Google Places and Google Local

[joebuilder]

I am pretty confused about how the difference between Google Local, Places and Business Pages.  I created a Google+ Page and have about 800 followers.

https://plus.google.com/100975632641377061238

To control our listing on Google Maps and what shows up on the right side of a Google Search, which includes a map and business hours I had to create a Google Local page.  Now this page only shows we have 4 followers.

https://plus.google.com/110649807298590030594

Is there any way to combine the two?

[Keith-Eneix]

http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2293053/Google-Places-for-Business-vs.-Google-Local

Great how to on the whole matter which is quite confusing, I do agree : ) I hope that helps!

[vmialik]

Yes you can now combine the two: heres a guide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H__pBpALfU4

Hope this helps, and here is some of the reasons of why you should merge: http://www.steamfeed.com/why-you-must-merge-your-google-local-and-google-page-now/

[joebuilder]

Thanks but none of the links are helping out. I have already verified my business, and it didn't merge my Google Business and Google Local profiles. They are still separate.

[joebuilder]

So basically it seems like if I didnt set up my original Google Plus business page as a Google Local page then I cannot turn it into one?  It had to first be a Google Local page?

[vmialik]

That is correct. There have been cases of pages being connected without a local Google + page, and this was done with a now available phone calling to Google available to small business owners: https://support.google.com/places/ Its worth a shot, even though its not guaranteed.

[MiriamEllis]

This link might help, as well, Joe:

https://support.google.com/plus/answer/2659170?hl=en

[joebuilder]

So basically it seems since I was an early adopter to Google+ and created a business account before there was an option to choose Local, I now have to go with the new local one I created so I can have the benefits of local, and delete my original business account.  I will lose all my followers and history.  Sooooooo.... this sucks.

[vmialik]

Try giving Google a call, as now u have that option