Sphinn - Evaluating Google's Response To Mapspam Reports

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Evaluating Google's Response To Mapspam Reports

Went Hot: September 12, 2008 - 8:29 am
Posted By: martinbowling 297 days ago
Topic Type: News Story (Jump to http://searchengineland.com)
Category: Google SEO

David Mihm writes "Yesterday marked the two-month anniversary for the official "Report Spam on Google Maps" thread on the Google Maps Help Group. I thought it might be useful to review the instances of spam reported thus far, for insights into some of Google Maps' vulnerabilities and the implications for local business owners."

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from JoshuaSciarrino 297 days ago #

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Great information. This was a good statement,

"Local business owners seem to be confused about what actually constitutes spam, but can you blame them? The world of the Local search engines is often confusing even to those of us who study them on a daily basis!"

from MapsJen 296 days ago #

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Great article! Your perspective and feedback continues to be very valuable as we roll out improvements in fighting spam on Google Maps. The spam reporting thread that Mike suggested has definitely helped us to confirm where we should be concentrating our efforts. We'll continue working to bring greater clarity to how we define spam for all users (and not just the experts, as David mentioned).

Thanks,
Maps Guide Jen

from MiriamEllis 296 days ago #

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A fantastic first SEL article from David Mihm. The percentages listed are really interesting, and even Maps Guide Jen approves!

Well done, David. I will never miss an article of yours at SEL, I can guarantee it.
Miriam

from planetc1 296 days ago #

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Recently I came across a business in my industry trying to get more listings added to the 10 box. Thanks to street view there was clear view of the "business" which was a post office. So funny and sad at the same time.

from MaryBowling 293 days ago #

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Hey David, thanks for the great info. You're always so thorough and objective. Mary

from Gab 291 days ago #

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Also, I've covered the conflated records as well - Canada is affected by the problem too. Maps guide Jen helpfully offered a solution, but implementing it hasn't completely solved the problem (though it seems like less of an issue today). See:

seoroi.com/latest-news/maps-guide-jen-solves-merged-listing/
seoroi.com/ideas/google-maps-listings-still-merged-centroid-losing-prominence/