Google Knowledge Graph Proves To Be (Brief) PR Nightmare For Major UK Brand Greggs Bakery

The UK’s Greggs Bakery took a hit recently when its logo was hi-jacked via Google’s knowledge graph, causing a short-lived PR nightmare for the brand.

Anyone searching “Greggs” on Google UK would have seen a knowledge graph box that included what appeared to be the brand’s logo, but with the accompanying fake slogan “Providing sh*t to scum for 70 years.”

The fake logo was sourced from the satirical website uncyclopedia.com, a questionable resource for Google knowledge graph data.

Here’s a screen shot of Google UK’s knowledge graph displaying the fake Greggs logo:

Fortunately, the brand was on top of the issue and brought it to Google UK’s attention in an amusing exchange on Twitter.

Sorry @GreggstheBakers, we’re on it. Throw in a sausage roll and we’ll get it done ASAP. #fixgreggs pic.twitter.com/THXuMubrQq

— Google UK (@GoogleUK) August 19, 2014

After Google fixed the issue, Greggs responded with a request for a Greggs Google doodle as compensation for the mix up:

Aaaand relax! Maybe those kind folks @GoogleUK could give us the doodle tomorrow? pic.twitter.com/IerRUVW0Z8 — Greggs (@GreggstheBakers) August 19, 2014

The same thing happened to PC World earlier this year when its logo was replaced with a look-a-like image that read, “PC WORLD: Like hell, but with worse customer service.”

While Google UK quickly remedied the Greggs logo error, the underlying issue here is the PR dilemma resulting from Google’s knowledge graph pulling incorrect information for a business or brand.

Showing up on Google’s front page stops being a good thing when the information displayed reflects poorly on a brand. Being a socially savvy brand, Greggs avoided any long-term damage, but what happens when a company doesn’t have the SEO resources or knowledge to address such issues?

(Image credit: Mtaylor848)

About The Author

Amy Gesenhues

Amy Gesenhues is a senior editor for Third Door Media, covering the latest news and updates for Search Engine Land, Marketing Land and MarTech Today. From 2009 to 2012, she was an award-winning syndicated columnist for a number of daily newspapers from New York to Texas. With more than ten years of marketing management experience, she has contributed to a variety of traditional and online publications, including MarketingProfs, SoftwareCEO, and Sales and Marketing Management Magazine. Read more of Amy's articles.