Google Places - Local Biz Listing

[ChrisTS]

I have an online only website (no brick and mortar storefront).  I heard somewhere that if I create a Google Local Places account, this is not good for online shops.  Something to do with it taking the place of my website's SERP ranking.  Is this true?  Are there any downsides to it?  I know I would need to hide the location so people don't come to my house.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Chris,

As Andy has correctly stated, virtual businesses are not eligible for inclusion in Google's local products. In order to qualify, a business must:

1. Have a unique, physical street address (no PO boxes, virtual offices or shared addresses)

2. Have a unique, local area code phone number (not a toll free number or a shared number)

3. Have in-person transactions with its customers, either at the place of business (like a restaurant), or at the customers' locations (like a plumber).

If your company doesn't meet all 3 of these criteria, then it doesn't qualify. Thanks for asking a good question.

[Andy.Drinkwater]

Unless there is an actual address associated with the business, then Google will remove it. It won't even get as far as being accepted I'm afraid. They also don't let you use a PO Box.

However, you could think about renting an address? Some business complexes have this facility available.

Andy