10 Fatal Google Business Profile Fails That Will Wreck Your Business

Summary

This video script warns of common mistakes that can lead to the suspension of a Google Business Profile, a crucial tool for local businesses. It advises against making multiple core changes simultaneously, using non-compliant addresses, creating duplicate listings, granting access to untrustworthy individuals, and engaging in high-risk industry practices. It also cautions against receiving an excessive number of reviews in a short time, adding keywords to business names, and operating exclusively online without in-person customer interaction. Additionally, it highlights the importance of choosing the right primary category and avoiding shared addresses with similar businesses to maintain visibility and attract customers effectively.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Avoid making multiple changes to core information like business name, phone number, address, categories, and website URL at once as it may lead to profile suspension.
• 🏢 Ensure your business address follows Google's guidelines; PO Box, UPS box, virtual office, and co-working spaces are not allowed unless they meet specific criteria.
• 📍 Do not create multiple listings for the same business unless each has a unique physical address and adheres to Google's rules.
• 🔒 Be cautious when granting access to your Google business profile to avoid suspension due to others' actions that may violate Google's policies.
• ⚠️ Be aware that certain high-risk industries are monitored more closely by Google and may face listing suspensions even without wrongdoing.
• 📊 Maintain a steady flow of Google reviews to avoid raising red flags; sudden surges in reviews can lead to profile suspension.
• 🛑 Refrain from adding keywords to your business name as it violates Google's rules and may result in suspension.
• 🌐 For an online-only business, having a Google listing requires in-person customer contact; relying solely on online interactions can lead to suspension.
• 🔄 If sharing an address with similar businesses, consider changing your primary category or moving to a different address to avoid being filtered out in search results.
• 🎯 Choose the most appropriate primary category for your business based on your most profitable service or product to maximize visibility on Google Maps.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile is a powerful and effective marketing tool designed to attract local customers without spending money.

What can happen if you change several core pieces of information on your Google Business Profile at once?

Making too many changes too quickly can lead to your profile being suspended or needing to be verified again, causing your business to lose visibility online.

What are considered core pieces of information on a Google Business Profile?

The core pieces of information include your business name, phone number, address, categories, and website URL.

Why should you update details on your Google Business Profile one at a time?

Updating details one at a time and waiting a few days before making the next change helps Google recognize the changes as legitimate and not an attempt to manipulate the system.

What are some common mistakes made with business addresses on Google Business Profiles?

Common mistakes include using PO Box, UPS box, virtual office, or co-working space addresses, which are not allowed unless they represent a dedicated office space with permanent signage and business hours.

Why is creating multiple listings for the same business against Google's rules?

Creating multiple listings can be against Google's rules if the addresses used do not follow their guidelines, as it can lead to spam and manipulation of the platform.

What can happen if a Google account linked to your listing is suspended?

If a linked Google account is suspended, especially due to spammy behavior or low-quality edits, your business listing could also be suspended.

Why are certain industries considered high-risk by Google in terms of business listings?

Certain industries, such as locksmiths or plumbers, are known for using shady tactics to gain an unfair advantage on Google Maps, leading Google to apply stricter rules and monitor these listings more closely.

How can receiving too many Google reviews too quickly affect a business profile?

An unusual surge in reviews can raise red flags with Google, suggesting an attempt to game the system, which may lead to the suspension of the business profile.

What is the potential risk of adding keywords to your business name on Google Business Profile?

While Google does not actively enforce this rule, adding keywords to your business name is against Google's guidelines and could lead to suspension if reported by a competitor.

What happens if a business operates exclusively online and tries to claim a Google listing?

A business that operates exclusively online and does not make in-person contact with customers may have its listing suspended, as Google requires physical interaction for a valid listing.

Why is it problematic for multiple businesses in the same field to share the same address?

Google prefers to show diverse results, so if multiple businesses share the same address and category, only a few may be displayed, potentially filtering out the rest and missing potential customers.

How important is choosing the right primary category for a business on Google Maps?

The primary category is crucial for a business to show up on Google Maps, as it determines the visibility and reach of the business to potential customers.

What should a business do if it fits into several categories on Google Maps?

A business should identify its most profitable service or product, then check the primary category of the top businesses offering that service or product and align its own category accordingly.