Google+ accounts no longer required for leaving local reviews in Google

Google has removed the Google+ account requirement for those leaving reviews on local businesses within Google Maps. In addition, Google has updated the user interface for adding reviews while in the search results screen.

Conrad O’Connell first spotted the new interface sporting a modal approach when leaving reviews on desktop local results. And Mike Blumenthal noticed the removal of the Google+ requirement, which he said may make it “somewhat easier to leave [reviews] going forward.” Mike Blumenthal also said, “Google seems to have fixed a longstanding bug that prevented reviews being left on mobile browsers if the business had no previous reviews.”

Here are a screen shots of the new interface:

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Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz a Contributing Editor to Search Engine Land and a member of the programming team for SMX events. He owns RustyBrick, a NY based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a popular search blog on very advanced SEM topics. Barry's personal blog is named Cartoon Barry and he can be followed on Twitter here.