I’ve always been a big fan of cheering for the underdog. I love it even better when the underdog beats out everyone and you are left with a movie plot.
However, this is certainly not the case.
When it comes to Google Places I would hope the same systematic approach that is used for the Google Ranking would come in to play, just a teenie bit.
ERROR 1
My neighbor is a painting contractor. I manage his website and local listings, which is probably why the Google Places algorithm really gets under my skin. As per David Mihm and the Local Search Ranking Factors Survey, and everything else that makes sense, the listing with the:
- Most relevant information
- Most complete information
- Most reviews
- closest to you or the town center
- SHOULD BE ON TOP!
Unverified Painting Contractors
Searching for “Painting Contractors” or “Painting Contractors Surprise Az” for those of you who don’t live here, shows that first 8 listings are ones that:
- Are Not Verified
- Have no Website
- Have no Images
- Have no (except for 1 that has a bad review) reviews
- Have only the category of “Painter”, not “Painting Contractor”
So we must ask, what is the algorithm looking at? Why is it so terribly broken? Are they doing this to see if Bing is copying them again?
ERROR 2
Lets take a look at the other thing that should not be possible as per the Google Places Guidelines,
Listing Submitted with P.O. Box addresses will be removed
Really? Exibit B
Using a UPS Store for Address
If you are having problems getting your business to rank well, you’re not alone. The Google Places Algorithm has many flaws in it like the 2 issues mentioned above.
Are you experiencing something similar?
Photo by: ajari
