1. Name and Branding Guidelines

Franchisees should not change their business name. Please reach out to support@qualicare.com to request updates.

1. Business Name: Always use the exact legal DBA (Doing Business As) name for the franchise. No abbreviations, additional keywords, or promotional text should be added.
2. No Multiple Listings: Only one Google Business Profile per franchise location is allowed. Do not create additional listings for the same location, even if services or areas change. If you are unsure if you have a Google Business Profile, please reach out to support@qualicare.com.
3. No Keywords in Business Name: Never include extra keywords like "best," "affordable," or "top-rated" or even services in the business name.
4. If you have any concerns about the name on your Google Business Profile, please reach out to support@qualicare.com.
   
   

2. Location and Service Area

Franchisees should not change their address or service area. Please reach out to support@qualicare.com to request updates.

Pin vs. Service Area

If the location has an office address (not in a home) with signage, we can set the Google Business Profile up with a pin.  Despite this, we still recommend a service area set up.

What qualifies as an office address:

1. Follows Google’s guidelines closely: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=en#zippy=%2Caddress 
2. Qualicare signage outside of the location
3. Work can be or is carried out at the office
4. PO Box/Virtual Office cannot be used

If your office is your home, or the address that you provide does not meet the above requirements, your GBP will be set up as a service area business. If you do get an office address at a later time with signage outside, we can change your Google Business Profile to a pin.

Exact Location (Pin)

1. Use the Physical Location Address: Only list the physical business address where you operate. This address must be a brick-and-mortar location that you own or lease. If you do not have a physical store front, you cannot use a virtual office or PO Box.
   
1. You must have permanent Qualicare signage on the outside of the building.
2. You must accept customers to the location.
2. No Virtual Offices or PO Boxes: Virtual office addresses or PO Boxes are not allowed. This includes addresses from services that provide "business addresses" for mail forwarding or reception.
1. Example: Do not list a coworking space or any third-party office address.
3. No Incorrect Addresses: Ensure that the address on your GBP matches the address where your franchise is physically located. Avoid listing an address that you don't actively use for business operations, such as a home address or address from an external agency unless verified.
1. Example: If you’re operating your business from home but do not serve customers directly there, do not list your home address. You should instead use the service area settings.
4. Regularly Update the Address: If you move locations or change your physical address, please notify the team at support@qualicare.com. The team will take care of updating your Google Business Profile with the correct, new address.
1. Please note: When we update your address, please be prepared to reverify your profile.
   

Service Area (Recommended for all Qualicare franchisees)

1. Accurate Service Areas: Only list the regions (cities, neighborhoods, counties, or areas) where you have true postal code ownership. If you don't have postal code ownership in a certain area, do not list it as a service area.
2. No Over-Inflating of Service Areas: Do not list a service area just because it’s close to your location. If you do not have owned postal codes in that area, do not list it. Listing an area where you don’t actually operate or deliver services may result in Google suspending your profile.
3. Do Not Include Unrelated Locations: Ensure the service areas listed match the locations where your business services exist. If you are part of a larger network, do not attempt to list locations outside your specific territory or areas that are not part of your actual franchise operation.
4. Do Not Change Service Areas Without Verification: Any changes in the service areas should be sent to support@qualicare.com for approval. Do not update service areas on your own. If your service area expands, please let us know at support@qualicare.com.
   
   

3. Phone Number and Contact Details

Franchisees should not change their call tracking number. Please reach out to support@qualicare.com to request updates.

1. Primary Phone Number: Use the franchise’s official organic call tracking number. Do not list personal phone numbers or third-party call centers. If you need to update your routing number to your call tracking number, please email support@qualicare.com.
   
   

4. Website and Links

Franchisees should not change their website. Please reach out to support@qualicare.com to request updates.

1. Authorized Website Links: Only links to the official qualicare.com website should be used. Do not link to personal blogs, third-party directories, or unapproved promotional pages.
   
   

5. Reviews and Ratings

Franchisees can and should request reviews from genuine clients only. Please read the guidelines below carefully first.

6. Photos and Content

Franchisees can and should post photos and content. Please read the guidelines below carefully first.

1. Only Relevant Photos: Use high-quality photos of your business location, staff, and services. Do not upload irrelevant images like stock photos or non-business-related content.
   
1. Examples of good photos: Photos of you in the community, photos of your staff, local events etc.
2. No Watermarks: Do not upload images with watermarks, text overlays, or other promotional materials.
3. No Fake or Misleading Photos: Ensure all images are genuine and accurately represent your services, location, and staff.
   
   

7. Business Hours and Operations

Franchisees can and should keep business hours updated. Please read the guidelines below carefully first.

1. Accurate Hours: Keep business hours updated. If operating hours change for holidays or special events, make sure they reflect current times.
   
2. No Temporary Hours for Long Periods: Do not set “temporary hours” for more than 30 days unless the business is genuinely closed or undergoing significant changes.
   
   

8. Offers, Events, and Promotions

Franchisees can and should make local posts on their Google Business Profile. Please read the guidelines below carefully first.

Important: Posts that include a phone number may be rejected. To avoid the risk of abuse, Google does not allow your post content to include a phone number. Instead, you can attach a "Call now" button to your post that uses your verified Business Profile phone number.

Each post type provides your audience with specific details and allows you to add an action button to your post.

1. Offers: Provide promotional sales or offers from your business. Offers require a title as well as start and end dates and times. A "View offer" action button is automatically added to the post. You can also include a photo, video, description, coupon code, link, and terms and conditions with the post. For example, a pizza parlor may advertise 20% off large pizzas for a week. Offers appear near the top of the Business Profile on Google Search and Maps. They also appear with all other posts in the "Updates" tab.
2. Updates: Provide general information about your business. You can include a photo or video, a description, and an action button. For example, a restaurant can make a post to promote a new menu item.
3. Events: Promote an event at your business. Events require a title, start and end dates, and a time. If there aren’t start or end times, then the system will default to 24 hours on the date it's posted. These posts may also include a photo, video, description, and an action button. For example, a bookstore may advertise a local author's book signing or a book club meeting. Events that meet certain criteria may also show on the "Overview" tab of the Business Profile to make them more prominent to customers.
4. Avoid Spammy Content: Do not add promotional text or slogans in the business description or posts.
   

Tips for your post

1. Make sure it’s high quality: Avoid misspellings, gimmicky characters, gibberish, and automated or distracting content.
2. Keep your posts respectful: Refrain from obscene, profane, or offensive language, images, or videos.
3. Only post links to websites you trust: Links that lead to malware, viruses, phishing, or pornographic material aren’t allowed.
4. Regulated goods and services: If you offer products or services in an industry that is regulated, you’re allowed to use posts but you can’t post content related to the products themselves. Regulated industries usually include adult services, alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical products, recreational drugs, health & medical devices, gambling-related services, fireworks, weapons, and financial services.
5. Keep your posts family-friendly: Refrain from posting sexually suggestive or explicit content.
   
   

9. Business Description

Franchisees should not change their description without speaking to the Marketing team first. Please reach out to support@qualicare.com to request updates.

1. Accurate Business Information: The description should be clear, concise, and relevant to your business. Do not exaggerate claims, use excessive keywords, or mislead customers.
   
   

10. Categories

Franchisees should not change the categories on their Google Business Profile. Please reach out to support@qualicare.com to request updates.

1. Proper Category Selection: Select the most accurate category for your business based on your services. Do not select multiple categories that do not align with the services offered by the franchise.
2. No Use of Non-Standard Categories: Avoid using niche or vague categories that don't apply to your business.
   
   

11. User-Generated Content

Franchisees can and should monitor user-generated posts. If you see something that you are unsure of, please notify the Marketing team by emailing support@qualicare.com.

1. Monitor User Posts: Regularly monitor user-generated posts (if applicable). Remove posts that violate Google's policies, and ensure they are relevant to your business.
2. Moderate Content: Do not allow any content that violates Google's content policies or contains offensive language or images.
   
   

12. Reminder: Changes and Updates

1. Approval for Changes: Any changes to the profile (address, phone number, name, website, etc.) must be approved by the corporate team before being implemented. This ensures consistency across all franchise locations and strict compliance with Google’s policies and guidelines.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Changes: Do not frequently change key information such as the business name, address, or phone number, unless it's due to a significant change that aligns with actual business operations.

If you need to request a change or update on your Google Business Profile, please reach out to the team at support@qualicare.com.

13. Reporting Google Communications

If you get a communication from Google that you are unsure of (regarding a suspension, verification issue, or anything else you are unsure of) please immediately send it to the team to look into at support@qualicare.com.

1. Immediate Reporting: If a suspension or warning is issued, send it immediately to the team to handle the situation and prevent further action.
2. Do Not Take Any Action Without Authorization: Do not appeal a suspension or violation without first consulting with the corporate team for guidance.
3. Communications from Google Support: If you receive any communications from Google Support, please immediately send it to the team at support@qualicare.com.

Google is extremely strict with their policies and guidelines, and one wrong move can result in irreversible outcomes for your profile such as a permanent suspension.

14. Other Profiles on Google

• Duplicate Profiles on Google: If you find a duplicate profile on Google, please notify the Marketing team immediately at support@qualicare.com. The team will need to investigate the profile and assess next steps.
  

• Other Profiles: If you find other Google Business Profiles that you are unsure of, or that you think may cause issue, please immediately notify the Marketing team at support@qualicare.com. The team will also need to investigate and determine next steps.
  
  

15. Compliance and Consequences