Did you know about 20% of businesses struggle with wrong or missing Google My Business info? This problem affects how customers see them online and their trust1. Google My Business (GMB) is becoming a key tool for local search engine optimization (SEO). Making sure your business information is correct and up-to-date is very important. Challenges like verification issues, incorrect business info, or having more than one listing can make it hard for businesses to keep a good online image.
It’s important to know how to fix common Google My Business problems. This way, you can correct GMB mistakes and do better in local searches. In this guide, we’ll look at the most common issues GMB users have and give you tips to make your business profile better. Whether you’re dealing with slow verification or trying to find missing reviews, we’ve got solutions. Let’s learn how to keep your GMB profile accurate and without errors.
Key Takeaways
- Verification problems can delay your GMB profile’s activation; understanding the process is key.
- Inaccurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information can confuse customers and hurt your SEO.
- Duplicate listings dilute your online presence and can be fixed by merging or removing them.
- Missing or inappropriate reviews affect your business’s credibility; ensure you know how to address them.
- Regular updates and monitoring of your GMB profile are essential for maintaining accurate business information and improving SEO.
Verification Problems with Google My Business
Having trouble with Google My Business (GMB) verification can hurt your business’s online presence and trustworthiness. It’s key to know and tackle these problems right. This ensures your business details are shown correctly without delay.
How to Resolve Verification Delays
To fix delays in getting verified on GMB, choose the right method like phone, email, or postcard. Don’t change your business info after asking for a verification code to avoid more delays. For many verification requests, dodge errors or not following guidelines to keep away from hold-ups2.
Also, emails with your business’s official domain help speed up the verification2.
Solutions for Lost or Incorrect Verification Codes
If your GMB verification didn’t work because the codes were wrong or lost, ask for a new postcard. You can also reach out to GMB support for other ways to verify. Businesses can get on Google for free and prove they own their profile usually via phone, SMS, or a postcard from Google3. Make sure you’ve filled in everything right, especially if using a spreadsheet2.
Fixing Google My Business Suspensions Due to Verification Issues
Suspensions are common if Google’s terms are broken or if you change your listing a lot. You must look through the Google Business Profile (GBP) rules well to find and fix any mistakes. Then, send in a request to get your listing back with proof your business is real4.
Verification might also fail if the video isn’t planned well. Make sure your verification video shows your place, how you run things, and has no private info to better your chances4.
Incorrect or Inconsistent NAP Information
It’s really important to have the right Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) info for your business online. If your business info on GMB isn’t right or keeps changing, people might not trust you. This can also hurt your local SEO efforts.
How to Fix Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) Discrepancies
Start fixing NAP errors by checking your Google Business Profile carefully. Make sure your business’s name, address, and phone number are correct. Always update these details if they change. Surprisingly, 93% of businesses don’t claim or verify their Google My Business listing. They miss out on controlling their info and talking to customers5.
Wrong NAP info across the web can drop your local SEO efforts by 40%. This reduces your GMB ranking and makes you less visible and credible5.
Ensuring Consistency Across All Online Listings
Keeping your online listings consistent is key to a good online image. If your NAP details don’t match everywhere, it can confuse both Google and potential customers. Check that your NAP info is the same on all platforms, like your website, social media, and local directories.
80% of people lose trust in businesses with wrong or varying NAP details. This affects your local reputation and rankings5. Plus, 85% of businesses see more customer interaction and better local SEO when they keep their NAP info consistent5.
Using Citation Tools to Correct NAP Information
Using citation tools makes it easier to keep your listings consistent. These tools help you manage and fix NAP details on different platforms quickly. Citation tools can save you time and help keep your business info right and the same everywhere. Businesses that keep their NAP info consistent across online directories are likely to do better in local SEO. They’ll show up in relevant searches more and be trusted on Google Maps6.
| Issue | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Incorrect NAP Information | Loss of consumer trust and lower local SEO rankings | Regularly update your Google Business Profile |
| Inconsistent Information Across Listings | Confusion for search engines and potential customers | Verify uniformity across all platforms |
| Manual NAP Updates | Time-consuming and prone to errors | Use citation tools for efficiency and accuracy5 |
Duplicate Google My Business Listings
Having two or more Google My Business (GMB) listings can hurt your online position and local SEO. Duplicate listings might spread wrong information, making customers trust you less and see your service in a bad light7. It’s important to find and fix these double GMB profiles to keep a good online reputation.
How to Identify Duplicate Listings
Spotting duplicate Google My Business listings is straightforward. Look up your business using its name, address, and phone number on the web. If you see the same business listed more than once, those are likely duplicates. Often, duplicates happen because of automation and mixed-up business details7. Google’s Verify My Business tool can prevent these issues by keeping your info right8.
Steps to Remove or Merge Duplicate Listings
To get rid of or join duplicate GMB listings, follow these steps:
- Go to your Google My Business dashboard.
- Pick the profile you don’t need.
- Click “Remove” to delete it9.
If you want to merge duplicates, make sure both list the same business in the same spot. Suggest a merge on Google Maps or get in touch with Google Support for quick help9.
Keeping an eye on and reporting various GMB sites can stop duplicates by spotting unauthorized ones7.
Avoiding Duplicates in the Future
To avoid new duplicates, be proactive. Regularly check for any new duplicate listings8. Make sure your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are the same everywhere online8. Teach your team to point out any wrong info, and consider getting help from a digital marketing pro. Using the Google My Business Help Center and forums is also a smart move8.
By carefully managing your GMB sites and fixing any duplicates, you’ll make your business look better online. This also means you’re following Google’s rules.
Google My Business Reviews Not Showing Up
It’s worrying when your Google My Business reviews suddenly vanish. Figuring out why and fixing it is crucial for handling reviews. This helps keep problems to a minimum.
Reasons Why Reviews Might Disappear
There are several reasons why your Google My Business reviews might go missing. Google might remove reviews with links, offensive content, or incomplete user profiles10. Reviews could also disappear if they come from closed accounts or are duplicates10. Sometimes, reviews are delayed because they’re being checked manually, which can take days, especially if there’s a lot of them or staff is short due to the pandemic11.
How to Fix Missing Google Reviews
When reviews disappear, the first thing to do is reach out to Google My Business Support. Check if the missing reviews broke any rules, like using bad language or seeming fake11. Make sure your business profile is verified since unverified ones might not show reviews11. Waiting is often necessary for manual checks of reviews11.
Best Practices to Prevent Future Review Issues
To avoid future problems with your reviews, keep an eye on them and ask for honest opinions. Don’t try to get fake reviews, and fill out your profile completely to dodge automatic filters. Having a verified profile and merging any duplicate ones can help ensure your reviews are visible and kept together1011. Following these steps will protect the reliability and visibility of your Google My Business reviews.
Business Not Showing in Local Search Results
Many businesses struggle with not showing up in local searches. To get better visibility, first claim and verify your Google My Business (GMB) account. Make sure all your info is correct and the same across all places, especially your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) citations12.
How to Resolve Issues with Local SEO Visibility
To fix visibility problems, start with your NAP info. Wrong or different info can mess with your local SEO13.
Next, make sure your GMB profile is fully set up. Update your business types, what services you offer, and when you’re open14. Handling all these steps is key to doing better on Google My Business.
Optimizing GMB for Local Search Ranking
Using the right keywords is key for being seen more. Put related keywords in your business info, what services you have, and your posts12. But don’t overdo it with keywords, as that can hurt your ranking13.
Also, being active, like replying to reviews and posting often, can make your GMB more visible14.
Fixing Location-Based Ranking Problems
How well your business is seen locally depends a lot on location authority12. Google shows listings closer to where the user is at the top14. To improve in this area, get more positive reviews and be active on your GMB profile14.
Make sure your address details are correct. If you need to change them, do it quickly. Delays can cause your listing to be suspended, making you less visible14.
Google My Business Photos Not Displaying Properly
If your Google My Business photos aren’t showing, it can really affect your listing. Make sure your images meet Google’s size, quality, and format rules. Your photos need to be in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format. They should be at least 720 pixels by 720 pixels. Also, each photo’s file size should be below 5 MB15.
How to Fix Photo Upload Errors
Upload errors are common and can frustrate many business owners. A steady internet connection is crucial during the upload16. Photos must be at least 720×720 pixels to display correctly15. If adding text to your images, keep it under 10% of the image area15. If your images are rejected, wait 1-2 weeks before trying again15.
Ensuring Photos Meet Google’s Guidelines
It’s key to follow Google’s photo rules for a better gmb profile. Your photos should be clear, bright, and sharp. Avoid blurriness, watermarks, or anything offensive17. While 250×250 pixels is the minimum, aim for 720×720 pixels for better clarity and engagement1617. Updating your photos often keeps your business’s portrayal fresh and inviting16.
Optimizing Image Formats and Resolutions
Make sure your photos have the right format and size. Use JPG or PNG and keep the size between 10 KB and 5 MB16. Avoid using images smaller than 250×250 pixels; they might look blurry16. High-quality photos draw more customers and boost your online presence. This is vital for your Google My Business success1617.
By keeping an eye on your photo performance through analytics, you can fix listing errors. This ensures your business looks its best16.
Inaccurate Business Hours or Holiday Hours
Wrong business hours listed on Google My Business can really upset customers and hurt your business. About 38% of businesses have messed up their opening hours online, causing confusion and lost chances18. Fixing your google my business hours issues by updating your operation times is crucial.
Correcting Incorrect Business Hours on GMB
Changing your hours on GMB is easy. First, go to the Google My Business dashboard and find the “Info” tab. Then, change the hours to show when you’re really open. Right info not only keeps customers happy but also can bring in up to 20% more people compared to those with wrong hours18.
How to Set and Update Holiday Hours
It’s important to get your holiday hours right on GMB, especially during the holidays when 64% of consumers expect them to be accurate18. To adjust holiday hours, head to the “Special hours” area in your dashboard and enter the new hours for those days. This move can boost customer happiness scores by 15%18.
Keeping Business Hours Consistent Across Platforms
Having the same business hours everywhere online is critical for building trust with your customers. Make sure your hours match on your website and social media. Updating regularly shows customers you’re reliable, thus improving their overall experience.
| Consistency Level | Impact on Customer Trust | Foot Traffic Increase |
|---|---|---|
| High (daily updates) | Very Positive | 20% |
| Medium (weekly updates) | Positive | 15% |
| Low (monthly updates) | Neutral | 10% |
Google My Business Suspensions and How to Fix Them
Every business owner should know how to handle a Google My Business suspension. Figuring out why it happened and fixing it is key. This will get your profile back up and running smoothly.
Common Reasons for GMB Suspensions
Many things can cause a Google My Business suspension. These include having duplicate listings, wrong information, stuffing keywords, or posting bad content19. Breaking Google’s rules means your business won’t show in searches or on profiles19. Knowing and following Google’s rules is crucial to keep your GMB profile visible and reachable.
How to Appeal and Resolve a Suspension
First, figure out what rule was broken by looking at Google’s terms. Then, fix the issues and prove your business is real. You need to ask Google to reinstate your account by filling out a form and following their rules19. Usually, they’ll look at your appeal in 3-5 days20.
Make sure to check your emails for updates from Google Specialists. They will give you a case ID to monitor your appeal. If they say no the first time, you can provide more proof and ask again20.
Steps to Prevent Future Suspensions
Keeping your GMB profile updated and correct helps avoid suspensions. Carefully making changes and following Google’s guidelines lowers risk. Also, updating monthly and using advanced verification keeps you in line with rules19. By doing these things, you can dodge future Google My Business suspensions. This makes sure users have a smooth online experience with your business.
Managing User-Generated Content Issues on GMB
It’s very important to handle google my business user-generated content well. This helps keep your online image positive. Bad photos or reviews can change what people think about your business. By taking the right steps, you can lessen the bad impacts and make your business look better.
Handling Inappropriate Photos or Reviews
Dealing with bad photos or reviews is a big part of GMB review management. You should report any content that doesn’t follow Google’s rules. This way, it can be checked and maybe taken down. Talking to reviewers in a professional way shows you care about what customers think.
Reporting and Removing Violations
If you see content that breaks Google’s rules, report it quickly. Google’s help articles say they usually check and get back to requests in about two weeks. First-time requests might be sorted in 24-72 hours21. Acting fast helps keep your GMB profile trustworthy and high quality.
Moderating User-Generated Content for GMB Compliance
Make sure all google my business user-generated content meets Google’s rules. By checking and managing your GMB regularly, you show Google and potential customers your business cares about its online look. This doesn’t just help with following the rules but also makes the customer experience better.
Doing regular GMB content moderation means fixing any wrong or inappropriate content fast. This way, you keep a professional look and show customers you’re focused on great service and engagement.
Looking for Local SEO Expert? Hire Naveed Ganatra!
Choosing the right online presence strategy is key to drawing in local customers. Naveed Ganatra is a well-known local SEO expert. He creates custom strategies to improve your Google My Business listing, aiming for top performance and high visibility in local searches. By hiring Naveed, you gain access to his expertise and result-driven methods.
The A priori Theoretical Domains Framework shows key factors like intentions, reinforcement, social effects, and emotions influence behavior change in Pakistani women22. These elements are what Naveed focuses on to adjust strategies. He makes sure they align with your business goals and the local market’s unique challenges.
Protecting data and user rights is vital, just like LINKNOVATE SCIENCE, S.L. has shown. They handle user information for research and follow GDPR and LOPDGDD23. An SEO expert like Naveed will also prioritize keeping your business’s information safe while improving your services.
Here’s why hiring Naveed Ganatra is a good move for your business:
- Customized google my business optimization strategies.
- Enhanced local search visibility.
- Troubleshooting and resolving GMB issues effectively.
- Protecting your data while implementing SEO measures.
Opting for Naveed Ganatra means your Google My Business profile will be perfectly tuned. He ensures your NAP details are correct and your local search rankings are strong. This detailed work helps attract more local customers and boosts your online impact. So, getting a local SEO expert like Naveed is investing in your business’s future success and growth.
Conclusion
Dealing with Google My Business problems is key for a great online presence. Issues like verification delays, wrong NAP data, and duplicate listings hurt your listing’s optimization and SEO. By fixing these problems, your business stays visible to customers.
It’s important to keep your Google My Business profile updated. This means fixing missing reviews, correct photos, and business hours. Updating info and managing content boosts your ranking and profile. It makes your business more trustworthy and engaging online.
Using tools or getting professional help makes GMB optimization easier. Active Google My Business listings get over 1,000 views a month and about a 5%24 click-through rate. A well-kept GMB profile draws local traffic and boosts your online presence. Stay ahead by keeping your GMB info accurate and fresh. Keep updating your strategy to shine in local search results. Always look out for new updates and guidelines in local SEO.
FAQ
Q: What are common Google My Business issues and how can I fix them?
A: Some problems with Google My Business include verification trouble and mismatched NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information. There can also be duplicate listings, vanished reviews, and local search trouble. Besides, there might be photo issues, wrong business hours, and account suspensions. To solve these, use Google’s guidelines carefully. Make sure your business info matches everywhere, and fix mistakes quickly. You may need Google’s support or professional help, too.
Q: How can I resolve verification delays with Google My Business?
A: For delays in verification, pick the right method (like phone, email, or postcard). Wait for the code without changing your listing. If you’re stuck, ask for a new code or get help from Google My Business support.
Q: What should I do if my verification code is lost or incorrect?
A: If your code is lost or wrong, ask for a new postcard. Or, reach out to Google My Business support for other ways to verify. This keeps your listing under your control.
Q: How do I fix Google My Business suspensions due to verification issues?
A: First, check Google My Business rules to see any broken ones. Correct these issues, and ask to be reinstated with proof your business is real. Being patient and detailed helps in fixing suspensions.
Q: How do I fix discrepancies in my business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) information?
A: For NAP mistakes, make sure your Google My Business has the latest info. Also, this info should be the same everywhere online to help your local SEO. Use SEO services or tools to keep your details uniform.
Q: Why is it important to ensure NAP information consistency across all listings?
A: Having the same NAP info everywhere helps your local search scores. It stops search engines and people from getting mixed up. It also shows your business is trustworthy.
Q: Can I use citation tools to correct NAP information?
A: Yes, citation tools help make your NAP details match across different places online. This boosts your local search results and stops info mistakes.
Q: How do I identify duplicate Google My Business listings?
A: Look up your business name on Google to find extra or unapproved listings. If you find duplicates, you need to report or merge them with Google My Business tools.
Q: What steps should I take to remove or merge duplicate Google My Business listings?
A: Google My Business lets you report or combine duplicate listings. Use the steps Google gives you to keep only one correct listing.
Q: How can I avoid duplicate listings in the future?
A: Watch out for unasked-for listings and be careful about who can change your Google My Business profile to stop duplicates.
Q: Why might my Google My Business reviews disappear?
A: Reviews might vanish if they break rules, like having rude content or being fake. Sometimes, a glitch can also remove them.
Q: How can I fix missing Google reviews?
A: If reviews go missing, figure out why and talk to Google My Business Support to solve it. Always watch your reviews and ask for real feedback.
Q: What are the best practices to prevent future Google review issues?
A: Keep an eye on your reviews, follow Google’s content rules, and encourage true reviews from your customers to avoid problems later.
Q: How can I resolve issues with local SEO visibility?
A: Make sure you’ve claimed and verified your Google My Business profile. Fix any NAP issues and use the right keywords in your listing. Stay active with your profile for the best results.
Q: What are the best practices for optimizing GMB for local search ranking?
A: Stick to Google My Business rules and focus on keyword use. Keep your info up-to-date and interact with customer reviews. Adding new content also helps your local ranking.
Q: How can I fix location-based ranking problems?
A: Look into any recent changes that could affect your ranking. Make sure your NAP info is the same everywhere and use SEO wisely. Also, keep your Google My Business listing active with updates.
Q: How do I fix photo upload errors on Google My Business?
A: Check that your photos follow Google’s rules for size, quality, and content. Make sure they’re in the right format and resolution to fix upload issues.
Q: How can I ensure photos on my GMB profile meet Google’s guidelines?
A: Always check Google’s photo rules and ensure your pictures follow them. This keeps your business looking good and correct on Google.
Q: What are the best practices for optimizing image formats and resolutions on GMB?
A: Use clear images in formats like JPG or PNG, following Google’s size advice. Refresh your photos often to keep your listing up to date.
Q: How do I correct inaccurate business hours on GMB?
A: Change your hours in your Google My Business dashboard. Make sure they match across your website and social media, too.
Q: How can I set and update holiday hours on GMB?
A: Go to your Google My Business dashboard, find the hours section, and change holiday hours as needed. Always keep them updated for correct holiday info.
Q: Why is it important to keep business hours consistent across platforms?
A: Matching hours everywhere online helps build trust with customers and avoids confusion. It shows your business info is accurate and current.
Q: What are common reasons for Google My Business suspensions?
A: Google My Business might suspend you for not following rules, acting suspiciously, or changing your listing too much. Understanding Google’s rules well is necessary to figure out why.
Q: How can I appeal and resolve a GMB suspension?
A: Fix any problems, show your business is real, and ask Google My Business to reinstate you. Following Google’s guidelines and being patient is crucial.
Q: How can I prevent future Google My Business suspensions?
A: Carefully follow Google’s guidelines and make changes wisely. Regularly checking and updating your profile helps avoid problems that lead to suspensions.
Q: How do I handle inappropriate photos or reviews on GMB?
A: Report any content that doesn’t meet Google’s policies for removal. Answer reviewers professionally and address their issues to keep a good online image.
Q: How can I report and remove violations on Google My Business?
A: Use Google My Business’s reporting feature to mark violations. Google will check and remove content that breaks their guidelines.
Q: What are the best practices for moderating user-generated content on GMB?
A: Regularly look at and respond to user content, stick to Google’s rules, and interact positively with customers. This keeps you compliant and improves your reputation.
Q: Who is a recommended local SEO expert for optimizing Google My Business?
A: Naveed Ganatra is a top local SEO expert who can boost your Google My Business listing’s performance, helping you do better in local searches.
Source Links
- 5 common issues with google my business listings & How to resolve them
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- Common Google My Business Mistakes to Avoid for a Strong Online
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- Google My Business (GMB) : How to Deal with Duplicate Listings ?
- How to Deal with Duplicate Google My Business Listings
- How to Fix Duplicate Google Business Profiles: A Simple Guide for Local Service Businesses
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- Google Reviews Not Showing (Common Reasons & Fixes)
- Why Is My Business Not Showing Up On Google? [And How To Fix It]
- How to Fix Your Business’s Google Search Visibility Issue Easily
- 5 Reasons Your Business Isn’t Showing Up on Google Maps
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- Fix suspended or disabled profiles
- [2024 Most Viewed] How To Fix A Suspended Google Business Profile – Professor M (Google Business Profile Expert)
- pakistani medic: Topics by Science.gov
- Linknovate – Faster, team-based innovation monitoring
- Google My Business Mistakes in 2021 And How To Fix Them | E2M Solutions