Google Local listings are an important part of your rankings, especially if you’re a local business or SME (Small-Medium Enterprise). They contribute to your presence on Google Maps, as well as the set of 3 map listings that display on many Google search results pages where a location has been specific in the search query (eg Pest Control Rockhampton).
However, breaking Google’s guidelines can see your listing removed without notice. Ouch!
Look out for these:
- Your website link contains a forwarding URL (web address)
- You are adding extra keywords to your business name
- You’re a service-area business that didn’t hide your address
- You have multiple verified listings for the same address
- Your business type is sensitive or not allowed on Google Plus
- You created a listing at a virtual office
- You created a listing for an online-only business
- You run a service out of a temporary address
- You are unlucky enough to be in an industry that’s rife with spam
If you’d like more detail, read the full article over at Search Engine Land.