--- title: Google Updates Local Listing Guidelines description: Google has updated its local business listing guidelines to include support for individual departmen... image: https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/google-logo-icon-Jan-23-2023-12-06-24-7218-AM-2-1-1.png --- [Log In](https://www.websitemagazine.com/_hcms/mem/login) [Subscribe](https://websitemagazine.tradepub.com/free/w_webk05/prgm.cgi) [![Website Magazine Logo](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gradient-regular@3x-1.png?width=586&height=145&name=gradient-regular@3x-1.png "Website Magazine Logo")](http://Website%20Services,%20Inc.) - [About](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about) - [FAQs](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about/faq) - [Advertise](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about/advertise) - [Editorial Staff](https://www.websitemagazine.com/about/editorial-publishing-staff) - [Resources](https://websitemagazine.tradepub.com) - [Newsletter](https://www.websitemagazine.com/newsletter-sign-up) - More - [Contact Us](https://www.websitemagazine.com/contact) [Log In](https://www.websitemagazine.com/_hcms/mem/login) [Subscribe](https://websitemagazine.tradepub.com/free/w_webk05/prgm.cgi) Search - [Latest](https://www.websitemagazine.com) - [Design](https://www.websitemagazine.com/web-design) - [Development](https://www.websitemagazine.com/web-development) - [SEO](https://www.websitemagazine.com/seo) - [Ecommerce](https://www.websitemagazine.com/ecommerce) - [Content](https://www.websitemagazine.com/content) - [Marketing](https://www.websitemagazine.com/marketing) - [Advertising](https://www.websitemagazine.com/advertising) - [Email](https://www.websitemagazine.com/email) - [Infographics](https://www.websitemagazine.com/infographics) - [View All Topics](https://www.websitemagazine.com/channels) # Google Updates Local Listing Guidelines ![Michael Garrity](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Author%20Photos/Michael%20Garrity.jpg) [by Michael Garrity](https://www.websitemagazine.com/seo/author/michael-garrity) 19 Feb, 2013 - - - [mailto:?Body=https://www.websitemagazine.com/seo/google-updates-local-listing-guidelines](mailto:?Body=https://www.websitemagazine.com/seo/google-updates-local-listing-guidelines) - Link Copied! ![Google Updates Local Listing Guidelines](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/google-logo-icon-Jan-23-2023-12-06-24-7218-AM-2-1-1.png) **Google has updated its local business listing guidelines to include support for individual departments within hospitals, universities, local governments and, of course, businesses; that is, as long as each department has a unique phone number and "forward-facing presence." This means that, for instance, a large clothing store's Men's Department can now be listed on Google separately from the rest of the store.** Some readers may remember that this "new" policy is actually a return to an original Google policy that changed around a year ago, and it should open up many opportunities for multi-department businesses. In addition, this update will formalize a policy that has existed in Google Places, but not MapMaker, that officially allows practitioners with several offices/locations to have a unique listing for each one; however, they're only listed for the hours that the practitioner is actually present and "directly contactable" at a specific location. Individual practitioners must also be public-facing about their relationships to their parent organizations. If these rules aren't followed, the listing(s) could be rejected for non-compliance. ![Michael Garrity](https://www.websitemagazine.com/hubfs/Author%20Photos/Michael%20Garrity.jpg) [Michael Garrity](https://www.websitemagazine.com/seo/author/michael-garrity) Michael Garrity, Director of Marketing for Francis Lofts & Bunks, is an accomplished writer with a rich background in marketing, communications, and community engagement. With expertise in content creation and management, marketing strategy, digital advertising, SEO, social media management, and proficiency in various tools including Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Photoshop, he is well equipped to deliver outstanding results. Holding a BA in English Literature from St. Joseph's College (IN), Michael graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.92 GPA, honing his strong communication skills. 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