merging is available to some businesses now, but not recommended for all. Read:

http://blumenthals.com/blog/2012/08/10/google-business-pages-to-merge-or-not-to-merge-that-is-the-question/

and

http://blumenthals.com/blog/2012/11/28/having-issues-with-your-glocal-social-merge-my-advice-dont/

and

http://blumenthals.com/blog/2012/12/19/service-area-business-with-a-verified-social-local-google-page-delete-it/

Hope you find these helpful!