If you’re running a local business, you’ve probably had this moment: you search for your business, only to see spammy competitors clogging up the map—fake addresses, keyword-stuffed names, businesses that simply don’t exist. It’s maddening, right?
Well, welcome to the solution: Google’s Spam Redressal Form. This tool is your secret weapon to fight back and restore fairness to the local SEO battlefield.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Exactly is the Spam Redressal Form?
Think of it as your hotline to Google for reporting fraudulent or misleading business listings. These listings may violate Google’s terms, and the Redressal Form allows you to flag them directly for review.
Before we dive into how it works, here’s a quick history lesson: The Spam Redressal Form was introduced in 2019 as a way to streamline reporting spam on Google My Business (now Google Business Profile). It replaced the outdated forum system where people would share spam reports publicly (not very efficient).
But here’s the kicker: Google actually assigns a human team to review these reports. That’s right—you’re not just screaming into the digital void.
When to Use the Redressal Form (And When Not To)
Let’s be clear. The Redressal Form isn’t your go-to for minor issues like incorrect business names or phone numbers. For those, use the “Suggest an Edit” feature directly on the listing.
The form is for heavy-hitting spam offenses like:
Fake business names stuffed with keywords (a.k.a. Name Spam)
Nonexistent businesses operating out of UPS stores, virtual offices, or worse, someone’s basement.
Lead generation schemes that mislead consumers with fake phone numbers or websites.
Google updated the form in 2020, making it even easier to report these cases. And as of May 2022, they’ve made it super simple to report businesses that don’t even exist.
How to Fill Out the Redressal Form Like a Pro
Here’s the deal: filling out the form isn’t rocket science, but there’s an art to getting it right.
Be Specific. Google reviewers are human, and the more details you provide, the better. Include the exact business name, address, and Google Maps URL of the offending listing.
Explain the Impact. This is crucial—Google cares less about how spam listings impact your rankings and more about how they hurt consumers. Make your case by explaining how the spammy listing misleads people or harms the local community.
Cluster Your Reports. If you’re reporting multiple listings, organize them by the type of spam. For example, group all the name spam cases together in one submission and address spam in another. This increases your chances of success.
Avoid Rookie Mistakes. Don’t paste screenshots into your Excel sheet or Google Sheet. If you’re including images as evidence, upload them separately via a link. Use tools like Snagit or Google Drive for this purpose.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve submitted the form, Google sends you an email with a case ID. Now, you wait. For small batches, it usually takes about two weeks for action. For larger batches (50+ listings), you might be looking at 3+ weeks.
But here’s the cool part: every time you successfully report a listing, the algorithm learns from it. Over time, your efforts can lead to the removal of hundreds or even thousands of spammy listings.
What If It Doesn’t Work?
If your first attempt doesn’t yield results, don’t give up. Go back, check your evidence, and resubmit if necessary. Persistence is key here.
And hey, don’t be afraid to get creative. Some pros hire private investigators or even record conversations with building owners to prove a business doesn’t exist. Extreme? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Leveling the Playing Field
Fighting spam on Google Maps isn’t just about improving your rankings. It’s about creating a fair digital landscape where legitimate businesses can thrive. In a world where fake listings run rampant, Google’s Spam Redressal Form is a powerful tool to keep things honest.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Comments