Marketer Contends Google+ Brand Pages Lack Verification Process

A search marketer has flagged a potential oversight in Google+ Pages for brands that allows for the creation of multiple pages with the same name.

“Page validation or at least ONE page name should be the rule. Not sure if it’s a bug or by design. Bad user UX,” said Michael Orlinski, director of search marketing, Overdrive Interactive, in a tweet.

Case in point – here’s the authorized ClickZ Google+ page:

Here’s a spoof, created by Orlinski:

“I can create a page name exactly the same, but I could have links for my own cause. There is no real verification process presently, so for new Google+ page builders it’s a potential threat to be aware of…” he warned in an email interview with ClickZ News.

Google says it provides verification badges to businesses and brands that are “subject to broad-based impersonation.”

“Verification badges are designed to help our users find what they’re looking for by ensuring that people, brands and businesses that are subject to impersonation are protected. Because of this, it’s intended primarily for globally known brands,” a spokesperson told ClickZ in an email.

In contrast, Facebook blocks third parties from setting up multiple pages that use the same name. For instance, when someone tries to set up a Facebook Page for “Pearl Jam,” they get a message that reads: “Our automated system will not allow the name ‘Pearl Jam’.”

Updated with comments from Google.