When it comes to local SEO, Google is the king, the quarterback, the big cheese. But just because you're at the top of the food chain doesn't mean you've got it all figured out. Google has become the go-to for businesses hoping to increase their visibility, but let's be real—it could do better.
We ran a poll with our SEO professionals, multi-location business owners, and local experts, asking them: What are the biggest problems Google should fix to help you crush local SEO? The responses rolled in, and we’ve boiled them down to the top five issues that are driving everyone crazy. If you’ve ever felt the pain of managing a Google Business Profile, you’ll relate.
Let’s dive into the results and break down the five most in-demand fixes that Google needs to prioritize.
Fix #1: Google My Business Clarity, Integration, and Control
Ask any SEO pro what they spend the most time on, and nine times out of ten, they’ll mention optimizing Google My Business (GMB). The problem? It’s like trying to drive a car with three flat tires and no GPS. The interface is clunky, the process to verify a business is outdated, and overall, it’s not user-friendly. GMB should be a powerful tool for local businesses, but instead, it's often a major headache.
"I've been doing local SEO for years, and Google My Business is still like a maze with no exit. It’s time they made this platform user-friendly." – Anonymous Poll Respondent
SEO pros are practically begging for better control over their profiles, easier management of photos, and even third-party integrations. But until then, managing a GMB profile feels like an endless loop of confusion.
Fix #2: Solve Spam (Seriously)
Spam is local SEO’s dirty little secret. Fake business listings are everywhere—especially in industries like locksmithing and garage door repair. These spammy listings dilute the playing field, and it's becoming harder for legitimate businesses to rank. While Google’s made strides in combating fake profiles, it’s not enough. Business owners and SEOs alike are calling for stricter verification processes and faster takedowns of duplicates.
“Fake listings are like weeds in your garden. You can pull a few, but they just keep coming back. Google needs to do more.” – Anonymous Poll Respondent
No one’s asking for perfection, but some accountability would be nice. Google, it’s time to take spam seriously before it chokes out the legitimate players.
Fix #3: Fight Fake Reviews
Imagine this: you’ve worked hard to build your business, and overnight, a slew of fake 1-star reviews starts tanking your reputation. Welcome to the wild west of local SEO, where fake reviews run rampant. These reviews can make or break a business, and right now, Google’s not doing enough to stop it.
“I’ve seen fake reviews cripple businesses, and there’s not much recourse. Google needs a better system to handle this mess.” – Poll Respondent
Fake reviews don’t just hurt the businesses—they also erode consumer trust in the entire system. The call for Google to crack down on review manipulation has never been louder.
Fix #4: Improve Communication (It’s Like Pulling Teeth)
SEO pros are not asking for much—just a little help, some transparency, and a bit of support when things go sideways. But communicating with Google feels like shouting into the void. Sure, there’s Twitter and the GMB community forum, but it’s clear that these are not sufficient when you’re trying to get real answers.
“The lack of customer support for GMB is staggering. We need more options to resolve issues, especially around verifications.” – Anonymous Poll Respondent
If Google really wants to support local businesses, they need to bring back real customer support—actual people you can talk to—and more transparency around issues affecting profiles.
Fix #5: Reduce Directory Overload
Raise your hand if you’ve Googled a local business only to land on a random directory site that feels like a rabbit hole. Directories, while useful in some scenarios, are clogging up the search results, forcing users to navigate through more listings before getting to the actual business they’re looking for.
“It’s frustrating when I see my client’s competition being a directory listing and not even the actual business. Google needs to chill with the directories.” – Poll Respondent
While directories may have their place, they shouldn’t be the barrier between customers and businesses. Google needs to dial back its reliance on these sites to improve the user experience and give local businesses a better shot at ranking.
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.
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