Protect Your Google Business Profile from Covert Scams

Have you heard about the latest scam targeting local businesses? Competitors can now covertly move your Google Maps pin to a new location using the “Suggest an edit” feature. This underhanded trick can tank your rankings without you knowing why your phone stopped ringing!

 How Does It Affect Your Business?

When your pin is moved, Google now thinks your business has relocated (even if your address didn’t change), causing a sudden drop in your rankings. The worst part is Google doesn’t notify you about these changes. So, if you’ve noticed a sudden decline in calls or website clicks, this could be why.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to just move the pin back. If you do, your profile could get suspended and you’ll be down until you get through the tedious appeals process. You’ll want to use a Google account that isn’t associated with any Google Business Profiles to correct this/reenact the process of “Suggest an Edit”.

 How to Tell If You’re Being Targeted

1. Go to your Google Business Profile Dashboard

2. Click “Edit Profile” > “Location”

3. Look at the map displayed below your business address and check if the pin placement is accurate

 How to Fix It If You Were Targeted

1. Log into Google with an email unlinked to any Google Business Profiles

2. Find your business on Google Maps

3. Click “Suggest an edit” > “Change name or other details” > “Edit map location”

4. Drag the pin to the correct spot and hit “Save”

Remember to check your Google Business Profile monthly for any unexpected changes to avoid this scam and keep your rankings healthy.

 The Importance of Local SEO: Business Listings and Citations

While protecting your Google Business Profile from malicious attacks is crucial, maintaining a robust local SEO strategy is equally important for the growth of your business. Local SEO helps your business stand out in local search results, driving more traffic and potential customers to your location.

 Business Listings

Business listings are online profiles that contain your business information, such as your name, address, phone number, and website. They appear on various platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Bing Places. Consistent and accurate business listings enhance your visibility and credibility, making it easier for potential customers to find and trust your business.

 Business Citations

Business citations are mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other websites and directories, even if there is no link back to your website. Citations are crucial for local SEO because:

1. Improved Local Rankings: Consistent citations help search engines verify your business’s information, which can improve your local search rankings.

2. Increased Visibility: The more places your business is mentioned online, the more likely customers are to find you.

3. Trust and Authority: Accurate citations across multiple platforms build trust with search engines and potential customers.

Best Practices for Maintaining Your Business Listings

- Keep Information Consistent: Ensure your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across all platforms.

- Claim and Verify Listings: Claim your business listings on major platforms and verify the information to maintain control over your profiles.

- Regularly Update Information: Regularly check and update your business information to reflect any changes in location, hours, or services. Submitting your businesses Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) to the Data Aggregators yearly, will go a long way to keeping your business listings accurate. It’s an inexpensive maintenance program that keeps your presence squared away.

- Monitor and Respond to Reviews: Engage with customer reviews on your business listings to build a positive online reputation. Reputation Management is your online “social proof” and shows that other local customers recommend your product or service.

By prioritizing local SEO, maintaining accurate business listings, and ensuring your citations are consistent, you can enhance your online presence, attract more local customers, and protect your business from malicious attacks. Stay vigilant and proactive to keep your Google Business Profile secure and your business thriving.

Managing your online presence can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to do it alone.

A company like Minding My Business or LocalVantage with expertise in local SEO best practices will help you enjoy peace of mind knowing that your business’s online presence is in expert hands. LocalVantage provides expert guidance and affordable systems to enhance your visibility and drive more traffic to your business.

So, take the necessary steps to safeguard your Google Business Profile and let the professionals at LocalVantage Marketing Systems help you build and maintain your hard-earned rankings.