Google’s local business directory changes so frequently that it’s difficult to keep track of the most recent iteration.

Historically, most local businesses had two business listings in Google:

1. Google Local Page: this was the page that you had to claim via Google’s postcard verification system and the page that was attached to your local address (and was thus connected to your Google Maps pin)

2. Google+ Page: this was a non-location specific page where you would post updates about your brand. This was also the page that was most likely linked to your YouTube page.

Throughout the past year, Google has been transitioning all businesses over to the Google My Business model. Under the new set up, you are able to post more content to your local pages than was previously possible. Additionally, the content that you post on your Google My Business page has the capacity to show up right within the results on the search engine results page (SERP). The simple equation is: the more often that you post to your Google My Business page, the more information (reviews, posts, photos, business details, etc) that will be visible within the search results.

If you own a local business, this increased activity on your Google My Business page can have a big impact on your local search presence. If your YouTube channel is connected to your former Google+ page, now is the time to connect it to your local Google My Business page. This will require you to disconnect your current Google My Business page from Maps, and connect the map to the former Google+ page than is connected to your business’ YouTube channel. In order to do this, follow the steps below:

1. In the Google My Business dashboard, navigate to your settings:

2. Scroll down until you see the option to (Connect Map) to a different page. If this is not an option, you likely do not own the two pages that you are attempting to merge. You must first claim both pages.

It’s important to note that your historic posts, photos, and updates associated with the Google My Business page that you are disconnecting from Maps may not be visible on your newly connected page. You will, however, be able to keep your business information and reviews. Doing this might be a minor set-back in the short-term, but being able to share videos under a branded, local Google My Business page will prove to the best long-term solution for increase visibility.