Using Multiple Locations for Google Business/Maps

[NiallSmith]

Hey MOZers,

I currently work for a company with several other offices in other countries.

Is it possible to set-up Google 'Business' and Google 'Maps' pages so when a user in a given country queries 'our business' on either Google 'Search' or Google 'Maps' they will receive the relevant business information for that country.

For example, if an internet user in Canada enters a query for 'our business' in Canada (and we have an office in Canada) is there anyway to set up our Google Business page and Google Maps page so that user receives the contact information for the Canada office, rather than the US office?

Conversely, if someone in the United States enters a search query for 'our business' is there a way to set it up so that the user receives our address in the states?

[MiriamEllis]

Hi JP,

I believe what you are describing is Google+ Business Pages and Google+ Local Pages (the pages that replaced Place Pages a couple of months ago). If I've misunderstood, please correct me.

Right now, multi-location businesses are having all kinds of trouble because Google has not yet truly clarified their policy on this. According to Google employee, Vanessa Schneider:

"“Be sure to choose the Local category so that we can bring your multiple pages together to create one listing later on.”

See: http://blumenthals.com/blog/2012/05/31/google-local-qs-and-some-as/

As I read this, Google intends, in future, to offer easy management for multiple locations businesses from a single account, but how they will do this is still really up in the air. If you will look at the Google and Your Business Forum, you will see tons of business owners asking about this. Example:

http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!searchin/business/multiple$20locations/business/A5Itcap9y0I/il_B2XnjeAYJ

Now, the one aspect of your question about which I'm not totally clear is your concern about Google presenting local results to user groups based on their country of origin. Google should do this. Maybe you could describe what is currently happening with your Canadian vs. US-based searches. If there is a problem you are noticing, could you please describe it as fully as possible? Thanks!

Miriam

[Intergen]

Hey JP - yes you can set up multiple Google maps.  I supported a few local business owners who even had the same business name all in the same city (Anytime Fitness - 4 in my city).  The differentiator is that each has a different address and contact information.

Therefore you can "verify" this business with Google when setting up the business and maps listings.  BTW - they REQUIRE you receive a postcard now at the place of business to verify - no more text or calls.

[lnietob]

that depend from Google and the relevance of your site. you can be indexed in both (map and your normal site address) and yes. Google will show result of your site in Canada if you search in Canada, or USA if you are searching in USA. Bare in mind that the relevance of a web site can be affected sometimes.

I give you an example

(Sony)

you have many sony web pages around the word but the fist option will be in the country you are seraching.