Google “My Business” Map Listing

[KevnJr]

We are Heritage Printing & Graphics, serving 2 areas (DC & Charlotte, NC) with Commercial Printing (books, magazines, catalogs) and Event Signage (banners, backdrops, custom displays)

Our current location in NC is 2739 Interstate St. and we will soon also occupy 2731 Interstate St. (next door) which we would like to promote as Heritage Custom Signs & Displays.

Do you think this is a good idea as far as Google “My Business” map listing?

Thx,

Kevin Smith
Marketing Manager
Heritage Printing

[MattRoney]

Hi Kevin! Did Miriam's advice help? And if so, mind marking her response(s) as a "Good Answer?"

Thank you!

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for those details. I agree, there's a bit of grey area here. What your scenario actually is most reminiscent to me of is a car dealership with a department for print and and department for signs (like a department for parts and another for sales). However, what is making this a bit unusual is that the second business is actually in a completely unique building with its own walk-in front entrance. I see 3 options here:

1. You determine that your second business is actually just a set of products your company offers and that a second Google My Business listing is not warranted, because you aren't supposed to create separate listings for your menu of products/services. You work harder on your organic SEO to get ranking organically for your signs products. PPC could help here, too. Risk level: none.

2. You treat the signs element of your business as a department of your company. You keep everything under the same business name, with the same website, but with a unique, non-redirecting phone number in the second building that is answered by someone who says "Heritage Printing & Graphics, Signs Department." You do create a separate Google My Business listing. Your website contains a landing page for the signs department that the Google My Business listing for it links to. Risk level: moderate. There is a chance here that Google could determine that the business should have marketed it itself as laid out in option 1 and is trying to spam Google. I know that's not what you're trying to do, but Google will have their own interpretation. They are used to seeing hospitals, schools and car dealerships have separate departments. They may not view a print shop the same way.

3. You do operate the second business as completely separate, with a unique address, unique non-redirecting phone number and unique website that does not interlink with or duplicate the content of the original business in any way. You might even consider branding that second business totally differently as 'Zippy Signs' or something like that instead of associating it with the Heritage brand in any way. If you keep this 100% separate from the first business, I'd rate the **Risk level: mild. **It's odd ... if this business were in a totally different part of town, the risk would be none, but it's the fact that it's next door to the the first company that is giving me a little bit of concern.

My advice: weigh each of these 3 options carefully and then phone Google directly to discuss with them. You are not a spammer who has something to hide. You are a legitimate business owner who is trying to understand his marketing options, and should have no fear of discussing this directly with Google.

[KevnJr]

Christy,

1. yes, we are registered under Heritage Custom Signs

2. yes, we will have both entrances just as it was when the previous tenant occupied the space

3. yes, we have a long established phone number that currently "rolls over" to one of our main lines, we can easily set it as a primary

Thank you very much for responding, I have 2 days to research and provide our direction.

Kevin (in for Joe)

[KevnJr]

We will operate at Heritage Custom Signs & Displays w/ the domain HeritageCustomSigns.com

My concern is, will Google view is as the new subdivision of Heritage Printing or allow us to be a stand alone.

The problem is we are nationally known as commercial printers and expanded into signage 7 years ago, but have trouble distinguishing ourselves as signs.

Your thoughts are appreciated

Kevin (in for Joe)

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Kevin!

Christy is asking some important questions. I'll add just a couple more:

1. Are these legally registered as 2 distinct businesses?

2. Do they have separate front entrances?

3. Do they each have a unique local phone number?

Please, provide as much detail as you can.

[Christy-Correll]

Hi there, and welcome to the forum! Are you actually going to operate the location at 2731 Interstate St. using the new name -- or are you asking if it is a good idea to list what is essential the same business with this new name and address in order to get an addition map listing with Google My Business?

Keep in mind that your Google My Business listing(s) should mirror your business' real-world name, the one you are known to customers both online and offline (including storefront signage, your website, and all printed materials).