Google Places - Add external location?

[wellnesswooz]

Hi Mozzers,

We operate in Belgium and just recently we also opened a location in the Netherlands. This is a trainingslocation but there is no staff present.

We want to add this location to our Google Places account. It seems we need to enter it is as different company profile.

Does Google have a problem with the fact that there is no staff present on adres of this company profile and the location is managed by our HQ in Belgium?

[Smcnelley]

I believe your answer will be found by viewing the second location the way an outside client, customer or interested person would. If there is no staff, is there a reason for anyone to come to your location? Does it have sign, or address on exterior door? An image from you and or verified by Google Street view may answer this.

Google Places is intended to be an index of actual physical locations, their attributes and something akin to word of mouth reputation. If your location receives no real traffic and or goes to all "consumers" then you will have a tough time. My Maps might help you determine location value.

So many people used additional locations (phantoms or actual satellites) to game the system so now Google is very suspicious. I have heard of a Google Place Vehicle showing up in a neighborhood mere days after someone edits, adds or changes a place location. Multiple listings can also cause problems for ranking, be careful, you don't want to dilute or bury your brand.

AlwaysLeading

[wellnesswooz]

Interesting view. That would be correct if we where a shop or service provider. Yet we take our subscriptions online and manage everything from a distance. The trainings itself take place at this location. How could I know for sure if Google would find this a problem or not?

In Google Places, I can also select other working areas. Does this have the same effect on local rankings as a separate business profile?

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Wellnesswooz,

I think the answer to your question may be found in the most recent iteration of the Google Places Quality Guidelines, which read:

"Do not create a listing or place your pin marker at a location where the business does not physically exist. P.O. Boxes are not considered accurate physical locations.Your business location should be staffed during its stated hours"

(bolded emphasis mine)

If what you are talking about is a non-staffed location, then it doesn't qualify for inclusion in Google's Local results. Exceptions to this would be something like a self-service ATM machine. Here is a link to the guidelines: https://support.google.com/places/answer/107528?hl=en

I am not quite sure I understand what you mean by 'other working areas'. Are you talking about setting a service radius like a plumber might do to show the different cities he serves? If so, this option is really only appropriate for Service Area Businesses (SABs) which travel to customers to serve them.

Google+ Local is really geared toward companies that transact business directly with customers, face-to-face. If this does not describe your business model or any of your locations, then it will be better for you to rely on organic, rather than Local, SEO. Hope this helps!

[Smcnelley]

Ditto that. Sorry got tied up on some stuff & meant to reply. Miriam did a better job than I could have.

AlwaysLeading