Are Category Names Allowed for Local Results?

[KempRugeLawGroup]

I was under the impression naming your business something like "Miami Plumber Joe Smith" was a violation of google's guidelines...but I see these pop up all the time. Unlike backlinks from thin content sites or whatever, this seems like a pretty easy fix for google to change if they wanted to.

Am I missing something or has google just not dropped the hammer yet?

• Ruben

P.S. All those businesses I've seen, have no reviews and poor citation scores. i can only assume, they rank in the maps because of the keyword in the name.

[Ray-pp]

I think you may be referring to something very specific. There shouldn't be a problem is someone legitimately names their business something local.

Make sure to be consistent with the NAP (Name Address Phone number) and the local results should reflect accurately.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Ruben,

For many years, it was Google's firm policy that only your legal/dba business name was allowable. So, if you were Green Tree Floral, then that was what you needed to put in the business name field. You could not put Green Tree Floral Miami in the title or you risked being penalized/taken down.

In recent times, however, Google has made a rather remarkable policy change that, frankly, I still don't really trust. They are allowing the use of business name descriptors in some cases. Check out the last bullet point under the Business Name section in the guidelines:

https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en

You'll see what's allowed and what isn't.

*But, as I've said, I feel slightly unsure of this descriptor offer as it represents a complete 180 for Google. Kinda weird:)

[KempRugeLawGroup]

None of these people legitimately named themselves that. The google plus page didn't match the business name...at all. But, still, it's good of you to point out, just to make sure.

[KempRugeLawGroup]

Thanks, Miriam, I had read something about that. However, in my example, it's beyond just the one word descriptor.

The exact example is "Tampa Personal Injury Attorney" google plus page, and the business is "Capaz Law Firm." I feel like that is beyond what google's descriptors should allow, but I'll do a little more research...perhaps I missed something.

Best,

Ruben

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Ruben,

Yes, a business named Bob's Stuff that titles itself Tampa Florida Boats, Sails & Marina Equipment on their Google+ Local page is definitely spamming Google. Such a title would not be covered by Google's descriptor feature by any stretch of the imagination. What you are referencing, I am as certain I can be that Google would consider spam.

[LindaBuquet]

Hi Ruben,

Keyword stuffed names are a major violation but one that Google often does not penalize.

Check out "Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney". 2 fake names occupy the C and D spots.

Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer (Site used is AVVO.com)
Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney (Site used is Lawyer.com)

Both listings are really for Brenner Law. Same location and phone #.

Tons of us have blogged about it and reported to Google numerous times. Even reported to Matt Cutts a few times. The listings violate the guidelines PLUS 2 should not be showing in the pack like that for the same business anyway.

This is due to the bad Pigeon algo that was released 7/24. Pigeon is rewarding lots of spam. However KW stuffed names have been a problem for a long time. Just worse since Pigeon.

[KempRugeLawGroup]

Thanks for the extra insight, Linda. Much obliged!