Different phone numbers in local listings

[Astute-Media]

We are setting up Google My Business for a client who has multiple locations around the country. They use different phone numbers to track enquiries from different sources - Yell, Google+, Direct Web Traffic, PPC etc. Therefore the phone numbers can be different between Google My Business and local listings. How much does/would this affect the Local listing?

It may appear that Google is penalising for businesses try to understand their customers and where they come from!

[MiriamEllis]

Hi There!

This is a very important question you've asked. Unfortunately, call tracking is generally considered to be a no-no in the Local SEO environment. The basic reason for this is that the consistency of your business NAP (name, address, phone) around the web is considered to be a vital ranking factor, not to mention being important for customers. Inconsistent NAP (created by call tracking numbers) can lead to merged and duplicate listings and ranking problems.

The best post I know of that's been written, to date, comes from Mike Blumenthal and discusses what you should and shouldn't do in the Local environment with call tracking:

http://blumenthals.com/blog/2013/05/14/a-guide-to-call-tracking-and-local/

I think you'll find the above really helpful!

[Astute-Media]

Thanks, and great link and article...

[MiriamEllis]

So glad that helped!