Listing yourself on google maps. Anybody done it? Did it bring any business?

[ana30]

Hi all,

I tried to list myself on google maps on the "erotic massage" cathegory. The only way to list yourself on google maps is giving them your real address. They then  sent you a postcard in the next 4 days with a secret code to verify the address. You then type that secret code into the google profile et... voila! You're listed on google maps in your area.

Problem is I don't want my full address to show up on google (DUH!) BUT I want clients to find me in my area when they google certain services (keep in mind it's google and you need to be VERY low key). I've observed most businesses (restaurants, pubs, stores open to the public ect...) have their address listed but a few businesses (erotic massage being one them) just have the street name or borough listed (which is just what I want).

Does anyone know how to list yourself on google without your full address popping up on the maps? I've tried EVERYTHING at this point, search google forums, try to contact google (they won;t let you contact them) etc...

I'm about to throw the towel. Any insight into this would be highly appreaciated.

Thanks.

[mature helen]

Ive had a look and there should be an option to 'hide your address' if you don't have a business that services customers.

Thanks to Google Places Help Forum Top Contributor, Mike Blumenthal, I feel that I have arrived at a fairly clear understanding of how Google is now classifying different business models. I'd like to pass this information on in hopes that it will help you determine whether your business needs to hide its address on its Place Page.

Type A
 Your business is brick-and-mortar and serves all customers at its location. Show your address.

Type B
 Your business is home-based and serves some customers at your home and some on the road. Show your address and use the Service Radius tool.

Type C
 Your business is home-based and does not serve any customers at your home. Hide your address.

I believe these are the parameters in a nutshell.

[ana30]

Thanks Helen, you're great. I must have a musshy brain for not seeing that.

In any case if any ladies have had business by positioning themselves on google maps it would be great to know.

[xw5]

Unless I misunderstood, someone here was listed on Maps but got kicked off when Google realised it was prostitution...

[neutralC]

I saw one "massage salon" in derby listed on google maps. You can see it when you google spa or massage for derby.

[Kay]

I wouldn't do it in a million years, and in fact I removed my address from my civvy Google Business listing, although it still shows where I am to within a few hundred metres. I don't think there's any way of doing it without your full address (or nothing) being shown.