Local SEO got harder than normal SEO after Maps Update?

[codeman1234]

Hello,

Is it me or Local SEO got harder than normal SEO? I got some customers listed for over 2 years on maps ranking between third and fourth and after google maps update from 7 pack to 3 pack it seems that they are not listed anymore and there is nowhere to be found which is amazing since they are listed in like 30 local directories which was what Local SEO required before. So, I contact Google support and they say that update was not only about changing 3 pack from 7 pack it was also about Google+ Network to grow too and they tell me that now to be listed on Google Maps is required the following to show on listing not even ranking:

1) On Google+ page put other social media profile like facebook, twitter, etc.

2) Have a lot of pictures about your business on Google+ page a minimum of 15.

3) Have lots of reviews and respond to them minimum of 15.

4) Make Google+ page as important as main website with business info, pictures and constant content posting.


Is it me or Local SEO just got ridiculous ? Is all this true?

If anyone knows a better way to do this can someone please share because this seems crazy. Is not even worth the work no more.


Thanks!

 

[the_demon]

Inform your customers of the new requirements and charge more money so it's worth your time.

 

[alternatesword]

Yes it is going harder and not just for you as they want business owners to use plus and ads.

 

[codeman1234]

Inform your customers of the new requirements and charge more money so it's worth your time.

Yeah I thought of that but, still too much work since you need fake gmail accounts that are verified to write reviews from different ips..... any tip to do this easier way or this got as hard I am thinking?

Thanks!

Yes it is going harder and not just for you as they want business owners to use plus and ads.

So, all this about comments, reviews and responding reviews or how they called it engagement? This is true? Any tips you can provide? Also how come you are so sure about this?

Thanks!

 

[alternatesword]

So, all this about comments, reviews and responding reviews or how they called it engagement? This is true? Any tips you can provide? Also how come you are so sure about this?

Thanks!

Yes, they want business owners to ask their clients to write review using plus instead of writing reviews on some other places like yelp.

 

[sunny_clicks]

buy review services and re-sell them to your clients at extra cost

 

[ThopHayt]

It is indeed harder to rank locally. Worse yet Google constantly seems to be experimenting with Local results.

My advise would be to consider convincing clients to realize that for local marketing there is more than JUST Google. Angie's List, and Yelp are huge players in making local sales, start figuring out how to play to THEM and ignore Google until they start showing us they are consistent.