Google now has a notice when you add Google Posts in Google My Business that those posts can appear not just on Google properties but third-party sites. Claire Carlile posted a screenshot of Google notifying her of this and asked on Twitter “which third party sites would posts appear on?”
Here is a screenshot of this:
As you can see, Google is notifying us that “your posts will appear on Google services across the web, like Maps and Search, and on third-party sites.” How do they get on third-party sites? Can people embed them? Is Google licensing this data out to Mapquest? What is going on here?
Google has stated on their site that you may allow third parties to help control your information for your business:
Requirements
End customers have the right to expect third parties to act in a fair, honest and transparent manner and in accordance with Google My Business policies. To this end, you must adhere to the following policies. Failure to adhere to these policies may result in a suspension for the listing and/or account.
- Ensure that the end customer understands what Google My Business is and where Google My Business data is used.
- Inform the end customer about how you will manage the Google My Business listing. See Transparency requirements for more details.
- Comply with Google My Business policies.
Once the account is set up, we encourage you to transfer ownership of the listings to your client.
If you feel your business information has been breached, Google gives you a way to remedy it:
Report a violation of third-party policy
Think a third-party partner is violating the policy? Let us know: Report a violation of third-party policy.
While we may not respond personally when you contact us about a third party, we will investigate your comments and, if necessary, take appropriate action.
Imperative You Choose the Safe Third-Party
In the end, it is up to you to make sure you are connecting with the correct third party to help manage your Google My Business. This is the bread and butter of your business, don’t just trust it to just anyone. Choose the professionals that will keep your information safe and out of troubling third parties.
