Google Map search results

GazChap · **Posted:** Fri May 02, 2014 9:39

How does Google choose which ones to display?

For example, if you do a search on Google for hotel in shrewsbury, you get a map at the top of the listings with a number of hotels listed.

The first one is a hotel smack in the town centre, Abbots Mead. Directly opposite this hotel is another hotel, Sandford House. They are more or less equal, yet Abbots Mead always gets displayed over Sandford House.

The reason I'm asking is the guy from the latter hotel wants me to try and get his hotel on to that listing, and I've tried everything I can think of to get it there.

So, how does Google prioritise them? Alphabetical??

DavPaz · **Joined:** 27th Jun, 2008 **Posts:** 38656

GazChap wrote:

So, how does Google prioritise them? Alphabetical??

$$$

Mr Burrrrt · **Posted:** Fri May 02, 2014 13:20

I assume his business has a Google+ page.

GazChap · **Posted:** Fri May 02, 2014 14:29

Nope, I thought it was that too. It does have a Google+ page but it's an automated one as part of Google Places. The business I'm working with has a Google+ page created specifically for him, by me - so that should take precedence I would have thought.

markg · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 16639

Have you done this:

https://support.google.com/places/answer/142906?hl=en

Mr Burrrrt · **Posted:** Fri May 02, 2014 14:45

Google Places has been superseded by Google+ now AFAIK.

markg · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 16639

I dunno man, this looks pretty current:

https://www.google.com/business/placesforbusiness/

I think Google+ is being gradually and quietly executed isn't it?

GazChap · **Posted:** Fri May 02, 2014 14:58

Yeah, done that. It's needlessly confusing - you create a listing for your business on Google Places for Business, which you can upload photos etc. to.

That then creates a Google+ listing for that business, but if there's already a listing (typically an automated one) for that business, it doesn't merge the two together so you end up with two Google+ pages for one place.

Or something like that. It's a pain.

Mr Burrrrt · **Posted:** Fri May 02, 2014 16:42

I think I'm getting confused between Places and Places for Business.

markg · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 16639

It's all a bit confused and confusing. I had some dealings with them a while back when they started giving the number of a small clinic out as the main number for the whole Trust. Was a bit of a nightmare to get it sorted out.

Doctor Glyndwr · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 32624

GazChap wrote:

How does Google choose which ones to display?

I don't know for sure, but I'd hazard a guess that it's an algorithmic blend over a large number of signals. So for example, it could be based on star rating (as in, the ratings left on Maps), with a boost to any business that has been highly rated or +1d by someone in your circles. That, times some number of other factors.

markg wrote:

I think Google+ is being gradually and quietly executed isn't it?

No.

Quote:

A Google spokesperson gave Ars the same statement the company gave TechCrunch: “Today’s news has no impact on our Google+ strategy—we have an incredibly talented team that will continue to build great user experiences across Google+, Hangouts, and Photos.” On Gundotra's announcement post, Larry Page wrote "we’ll continue working hard to build great new experiences for the ever-increasing number of Google+ fans."

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