SkylerJarman - Profile

You would want to start with checking your "Citations" (Directory listings) You mentioned you have moved locations, I am guessing your citations are all out of whack. 

Thank you Steve, I chew a lot more gum now that's for sure! Makes me think of that commercial.. "Have a dirty mouth?" Clean it up!

Google is after providing users with the best possible content. From my understanding, content is a huge deal with Google. I was explained by a Google representative over the phone a few of Google's views. Let's say Google directed you to a specific service and it had no information and was a complete waste of your time. You may not use Google in the future, maybe next time you will use Bing or a different search engine.

A website and social media are all ranking factors. It is a lot harder to get into the local 7 pack, (List A - G) Without a website after this latest update. (I don't think I have seen anyone ranking in 7 pack with a Facebook page, I may be mistaken) The more information about your business the better!

I encourage to be a part of social media, to post on your Google + page. I would like to make an example as to why you shouldn't rely on Facebook as your business website. Does anyone still use Myspace? History has a way of repeating itself. One day, everyone will forget Facebook and move on to the next big hit.

Had you relied on Facebook over a website, the downfall would be very great.

Always provide as much content as you can, Google is after CONTENT! I have noticed Google is starting to recognize the meaning behind Keywords, rather than the actual "Keyword" Could Google turn into the worlds first virtual intelligence system? Google is getting closer and closer.

I quit smoking cigarettes successfully cold turkey March 11th. I quit for my sons First birthday, having numerous reason as to why I should QUIT. The main one being, my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few months prior. I promised my son I would do everything in my power in order to be here with him as long as possible. 

I have had a cigarette here and there sense than, for the most part I have kept my promise. (I only smoke when I drink which is very rarely. Lately I find myself not even having a couple drags when I am severely intoxicated. haha )

Not anymore, "Google + Local" now goes by "Google My Business" The ranking algorithms for local businesses have been changing. Actually the only thing we really know about "Google My Business" is that it is going to continue to change.

Google has a goal, that is to provide QUALITY content. I have personally spoken with numerous Google Employees they all tend to say the same thing. CONTENT. 

Originally Posted by davewright13

“Google+ Local is the perfect free way to promote your business and SEO companies would've been tearing their hair out when this came about. Did you know that there are ways in which you can manipulate the rankings of your placement?”

Depends what type of business you are, it may help if you provided that information.

I appreciate you doing that, I will be spending a lot more time in this forum helping with what I can.

Hello, my name is Skyler Jarman.

I am writing this beginners guide in hopes of being able to help some of you who are looking for a basic knowledge of starting with Google my business. As I stated, this is intended for beginners.(Newbies)

Verifying/creating a "Google my business"

This is 100% free, anyone can create a "Google my business"

Google My business
Verification Support By Google

Be sure to add as much quality content, in your dashboard as possible. I highly recommend adding images and every so often posting something inside your dashboard. Google is after good content, something to show its users that it is providing them with quality search results. Do not post content full of keywords, tread lightly. I like to think of Google as the worlds first virtual intelligence system.

Website

Having a website has become a lot more important as a ranking factor with the latest Google update. Make sure when creating citations your business website is listing the same NAP information.
Name
Address
Phone Number

Citations

A "Citation" is a term people use for posting their Name, Address, and phone number into directory listings.
It is important to fill the entire citation out. Some citations will ask you for more information then just your NAP. Complete the entire citation, make sure you pick the correct Category!

Tip: It is a good idea to get an idea of what citations you are already listed on before listing any more citations. You can find where you are listed by entering your business phone number and business address into Google's Search Engine. (Play around with the keywords, includes business name etc.,) Each listing that pulls up will be everywhere your number and address is posted online. It is a good idea for one to go through all previous citations and fix any incorrect listings before listing any more new ones.

Reviews

Reviews help a lot visually, due to recent updates, reviews are NOT as important as a ranking factor like they once were. Reviews will still help you when it comes to ranking just not like they once have. Google has put in tremendous efforts in order to stop fake reviews. I do not recommend trying to outsmart Google, The worlds largest intelligence system.
Provide Quality Service, The reviews will come with time. Patience is of the virtue.

Google my business FAQ

What’s the difference between Google My Business, Google Places for Business, and Google+ Pages Dashboard?

If you previously used Google Places for Business or Google+ Pages Dashboard to manage your business information, your account has been automatically upgraded to Google My Business. Google My Business makes it easier than ever to update business information across Google Search, Maps and Google+.

Please Feel free to ask any questions. 

Thank you,

I do not think Google offers any type of "Merge" I know you can call and have multiple listings deleted. Feel free to get in contact with Google and ask them. Like said, I highly, HIGHLY. Doubt you will be able to merge.