I’ve been amazed at how hard it is to get a Google Local Business listing verified. Google will call the company and offer the verification code or send a postcard. For many businesses, the postcard gets lost or thrown away. I’d estimate more than 25% lose the card.
The phone call option often goes to voice mail and/or a receptionist who doesn’t know what to do with the code, or it simply doesn’t work for other reasons. The SMS option isn’t always available, and doesn’t always work and the bulk-upload process is really meant for, um, bulk uploads. I think a tremendous amount of waste could be removed if the notifications were more “in tune” with the real world of a busy small business… where the “thud” of junk mail on the receptionists’ desk is a daily event.
I’d like to propose that Google, in combination with Google Checkout, offer a “premium” verification option, where the code is sent in an important-looking envelope that will get the attention of the mailroom. It might even be good to have the code sent via Fedex/UPS/USMail tracable services.
The “envelope option” could be set up to cost, say, $3-4. The traced carrier option, perhaps $7-9, depending on what rate Google can get. Google could charge enough to make it cost effective. Not only would it help get the message through, but it would also give Google an opportunity to boost their brand a bit.
I’d use them every time with my Local SEO clients.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree. The Google Maps submission process is a pain in the ass! Now try working for an marketing firm who must spend all day submitting listings on a client’s behalf. If they don’t know you’re doing it, you have almost no shot at getting it verified. The only other option to bypass this is by submitted a mass data sheet.
Yeah, it would be sweet if the Agency could get a tracking number for a fedex/ups with the number. That way we could stay on top of it.
I have clients who were sent postcards THREE TIMES, A YEAR AGO and they are still not verified.
I can understand why Google adopted the complicated procedures to get the local business listing verified. I found that some of the companies here in China have begun to use the listing as the best way to get their company listed at the top rank.
It is very frustrating. I rarely get the code back from clients even after we discussed the fact that the postcard is coming. There has to be a better way.
I usually alert my clients just prior to initiating the telephone verification so they are the ones that pick up the phone when Google calls. Some use a cell phone as their business phone, so that makes the process much simpler.
Another problem with the postcard verification is that some businesses do not receive mail at the business address. In example, I represent a cabin rental where the business address is the address of the rental cabin. It is not occupied unless it has been rented. We preferred to list the cabin address instead of the actual business address so searchers could see where it was located.
Wouldn’t it be much simpler to have some sort of email verification? I know Google is trying to verify that the business is an actual, physical business but no method is foolproof.
Well, one thing I’m kinda hoping for is the use of Google Voice as an option. We can set up the business office as one phone, their cell phone(s) as other options. Then, all of them ring simultaneously. I have this set up with my business and it’s great.