What are your experiences using the new Google Local Descriptor feature?

[irapasternack]

I'm looking for any insight from those who have used the Descriptor feature on your Places listings.   Has it helped in any way?   Caused issues?

My issues with this feature are described in this question I posted the other day.  But I haven't tried using the feature yet, and I'm hoping to learn from some of you who have.

[mathamatix]

I'm actually interested in this topic and have been doing some research on it. I'm still not 100% clear on the descriptor guidelines from Google and, as a result, i haven't used it. One of my concerns is that if I use the descriptor in the business name that it will trigger the business verification process again. Also i'm scared of putting something in the descriptor that might get my listing removed. I'll just wait until Google clarifies their policy.

[irapasternack]

Based on the answer I received to my other question on the top (link in original post), and some specific requests/needs of clients, I'll be experimenting with it.  Hopefully some others will join this conversation.

Has anyone had such a bad experience with using descriptors that you've gotten rid of them?

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Ira,

I thought this post of Phil Rozek's was quite good at pointing out some general common sense guidelines surrounding use of the descriptor (http://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2014/04/28/how-to-use-google-places-descriptors-some-early-best-practices/) but I haven't actually seen an study saying, "I added the descriptor and X happened'.

My main concern about this feature is that Google will take it away at some point. Remember when they suddenly started okaying the use of review kiosks in work places, only to rescind their approval of this? Fortunately, even if they do change their policy on this, no one with horse sense in Local SEO is suggesting that you edit all of your citations so that they match the descriptor on the Google+ Local page, so it's not like this would then create mountains of work should Google decide in future that descriptors are spammy and that they don't want them. Presumably, you'd just have to edit the Google+ Local title.

There's also a pretty good 3 page long discussion of descriptors on Linda Buquet's forum from back when the feature was rolled out in February: http://localsearchforum.catalystemarketing.com/google-local-important/15009-guideline-change-city-keyword-places-title-allowed.html

[irapasternack]

I'd seen those 2 links, good info there.   I'm kind of surprised by the lack of data about this issue.    I suppose that could mean either that almost no one is actually using the feature, OR that it has not caused any issues or helped anyone out that much.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Ira,

People are definitely using it. I know, because I keep having the gut reaction of, "Oh, no, business title spam!" and then having to remind myself that Google now allows this Haha. But, it may not have had such a very observable impact on rankings that would cause people to write about it.