Google Maps Guidelines – Don’t Make These Mistakes

A special thank you goes out to all the bloggers that talk about Google Maps and local search.  Recently, there was a great article (actually it’s right here) about Google Maps.  The only thing I wanted to add was the importance of using the right information, using a trusted partner if you can’t do it yourself and not abusing the system. 

Using the right information:  Don’t put your call tracking number in the Local Business Center.  Don’t put a UPS store address or PO Box.  Don’t list services you don’t offer.  It’s not worth the long term potential harm this could do if Google realizes you aren’t being honest.

Trusted Partner:  Make sure that whatever company you use to list your business information through is a Google Reseller (ie:  Local Business Directory) because if they aren’t they may be cheating the system or they may not have your best interests in mind.  A Google partner is always better than someone that uses Google and is now willing to add your listing.

Don’t Abuse the System:  So we all see the “Map Spam” when we do a local search.  Don’t join that bandwagon!  It’s not worth it.  That’s for lead generation people who don’t care if they get blacklisted because they’ll just go create another site, another name and it doesn’t matter to them.  You invest too much time and money in your business image to get involved with anything but the honest, Google guideline approved business information.  You’ll win in the end and it’s not worth the worry.