Will changing Google Places address hurt rankings?

[Joes_Ideas]

I have a client transferring ownership of their service business (photo booth rental). The current listed address will change, so my main concern is preserving the rankings during the transition.

Should I change the Google Local listing to a new physical address, or change it to "serve a surrounding area"?

It seems best to set as "serving a surrounding area", but I know Google is really weird about making local listing changes. I've seen and heard about countless listings falling completely off the map after being updated.

Any advice appreciated.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Joe,

I consulted once with a photo booth rental service in the past. Does your client's business model work like this: from a central location the business delivers booths to customers - customers do not come to the photo booth rental service's office. If that is an accurate description, then the address should be hidden on the listing regardless of what the business' address is. In other words, your client's address should always have been hidden and a service radius or cities served selected on the listing. If it isn't like that right now, it's in danger of being penalized or removed.

Now, regarding the transfer of ownership, I am understanding that this will mean the main office will now be at a new physical address. In that case, yes, the Google Place Page/+ Local page should be updated to reflect the new address. This is very important, not only because it's always important to list a true and correct address for any business, but because, in future, the new owner may need to re-verify the listing for some reason and if the postcard is sent to the old address, he won't receive it, making it impossible for him to verify.

Regarding the process and possible fallout of moving, both your client and the new owner should read this article from David Mihm:

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/local-search-moving-locations

I think that will really help you to understand the work ahead. *Be prepared to possibly lose reviews because of the move. This happens.

[Joes_Ideas]

Great answer thank you.

I have been hesitant to modify anything in the Google Places listing because I've read too many horror stories about listings disappearing for months from slight edits.

And have came across one client that had previously edited a listing and it disappeared.

I guess the best strategy is to be genuine and hope everything works out... which is my life motto anyway

[MiriamEllis]

Joe, agree, that's a good model to live by, but you are right to be a bit nervous. Google behaves oddly about edits, and I was less than thrilled to read this tweet from the Local SEO track at the recent PubCon in New Orleans:

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Greg Gifford @__GregGifford__

from Google's point of view, when you move locations, you're starting a new business @__marybowling__ #pubcon

8:51 AM - 24 Apr 2013

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On the one hand, I can 'get' Google's mentality behind this. Joe's Cafe on 1st Street may have had lousy coffee and lousy service, but the new Joe's Cafe on Center Street may have turned over a new leaf and have great drinks and staff, meaning that the business has been re-born. I think that is Google's rationale. But, honestly, for most businesses, a move of address does not  represent some major changes in products, policies or quality. It's just the same business in a new building. I wish Google would be a bit more flexible and understanding about this, but right now, moves can be a big headache. Good luck!