Confused about Google+ Local vs Google Places

[MarieHaynes]

If you're doing SEO for a new local business that currently does not have a Google Places listing (or a Google+ Local page), do you have to set up both for them?  Or do you simply create the Google Places listing and wait for Google to merge it to a Google+ Local page?

I am so confused!

[AlanBleiweiss]

Marie

Welcome to the world of nonsense.  Because there's a couple things to know about this issue

1. "Google Places" has "technically" become "Google+ Local".  They claim in their official statements you can continue to use Google Places to maintain business info, and don't HAVE to migrate but that's not viable long-term as far as anyone who discusses it within the industry is concerned.

2. If you actually want to take advantage of the ability for users who have Google+ accounts to review a business, you'll want/need to migrate content from "Places" to "+ Local" if you had content in "Places"

3. The reason for this is it's not a 100% direct automated migration although if you set it up, they will migrate reviews for you but - new rules apply.

So to answer your question, Google is forcing people to HAVE to go with Google+ Local over time if you want maximum value.

Here's their official info on migrating from Places to + Local

And I recommend reading Portent Internet's Google+ Local write-up

[MarieHaynes]

Thank you so much Alan.  It is indeed confusing!  I've had some people tell me not to create a Google+ Local page because one will automatically be created from my Places listing that I created.  (I'm just waiting for PIN verification via postcard).  I've had others tell me that yes, I do need to create a Google+ Local page for this business.

I'll read those resources you gave to me!

[CommercePundit]

Hello Alan,

I have similar issue like Marie. I can understand your answer. But, I would like to double check what I have concern with Google Plus Local Page & Google Plus Business Page.

I have claimed my business on Google Places and It shows me following URL when search on Google maps.

https://plus.google.com/108235988734456316513/about

Basically, I am quite excited and busy with my Google Plus Business Page.

https://plus.google.com/100698745523318366692/about

I have checked both pages for Moz and found similar pages which I have.

Moz Google Plus Local Page: https://plus.google.com/102108064038102307233/about

Moz Google Plus Business Page: https://plus.google.com/+SEOmoz/posts

Where I need to focus and spend my time? If I am working with my Google plus business page so Why Google is not land Google maps users to Google plus business page?

Really big confusion question for me. Can you please give me few more idea on it?

[AlanBleiweiss]

Google is supposedly now merging multiple listings.  Check out an article on this update.

[CommercePundit]

Hello Alan,

Thank you very much for sharing article. I am going to read it and make it happen with my two Google plus pages. If I will find out any issue over there so I will let you know about it.