Get Marty: Bed & Breakfast Vs. Google
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A small bed and breakfast in our area wound up with a big problem.
Google - the largest internet search engine in the world - was listing the wrong information for the business, causing the owner to lose money.
She tried to fight it, but couldn't get anywhere until she decided to "Get Marty."
The wrong address on an envelope is a simple problem for most, but it was a crisis for Dawn Metz.
"I started to cry on the phone," Metz said. "I was losing customers, regularly."
Metz's life's work is the Colonial House Bed and Breakfast in Ligonier.
It's the highest rated bed and breakfast in the region, but they were facing what can best be described as an identity crisis.
Her actual business address is 231 West Main Street.
Google had the address listed as 138 West Main Street.
The phone numbers were also wrong.
So, the largest search engine in the world listed her incorrect address and phone number wrong for two years.
"The computer is an integral part of our business plan," she said.
Metz tried many things to get the problem corrected and said she talked to Google nearly 20 times.
"Every single person told me it was gonna be fixed," she said.
Frustrated, she called KDKA-TV.
"There was absolutely nothing I could do that was in my power to do," she said.
Once Marty Griffin got involved, he immediately reached out to Google and received an immediate response.
"Thanks for reaching out. We have enough information here to investigate the issue. I will let you know what we find."
Within six hours, he received another message from Google.
"We have updated the map to reflect the correct address and phone number. The business is now showing with the correct information on desktop and in search results."
Metz was understandably thrilled.
"I think that calling you was a divine intervention," she said. "I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you so much for helping me."
If you'd like Marty to help you solve your problem, email him at GetMarty@kdka.com.
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