Do we still have to be at the location once it’s approved by Google?

Short Answer: No, you don’t need to be physically present at the location once it’s approved by Google. However, it’s important to retain control of the listing to prevent competitors from reporting it as missing or non-existing, which can lead to your business being removed.

Full Explanation

Once Google approves your business location, your physical presence at that location is no longer a requirement for maintaining your listing. The key factor is to keep ownership or control over the approved business entry. Without actively managing or keeping the listing, you risk competitors or others reporting the business as either missing or no longer in operation. Such reports can cause Google to remove or suspend your listing, negatively affecting your online visibility and local search rankings.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

• Approval Stage: Your business location must first be approved by Google to appear in local search and Maps.
• No Need to Be Present: After approval, you don’t have to be onsite physically to keep your listing active.
• Maintain Control: Ensure you keep access to your Google My Business account or any platform you used to claim the listing.
• Monitor for Reports: Competitors or others could report your business as non-existent or missing if they perceive an opportunity.
• Prevent Deletion: By managing and confirming your business information periodically, you protect your listing from being taken down.

Real Examples

Consider a scenario where a business owner moves offices but does not actively manage their Google listing afterward. Competitors or third parties might flag the listing as a missing place because the owner is no longer visibly maintaining it, which could result in Google removing that business from search results. This highlights the importance of retaining control even if you are not physically at the location.

Common Mistakes

• Letting Go of Control: Removing ownership or access to your Google business listing after approval.
• Ignoring Reports: Failing to respond or verify the status of your business if Google requests confirmation.
• Assuming Presence is Required: Believing you must be physically present at the location, which is not the case.

FAQs

• Q: Do I have to visit the location regularly to keep the listing?
  A: No, physical visits are not necessary after approval.
• Q: What happens if a competitor reports my business as missing?
  A: Google may investigate and potentially remove your listing if you don’t maintain control or verify your business is active.
• Q: How can I keep my listing safe?
  A: Maintain ownership of the listing, monitor it regularly, and respond promptly to any verification requests from Google.

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need to be physically at the location once your business is approved by Google.
• Maintaining control of your listing is crucial to protect it from being flagged or removed.
• Competitors or others may try to report your business as missing/non-existing if the listing appears unmanaged.
• Regular monitoring and verification help keep your business visible and active in Google search and maps.