Previously, Mark provided a 10-point check list to help you clean up your website in preparation for the Christmas season and New Year.
Did you know search results can also get cluttered with old or inaccurate information?
While doing SEO for The Ridge Church in Derry, NH, we discovered they had a second Facebook page that was appearing in the Google search results ahead of their real Facebook page.
This could cause serious problems if the information on the Facebook page is inaccurate. It could result in other issues if someone attempted to send them a message through this other page that wasn’t being managed. So, we’ve been helping the church get admin access to the page and shut it down.
While doing SEO for Ballards Asphalt and Concrete, a Christian owned business in Austin, TX, we discovered they had multiple listings in Bing Maps, including one at an incorrect address.
Imagine the confusion it would cause if there was a second listing in Google or Bing for your organization!
This happens most often when an organization changes locations, but sometimes search engines get data from other sources and use it to create listings with inaccurate information.
After several weeks of work, we were able to get Bing to remove the second, erroneous listing.
How Clean Up Your Search Results
While there are lots of search engines, local directories and mapping websites online, I recommend checking for erroneous search listings by searching for your organization’s name in the following:
- Bing
- Google Maps
- Bing Maps
- Yelp
- Apple Maps (is available on computers by searching DuckDuckGo)
If you see something in the results that shouldn’t be there or has inaccurate information, first claim and verify ownership of the listing. Once you’ve done that you can either correct the information or close the listing if it’s a duplicate.
The process for claiming and verifying listings is different for each site. Some require phone verification others will send a verification code on a post card. Sometimes it can take weeks. But hang in there…
The importance of removing or correcting inaccurate search listings can’t be overstated!
If all of this seems too complicated or you don’t have the time for it, consider having our team of experienced, professional, Christian SEO experts take care of your local listings for you. Request a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and get more information.
Comment and discuss… have you checked your search results lately? Have you discovered any duplicate or erroneous listings in the results?
Read more helpful articles about planning for Christmas and 2021
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.