Setting the record straight about Google Places marketing

An agency client of mine recently approached me about some questions he had on his Google Places account.  He was told by an IT Professional that Google Places was going to be removing all cell phone listings from their "Places" database and only leaving businesses that actually have a brick-and-mortar store with an actual "land-line" telephone service.  Needless to say, he was Svitzing about the news, especially since he runs a home-based business and his mobile phone is his only form of contact.  He has also been getting quite a bit of business from his Google Places listing ever since we spiffed it up for him about six months ago.

Within our conversation I asked him if this IT person sent him anything to substantiate his comment. Of course, he did not.  There was no way he could have since it's absolutely not true.  (At least the mobile phone portion of his comment wasn't.)

So to clear up misconception, here is the latest news about Google Places straight for the horses mouth...

First, Google Places IS removing all listings from their database that are not actually brick and mortar locations.  A lot of internet based companies that work from home or an undisclosed location that have been listing PO Boxes or fake addresses were removed as of February of this year.  If you have recently tried to set up a Google Places account, you will notice that they are now MAILING the pin codes for authorization. And the address they mail it to has to match the address you are listing on your places account as your physical address.  This is actually a GOOD thing.  Think about what Google places is all about.  It's a geographically driven application that allows users to find places around them within a 5 mile radius.  It's design to guide you to a location, not a website. People that use the application are not looking to shop on-line or to find a website. They want to physically go to the address listed on your profile.  So, of course, because of the on-slaught of "cyber" businesses that were using Places as a sneaky SEO tactic, Google has now removed them completely in order to provide the most accurate content for their end users.

On the subject of mobile telephone business users, this is just a big ol' fib.  (At least for now it is, since Google changes it's systems as often as we change our underwear these days.)  Listen... we are moving forward, not backwards, with technology.  And with over 30% of small business owners that use solely their mobile phones for business, Google would be loosing a ton of money and market share if they were to implement such a rule. If they deleted business listings based on the lack of a land line, then they would be removing larger companies as well, that rely on sophisticated internet based or Wi-Fi calling systems. These are certainly not considered "land-lines".

So in a nut shell, No they are not getting rid of cell phone using businesses from Google Places, unless of course, you don't have a physical location people can come visit you at. And yes you will be removed if you have a PO Box or don't actually have a brick and mortar location where business can be conducted.

For those of you that DO have a local store or office, LIVE IT UP!  Google PLaces is one of the best locations to advertise your business on-line. There are also so many really cool new features that you can use to your advantage. You can now post videos from youtube, (or directly from your PC), you can post unlimited photos with captions, you can list sales or create coupons that can be used for check out with paypal, and you can now use Google Places to POST!  Yes, just like on Facebook and Twitter.  You can post what the business is doing, sales, specials...you name it! And you can do it for free and as often as you would like!

Happy Marketing!