Google Places Verification

[Reportcard]

Sometimes you can verify and claim a Google Places listing via phone, other times they will only send a post card. ANy reason why? Is it lack of trust to verify via phone or old dulpicate listings? Post card is just so unreliable. ANy way to "force" a phone verification?

[mytouchoftech]

I found this post online.  Do any of these bullets apply to you?

This is one of the most frequent questions we're asked these days. We always begin by explaining in which cases phone verification is impossible:

• if you have already used 3 times the same phone number for verification
• if you are trying to change your listing's phone number
• if you have no direct line, i.e. the call has to pass by answer machine or extension

If your situation is none of these, keep reading.

Read more: http://www.searchenginepeople.com/blog/workarounds-for-google-places-verification.html#ixzz1qXMXMzty

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Kevin,

Unfortunately, Google does not give you a choice in this matter. If they offer you postcard only, that's your option and there isn't anything you can do to change it. A year or so ago, it was noticed that Google seemed to have increased the number of listings on which they were offering the postcard only option. You can see a post by Mike Blumenthal on this topic here:

http://blumenthals.com/blog/2011/01/24/google-places-tightens-up-verification-for-new-businesses/

The postcard does seem to be associated with Google's method of being most secure that a business is real, and for many new listings, it will be the only option offered, but it is also often the only option offered when making changes to older listings, as well.

I agree with you that there are several downsides to postcard verification, one of which is that it's slower (you have to wait) but the most important of which is that the postcard can easily get lots. Check your mail carefully until it arrives. It can slip in between freebie mailers very easily.

Hope this answer helps!

Miriam

[MiriamEllis]

Andrew, that's a great post by Nyagoslav. I missed that one. He has become my favorite new Local SEO over the past year. What a smart fellow!