Google Places For Display Homes

[Jon_bangonline]

Hi all,

We have a client who is looking to get their Display Homes on Google Places. The main issue is as they are display homes, they do not get post delivered to them yet. So the old 'postcard verification' is not going to work, but its the only option we are getting.

I would normally say, this might not be possible. Unfortunately one of their key competitors has somehow got all their Display Homes verified - so I was looking for some insight as to how this is possible? Am I missing something here?

Thanks!

J

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Jon,

Your competitor should not be included in the local results for his display homes as these fall under the following Google Places Quality Guidelines (http://support.google.com/places/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=107528

"Rental or for-sale properties, such as vacation homes or vacant apartments, are not eligible to be listed on Google Maps and should not be verified. Instead, verify the listing for your sales or leasing office or offices. If you have a property with an on-site office, you may verify that office location."

So, unless there is an office on the property that can be listed, this type of property cannot be included. How is your competitor getting away with this? I don't know. Perhaps they have an on-site office, or perhaps it's a goof on Google's part. Place Pages/+ Pages that are in violation of the guidelines certainly exist and can be live for an indeterminate amount of time before Google takes notice and penalizes or removes them. If the competitor is violating the guidelines, they are in danger of their whole profile falling under suspicion if/when Google catches on to the fact that they have listed vacant properties. If you feel that the competitor's current advantage is unfair, you do have the option to report the listings, but that's about all you can do.

Hope this helps.