Are Google local business listings a joke?

[findlite]

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I dunno, does anyone else think Google local business listings are a joke? Iv noticed that a search for my very own website "Cardiff airport parking" brings up nothing but affiliates in the local listings, some even just redirect straight through to a merchant while others use fake addresses, fake phone numbers and fake reviews to boost them up.

There was a time when you would get adverts for genuine companies like the Highwayman Secure or Airparks but not any more. These listings are now way down the rankings!

Iv reported these links many times but nowt happens. Or if they do delete a listing another playboy from India/Russia/Nigeria comes along to spam the listings some more!

Does anyone else feel Google ought to limit local business adverts so they don't come up for known "spammy" searches?

[thebusiness]

I've see people offering to get people listed for every area and so on. I guess it's just one spamming excercise which will be clamped down on in due course?
Stand by for the 'local google slap in operation - google hates me' thread.

[findlite]

I've see people offering to get people listed for every area and so on. I guess it's just one spamming excercise which will be clamped down on in due course?
Stand by for the 'local google slap in operation - google hates me' thread.

I cant wait for it! First thing id like Google to do is get rid of all Cardiff airport spam adverts and leave genuine site owners and brick n mortar businesses there!

Here's hoping!

[tomj]

I thought they validated each listing by sending a postcard with a code to the address?

[findlite]

I thought they validated each listing by sending a postcard with a code to the address?

Nope they validate with phone numbers, mobile numbers and postcards. You can dupe the system by using an ip phone to make it think your taking the call from the local area :cry.