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Google Maps erroneously 'closes' your business, but you are still open: What do you do?
There was an interesting article about this in the NYT today. Curious what you all would do in this situation? What should Google be accountable for? How could this happen in the first place?
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Interesting that you ask that Brian, I actually just read an article about that yesterday, perhaps the same one. I found it even more interesting that 2 people were able to get one of Google's own offices listed as "closed" on Google Maps. To me that just shouts that something is flawed with the system.
I'm sure most people would take the obvious course of action by trying to contact Google to get the listing corrected but from what I read it did not appear that that course of action was remedying the situation.
Google should readjust their policy and practice on this particular issue by reaching out directly to the business owner to verify whether or not the business is indeed closed. With as much search volume as Google receives, being listed as "closed" when you are still operating your business could result in a serious decline in business. I would not be surprised if some of these business owners filed lawsuits against Google for the misrepresentation. Perhaps even one would speed along a change in this policy.
Here's an excerpt from that article:
"...If enough users click it, the business is labeled “reportedly closed” and later, pending a review by Google, “permanently closed.” Google was tight-lipped about its review methods and would not discuss them...."
PENDING A REVIEW ???
This would indicate Google's contribution to the problem, if it is correct, which I doubt. All these "closings" seem to have been orchestrated without reviews; if not,the competency of Google's review board needs to be evaluated.
I have a client with whom Google has erroneously listed their location -mind you a walk in service location- we've continually tried steps 1 & 3, we have fully claimed the business and still are having issues. I'm going to try step 2 Google Map Maker - and cross my fingers. Anyone having specific issues with address'? I will second this sentiment "To me that just shouts that something is flawed with the system"
YUP. problems there too.
The long term solution is to set up an area to share. If you do not move too far away, your public profile is still accurate and you don't need to change your address.
Hi Brook,
Very timely post for me. My business shows as permanently closed on my 'places' phone app but not in Google Places. Not sure how to even address this one but there are no remedies available on the mobile version.
We've had this issue too - there seems to be a delay in it coming off of the phone app. I'd try logging into your listing and submitting it again (option 3 from above). A coworker of mine did this the last time their client's listing was closed and they mentioned the phone app notification came off within a few minutes (before there had been a lag).
I would claim a new Google Places account and I believe you will find a listing again! Hit me up if you need any help.
Just contact me! I provide a service that insures local businesses have accurate information online and that information is not compromised by the negligent or nefarious actions of others.
Let us create (or claim) your Google, Yahoo, and Bing listings, as well as create profiles on Facebook, Foursquare, Yelp, Twitter and many others where valuable customers are searching. Once claimed, we hand you the keys to these new profiles, providing you the opportunity to enhance, update, and reach out to consumers.
Contact me for free online presence evaluation: Gary Forshey: gary.forshey@gmail.com
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Our business has actually had this happen twice and we have dealt with the issue for clients - so I'm quite familiar with it. It is actually a lot more simple to fix the issue than contacting Google. There are a few courses of action you can take to remedy:
1. Simply click on the "Not True?" link next to the "closed" notification on your listing. I usually add a comment such as "This business is open - I work here." It usually takes a day or two, but the notification on the listing is eventually removed.
2. Another option is to log into Google Mapmaker (www.google.com/mapmaker) with your Google account, find your listing and make the edit that the business is open there (you can also use this to fix issues with incorrect information in your listing that you can't get rid of through your claimed listing).
3. Finally, I've heard that logging into your Google Places account, going into the edit section of your listing and simply clicking "submit' removes the "closed" notification from your listing almost immediately.
I believe the option to close a location has been available for quite some time, but it didn't catch on as a black hat tactic until recently. I can see it as being a valuable option for listings that are not claimed, but I think it's irresponsible of Google to allow this to be done on claimed listings without the listing owner's consent. For some businesses Google Places is a large driver of traffic and Google needs to realize that and start to look out for its users. Apparently, Google is aware of the issue and "resolving" it, but as with most Google Places issues it isn't being resolve fast enough.
In the mean time I recommend monitoring listings daily and taking the appropriate action if your listing gets marked closed.