Google Places Conumdrum

[DHS_SH]

I work for a client who sell an online product across the entirety of the US and UK. They have no fixed address or phone number - all correspondence is done via email.

My question is with regards to Google Places for Business.

I am keen to promote our presence in the search results, even if just on branded terms.

I just wanted to check that it is possible to create a Google Places for Business profile for a company that covers 2 countries with no fixed 'walk-in' address.

I also wanted to double check that this would have a positive impact on our SEO.

Does anyone out there have any personal experience of a similar nature? Has this worked for you?

[DougRoberts]

Not sure this is the kind of thing Google wants. From the Google Places for Business Quality Guidelines:

"Only businesses that make in-person contact with customers qualify for a Google Places for Business listing."

You can find the policy here: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en&ref_topic=2794113

Is there any likelihood of a relevant search with "local intent" - for the kind of service you describe, it doesn't sounds as if there is. Is you service relevant to a particular location within the countries you mentioned? (UK and US isn't "local").

I'd suggest your efforts would be better spend elsewhere!

[GPainter]

Hi,

I agree with your points there is however a service area option (you can even hide your address) so you could look into that though you do tend to need some sort of address (e.g head office).

Google local is meant for local option and it doesn't really sound like it fits your needs.

[DougRoberts]

Even the service area option is for businesses that go out to meet people in the local area. Google+ Local isn't the right place to promote an entirely online business and it's difficult to see what benefits you'd get by trying.

Think about it from the searcher point of view. If they're looking for something with either an implied or specified local intent, they're unlikely to be looking for an online product.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi DHStorm,

Doug is correct. The business model you are describing would not be deemed local by Google and would not qualify for inclusion, as stated in the guidelines. In order to qualify for local inclusion, the business must:

1. Make in-person contact with customers either at the place of business (like a bakery) or at the customers' locations (like a plumber).

2. Have a unique physical address that is staffed. No virtual offices, P.O. boxes, etc.

3. Have a unique local area code phone number.

If a business can't say yes to all three points, then it doesn't qualify. Your efforts will likely be better spent developing an organic optimization strategy for this client rather than a local one.