A Cre8asite Forums thread asks whether a business, which is showing up in the Google Local Search Results in the "A" position, has a business listing with Google. She wonders if entering the business location (which is currently blank) in the Local Business Center would affect the rankings of the business.
Bill Slawski says that this would not be the case and reinforces the information provided to Google about the business, as well as allowing business owners to provide more information about their business to Google.
Their business may be listed, Google's local search may show the correct information for the business, but their Google account is probably not associated with that business, which is why the fields are blank.The Local Business Listing is a way for a business to either add themselves, or to verify the information that exists already in Google's Local Search, and possibly add more information to it.
Bill adds that the following information can be added when a person actually verifies the business listing:
- alternate phone
- mobile phone
- fax number
- TTY/TDD number
- Associated email address
- website (sometimes Google gets this wrong)
- A description of your choice
- choices of payment methods.
Since there were previously speculated local competitor hijackings (that were since refuted), every business should ideally register themselves in Google's the Local Business Center.
More importantly, to prevent against unwanted phone calls, this information should be accurately updated. Any errors can be reported.
Discussion continues at Cre8asite Forums.
