In the past couple of weeks, several local business owners have reported they received an email about their Google listing, which stated:

Hello,
Due to changes in Google Maps, we’d like to inform you that unless you review and confirm the information in your Google Places account, we will no longer be able to keep and show it to Google users after February 21, 2014.

As a result, on this date your listing “Name of Business” may be deleted.

If you wish to keep your listing active, follow these three easy steps:

1. Log in to your Google Places account
2. Review and update your information
3. Click the “Submit” button

Sincerely,
The Google Places Team

Though this alert appears to be an isolated event, Google Business Community Manager Jade Wang confirms, that if you haven’t claimed and updated your Google Places for Business, then your business will be deleted in Google Maps. The only explanation Ms. Wang gives is that Google wants to “continue providing people with the best experience when they’re looking for local businesses.”

Also note, if you didn’t receive this email then you’re currently not affected by this update. However that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t verify or update your listing, because when it comes to Google, sudden changes and updates at the expense users are to be expected. It’s hard enough as it to be locally ranked, so it’s important you do everything you can when Google updates.