Google Local

[NaescentAdam]

Hi

I'm trying to create a google local listing for a Hotel in the Bahamas on Andros Island. Right now I'm in the UK and the only options I have are Ireland, UK, and USA.

Is there any way I can create a listing manually without waiting for Google to do it?

I created a google plus account using the hotels email, but this is trying to treat it as a person. Other Hotels on Google Plus have booking features and other things, that make it a different entity.

Do you know anyway I can do this manually?

Thanks,

Adam

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Adam,

This may be a toughie and I need to state up front that I haven't run into this before. My clients are all North American, so you may be running into a problem I've never personally dealt with. What I can tell you is that I don't believe the Bahamas are currently supported by Google for Places activity. You can check out this list and you will see that there is no x in the column for Places next to the Bahamas:

http://support.google.com/places/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=168339

I also did a search for 'hotels andros island bahamas' and I am being shown no Places-based results for this search from my location in the US. Are you seeing Places-based results for this search term from your location?

Can you please also clarify what you mean by 'manually'? I'm not quite sure I'm understanding your terminology.

[NaescentAdam]

Hey Miriam,

Thanks for the reply. This is what I'm trying to relicate

1. Go to maps.google.com
2. Search "Small Hope Bay Lodge Andros Island, North Andros, The Bahamas"
3. Click on the one that shows a picture of a fish being held up to the right of all the options
4. Then on the map pop up click "more info"

This takes you to the Google Plus page for the property. Here Google has recognised that this is a hotel and even offers a booking feature which is not setup.

If this was you how would you go about replicating it, or would you wait until google has picked up on it? When I say manually I mean wait for Google to do it (automatic) or do it myself (manual). Although as I type this I wonder if Google ever does this automatically (although I'm sure I remember them doing it).

What do you think,

Adam

p.s I know they dont support it but the example above shows they do.... wierd one

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Adam,

To date, I believe Google is still only offering the hotel booking feature on their own impetus - I don't believe it's something you can initiate. That being said, you can do things to prompt Google's awareness and, hopefully, earn the booking feature. This is the most up-to-date post I have read on this subject:

http://www.buuteeq.com/blog/a-hotels-guide-to-google-hotel-finder/

From your example, clearly it is possible for this to happen. Please, check out the above article and see if it helps!