Google Places Pending Review Status

Despite showing in a Google Maps search results listing for some time you may suddenly find in Google Places that you are in Pending Review Status.

This can be because Google are applying a new checking algorithm to your Places entry.  You may be able to see your Places page for a search in Google Maps but not for one in a browser bar or Google Search bar.

Google are tightening up on spam in both the Description and the Business Name.

Where you are making a description which is more like a list of categories, or repeat the Categories in the Places entry you can be quietly Rejected now at search time.  I recommend making a ‘mission statement’ in proper English sentences and use synonyms for your categories.

Google are stopping you adding Categories to your registered, trading name or web site name in the Places entry Business Name.  You must now just use the proper name.  Also for ranking this is the name you must use throughout the internet.

Most importantly your Phone no must only appear on one Places entry and consistently across the internet.  In websites and blogs put any Call Tracking numbers in images and your proper land line in schema.org in the page footer for each locations own web page.  Where listings want to use a tracking number so they can ‘prove’ you are getting calls decline the offer and have your actual land line used.  Just ask each customer where they found you and enter it in your diary for later review.

Before entering a Places address navigate to your location in Google Maps and see what address format Google uses for your building.  Only name the building if Google have it so named in Maps and only use one Suite,  Floor, Unit or Building number on address line 2.