Google Maps gets serious about Map-Spam
As with any internet innovation, since the advent of Google Maps people across the world have been trying to figure out loopholes and techniques to turn the new technology to their businesses advantage. In Google Maps’ case one technique that has worked well until now is called Map-Spam.
Map-Spam is the process of manipulating Google Maps by for example, placing keywords into fields where they don’t belong, ie. the address section, changing your business name to a string of keywords for the purposes of Google Maps, or even creating multiple listings for one single business.
In an effort to improve the validity and coherence of results Google has introduced rules to curb this trend, though they are not without flaws.
For example, a new rule governing business names stipulates that your name on Google Maps should be your actual trading name. Fair enough, except that this gives businesses who happen to have keywords in their name a significant advantage. Hypothetically lets imagine the SEO difference between fictional beauty parlours, ‘Croydon Hair, Nails and Tanning,’ and ‘Tina’s Beauty Salon.’ Based solely on the name, the first one could be a good result for several searches, the second would probably only rank well for one, maybe two.
This problem is further exacerbated by, rules which restrict the use of keywords in other places like the address field, rules which in isolation are probably fair. Unfortunately, they place more importance than ever on the title, further tilting the playing field in Croydon Hair, Nails and Tanning’s favour.
More problems emerge with rules to combat multiple listings. Google have responded to this problem by simply banning them. Fair enough, except for businesses with more than one branch who are now unable to create new domain names for each outlet.
Of course Google is entitled to protect the customer and the integrity of its product. However, in this instance it may have forgotten that Google Maps is also a tool for business.
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