Google Slams Spam
As the diligent Chief of internet submission company, Submission Company, search engine Submission Company, I am constantly watching the evolution of the Google Maps protocol.
In recent weeks to months it seems that Google has begun taking some drastic measures to curb the use of their gmail service for the dissemination of spam. At first it merely appeared that Google was tightening its quality requirements for listings on the Google Maps, (Google’s Local Business Listing Center). Google is always anxious to provide its customers quality information about the products and services they are seeking.) While one can only speculate, it is likely they were concerned about people using tricks to get high rankings on their local business listings. Their thinking may have been that companies using various techniques to feature keywords in their listings, may have been moving ahead of businesses more qualified to provide the services the online shopper was looking for. Google laid down a number of guidelines as to how to fill out individual text fields on their applications, and made it clear that listings not compliant with these new guidelines might be removed from the local listings. Apparently, this trend is only one step in Google’s war against unethical Internet practices.
In a move that is sure to upset many Google Maps users, Google now requires that all new gmail accounts, not coming from a non-gmail email account, must be verified by text message sent to a cell phone. Would be gmail users not in possession of a cell phone are advised to borrow one from a friend. This new system is being called G-mail beta. One wonders how long the test will continue. Google has apologized for this new stringency and explained that the move was needed to curb the use of gmail by spammers who have been using gmail for their email advertising campaigns.
Lately, in a another more drastic move, Google is tightening the belt when it comes to verification of new Google maps accounts. It appears that the Google computer is being programmed to recognize more and more spammy business submissions, right at the start. And these submissions are being flagged, and held for review I decided to add back single keywords to see which ones would be accepted by the Local Business Center, without triggered another flagging. I only added back “emergency mobile locksmith,” and the listing was again flagged. The idea that a listing should be flagged for such an innocuous keyword is extremely consternating. I looked on various discussion boards but couldn’t find anyone else with my experience. Until otherwise proven, I am convinced that Google is cracking down on the locksmith industry, because of spam, and may even be placing a quota on the number of times a keyword can be used in a given geographical area.
As more and more people register on the Google Maps, and as Google creates more and regulations to protect the quality of the local business listings, it is more and more of a challenge to get top listings. Google has created a number of helpful articles and videos for businesses wishing to list their company. But for business owners who do not have time to list themselves, or for owners and professionals alike who are looking for ways to be compliant with Google, and yet successful in getting high ranking on the maps, the additional guidelines create new challenges. For new up to date ideas on meeting this challenge, check out “4 Hours to a First Page Listing on Google Local” an e-Book with constantly updated suggestions as to how a business owner can be compliant and competitive in the ever changing Google Local Business Center Directory.
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Tags: Google Local