Thread: Service Area Business w/ Hidden Address - IMPORTANT UPDATE G+ Business Page Merge

There have been quite a few replies to the post above so if you are in a similar situation may want to check it out.

IMPORTANT POSITIVE UPDATE ON THIS FRONT

I've been critical of the lack of in-product messaging/warning/explanation about things that business owners should NOT be allowed to do. Often instead of warning or prohibiting, the change is allowed and then the listing gets suspended.

The fact that SABs (Service Area Businesses) with address hidden CANNOT and SHOULD not merge with G+ or verify their G+ page is one of those situations where there should be a warning and the change should not be allowed to go through.

Well Google has been listening AND NOW the merge/verification won't go through on hidden address listings AND it even explains why. Proactive warnings will eliminate TONS of problems!

Here's a screenshot of the page users are sent to that try to merge when they don't qualify.

And here is the link and explanation from the page:

Service-area businesses in Google+ Local

At this time we can’t verify non-storefront businesses in Google+ Local. If you operate in a service area and do not meet customers at your location, you should manage your local Google+ page from your Google Places for Business account.

Kudos to the Local and G+ teams for listening and proactively nipping this problem in the bud, which will greatly reduce user (and consultant) frustration and Google support time.

Linda, thanks for responding over on Mike's blog. Ok, so that would explain the disabled Google+ page but why would my places listing be stuck in a "Pending" state for months? Keep in mind it wasn't always "pending".

Thanks, Brian

Also, what type of pages would I be allowed on G+. Brand for my name?

Thanks for posting here so I can see if I can help Brian.

1st so I can remember where that convo happened or for anyone else this situation may help...

Here is Brian's comment at Mike's: Google+ Promotes Publisher Tag for Local Listings | Understanding Google Places & Local Search

Here is my reply there: Google+ Promotes Publisher Tag for Local Listings | Understanding Google Places & Local Search

Yes I think it explains your G+ problem.

As far as what type of G+ page you CAN have. Well that's another catch 22 and new problem. I WOULD have told you a week ago, go ahead and set up a G+ Business page, set as the local category and just keep it separate and don't merge or verify for now. BUT now suddenly Google won't LET YOU edit your page UNLESS YOU VERIFY. But you can't verify. So it's just screwed up. See this post!

Google+ Local Now Forcing G+ Business Merges?

Brian, since this thread is dedicated to this particular major G+ upgrade, please post down in our help forum to ask about the pending problem which is on the Places side of the house and likely could get complicated and require lots of back and forth that would throw this important thread off topic. Please in that thread post link to Places if it's live or link to your site if it's not and start over with history of what's happened and we'll try to help you there.

Thanks for understanding. There is SO much info coming into this forum now and there are so many problems... Trying hard to keep everything in the right sections so it's easier to stay on topic and so everyone can find the info they need.

Originally Posted by Brian Alaway

Linda, thanks for responding over on Mike's blog. Ok, so that would explain the disabled Google+ page but why would my places listing be stuck in a "Pending" state for months? Keep in mind it wasn't always "pending".

Thanks, Brian

Also, what type of pages would I be allowed on G+. Brand for my name?

I too find it very confusing and frustrating and I am not a spring chicken when it comes to internet marketing.

First we have our places taken down - then we have our G+ page deactivated -- all because we just did what we thought we where supposed to do. We are an HVAC company so we where a target for sure - but the one thing that confuses me is that Google has desired everyone to jump into G+ and when we do - set up a company page they punish you.

Also - I have many other pages I created like a large entrepreneurs organization - is that legal? SO confused!

Also - I cant help to wonder why G would be so ruthless in how they have handled this.

I know from behind the scenes they have done everything to try to cater to businesses - most likely for their "AD" dollars. Well what they are doing to businesses by just deleting their accounts and putting them into a black hole is enough to totally disagree with their words "Do no evil"

I deleted our Google+ Page we spent months growing and our Places is in the everlasting "Pending" status hell.

What I will say is that I pray that one day Google gets competition.

Yes I know, SOOO frustrating!

If you'd like help with the pending problem please post down in the help forum and in that thread post link to G+ Local (Place Page) if it's still live or link to your site if it's not and explain history of what's happened and we'll try to help you there. Also be more specific about these other pages you are referring too. I suspect what you are talking about is a violation and could be part of the pending prob OR could get you suspended. So fill us in and we'll let you know what to do.

Not only can't verify but can't even delete the page.

There is some new info coming out about this issue and SABs later today.

If by chance you have a SAB with a merged page right this second and are ready to delete as per above DON'T. Just hang tight for more info.

Colan and TCs please watch for sticky from Jade at the Google forum and post an update here.
Or if I happen to be on WIFI at airport and catch it I will post.

Jade just posted this update in the Google and Your Business Forum:

Google Groups

US SABs who already have verified/merged local G+ pages that they created in Google+ can now hide their addresses. To hide your address:

• Log into Google+, click Pages on the left, and Manage the page in question
  
• Click on Edit business information on the page for your business
  
• Click on the pencil next to the address
  
• Check the box saying, “My business has service areas where I visit customers at their location.”
  
• Uncheck the box saying, “I serve customers at my business address.”
  
• Edit service areas as necessary.

Remember, businesses who do not serve customers at the business address should hide their addresses.

*** SABs with hidden address who do not already have verified pages that they created in Google+ should proceed using Google Places for Business at places.google.com. SABs with hidden address should not create new local pages in Google+. ***

Went to one SAB's G+ I manage. He was "categorized" under "Construction". ERRR! Wrong!! He cleans and services pools and spas. Always has. So that little migration didn't transfer over real seamlessly.

No drama. I just corrected them. I'm a recognized "Page Manager" after all. Then I learn my edits won't appear until I verify that I'm the business owner. OK, whatever it takes. That sends me to the postcard screen (no, no, no, NOO!) and at first Google wants to send to an old address from years ago. I finally coaxed the correct address from them. But verify AGAIN?! And the client is going out of town next week. Great, just fabulous.

I came into the forum today to check whether it is cool yet to verify SABs. I guess we'll find out now. Also, is it OK to link the website? I recall earlier in the month some advice here to hold off on that also for time being.

I hate to admit it, but I'm getting more confused by the day. Google+, Google+ Local, Google+ Business. Merge not to merge. Has anyone created a flowchart on this new process yet?