In today’s digital landscape, a solid online presence is non-negotiable for local businesses. At the forefront of that presence is Google My Business (GMB), your gateway to potential customers. But let's be real—navigating GMB can be a bit like deciphering a Rubik's cube, especially when things go south. In our recent webinar, we gathered top local SEO minds to tackle some of the most pressing GMB issues. Here’s the lowdown on what we discovered.
Get to Know Your Suspensions
When your GMB listing gets suspended, the type of suspension matters. You’re either facing a soft suspension, where your listing appears unverified, or a hard suspension, where it’s completely removed from Maps. Here’s the kicker: if you get hit with a soft suspension, claiming the listing again through a new account might do the trick—just make sure you're following all the guidelines. But if you’re dealing with a hard suspension, don’t even think about creating a new listing. As one of our experts put it, “Google never throws any data away!”
To illustrate, think of it this way: If you’ve previously been flagged for using a PO Box as your address, creating a new listing at the same location is like waving a red flag to Google. Instead, “Connect with a Top Contributor for guidance,” suggests our panel.
Advanced Options When the Basics Fail
So what if the usual steps don’t cut it? Jump into the GMB forum. Share your situation in detail, and engage with the Top Contributors there. Their insights can help you unearth the root of the problem. And remember, if you're posting in forums, be thorough! “Include all the details; the more information, the better the help you'll receive,” advised one contributor.
Avoiding the Duplicate Listing Trap
If you find yourself unable to restore your listing, whatever you do, don’t create a new one. This is where competitors can report you again, leading to a cycle of endless suspensions. Stick to the guidelines, and steer clear of any old or duplicate information in your new listing. “Trying to game Google might work for a bit, but it will catch up with you,” warns our expert panel.
Reporting Spam and Keeping Your Listings Clean
Spam listings are the bane of every local business’s existence. To effectively report them, build your authority first. Make regular edits to existing listings and engage in the community. When you report spam, be clear and detailed about why the listing is fraudulent. “Google prioritizes requests based on volume, so rally your community if you see something suspicious,” one panelist emphasized.
Understanding Google’s Review Policies
Combatting fake reviews on a competitor's GMB page? Start by flagging them, and if they persist, escalate through the GMB forum or Google’s social channels. “It’s tough to get reviews removed, but if you can show a pattern of spam behavior, document it and get help from the community,” suggests our experts.
Managing Ownership Issues
What happens if your GMB listing is managed by an ex-employee? If you’re looking to reclaim it, your best bet is to use your domain email as the primary owner. If that fails, Google will allow you to request management of a listing, sending an email to the current owner. “Keep track of the owner’s email—those hints can be invaluable,” noted one of our panel experts.
In Conclusion
Navigating Google My Business issues might seem overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can turn challenges into opportunities. 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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