Lead Gen Mistakes , Citations & GMB Questions

Navigating Business Progress and Troubleshooting with Google My Business

In the world of local SEO, Google My Business (GMB) is crucial for visibility. This week, attendees came together to discuss their achievements, challenges, and optimization tactics. Client successes, GMB verification issues, and strategies to overcome suspensions were hot topics. Let’s explore the key insights shared in the session and best practices for optimizing your GMB profile.

Celebrating Client Wins and Addressing Challenges

Every business has its highs and lows, and the attendees shared a range of experiences from recent wins to ongoing hurdles. The wins included improved GMB visibility for clients, successful lead generation, and positive feedback from local customers. But just as prominent were the challenges — notably, the recurring issues with GMB verifications and the dreaded “suspended” status. Addressing these challenges requires persistence and a solid troubleshooting strategy.

Overcoming Verification and Suspension Obstacles

Verification issues, suspended accounts, and listings stuck in pending status are increasingly common among GMB users. Attendees discussed some unique methods they had employed to overcome these roadblocks:

1. Re-submitting Verification Requests: Many agreed that persistence is essential. Repeatedly submitting verification requests can sometimes yield results as cases get escalated.
2. Alternative Verification Methods: For businesses struggling with typical mail verification, other options discussed included using utility bills or even verifying with a friend’s address. While using alternative addresses raises ethical concerns, it remains an option some businesses consider.
3. Document Handling: Some attendees brought up the controversial tactic of document “forging.” This raised an ethical debate but highlighted the importance of adhering to legitimate methods when troubleshooting GMB verification issues.

Strategies for Optimizing Google My Business Listings

Optimizing a GMB listing is essential for boosting visibility in local search results. This week, the group shared proven techniques to make listings more appealing and locally relevant.

Geotagged Photos for Enhanced Local Relevance

Adding photos with geotags directly linked to the business location can significantly improve a GMB listing’s local relevance. Geotagged images make it easier for Google to associate a business with its specific location, enhancing its presence in relevant search results.

Building Strong Citations and Adding Local Reviews

Citations — mentions of a business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) across local directories and websites — are essential for local SEO. Each mention acts as a “vote of confidence” for Google, establishing the business’s credibility and legitimacy. Local reviews, particularly those containing location-specific keywords, can further boost visibility. Encouraging happy clients to leave feedback mentioning their city or neighborhood helps create a connection with potential customers.

Completing All GMB Listing Details

Completing all available fields in a GMB listing is crucial. This includes business hours, services offered, and accurate contact information. The more complete the listing, the better its chances of ranking well. Ensuring accuracy across all platforms builds trust with both Google and potential customers, driving engagement and traffic.

Key Takeaways from the Weekly Business Call

The weekly session brought valuable insights into GMB troubleshooting and optimization. Client wins underscored the success of persistent and innovative strategies, while discussions on verification challenges highlighted the importance of resilience. Attendees left with actionable tips, including the benefits of geotagging, boosting local reviews, and ensuring listing accuracy. For those working on GMB, these strategies offer a path to improved rankings and visibility in local search.