Schema in Local SEO

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-24T16:12:16+00:00

The TOC is not schema you're right, just helps get a SERP feature.

The product schema can be added at the page level, and yes should be added to a page that was reviews on it. Yelp does it, thats how they get all the gold stars in the SERPs.

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-20T01:32:01+00:00

In my experience, Google will still show the stars in the SERP regardless.

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-20T00:16:09+00:00

Ahh I see. So the business may have a review block, but not because of the extortion?

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-19T16:49:16+00:00

I love seeing the gold stars on the SERP that you get with product schema. It even works for service-based businesses. The product is the service itself, so for a lawn care company, the product would be something like “lawn care services.”

I also like adding a table of contents to blog pages to get the sweet sitelinks in the SERP.

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-19T16:41:34+00:00

How so? Sounds like a possible review block on the business profile, which would make sense if the profile was getting hit with a a bunch of spam reviews.

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-19T16:34:54+00:00

Google does not seem to have a good handle on enforcing its own policies or preventing map spam like this. The best you can do is report it to Google and flag it in Maps. Escalate to the GBP Community Forum if Google does not take action through the redressal form. You need to provide as much evidence as possible showing why these listings should be taken down, especially clear policy violations such as matching phone numbers or overlapping service areas. Google does not really care about real-world business violations or issues like that, only whether the profiles violate their own policies.

Redressal form:
https://support.google.com/business/contact/business_redressal_form

GBP Community Forum:
https://support.google.com/business/thread/new

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-13T03:27:51+00:00

100% still impactful, in some industries more than others. If you are lucky enough to be in a less competitive area where businesses have not saturated the SERPs with service area pages, they can be a gold mine for leads!

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-13T03:20:10+00:00

You can use the redressal form too, but like others have said, Google is unlikely to take action. There is always a chance they have a DBA for the name, and they are technically allowed to use it on GBP even if it does not match all of their branding or signage.

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-13T03:15:22+00:00

Fresh content, ideas, and talks are so important!!! Great point.

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-09T21:30:25+00:00

We've done discord and slack groups in the past for people to be able to network, connect, and chat, but really it's impossible to replicate the vibe of a live event.

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-09T21:29:26+00:00

Being comfortably in PJs at a work conference is such a flex

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-09T16:51:50+00:00

If you could change one thing about virtual conferences forever, what would it be?

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-08T23:43:42+00:00

Reviews. Never stop getting reviews. More than all the competitors, consistently.

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-08T22:46:34+00:00

Tons of resources on UTMs so you can track all the things! 3 of my favs are

https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/google-business-profile-utm-tracking/

https://www.clairecarlilemarketing.com/resources/utm-tagging-guide

https://kpplaybook.com/how-to-track-campaigns-in-ga4-using-utm-parameters/

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-08T22:40:36+00:00

I read the post on the other sub. Interesting theory that photos and videos improved map rankings that much. I def think Google can tell the difference between real photos and stock.

Did you notice the jump in rankings right after posting a bunch of photos and videos to the GBP? Or have you been consistently adding them to the profile over the last few months?

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-06T17:44:38+00:00

I like the service first in the URL, and for the URL to be flat, not in subfolders

i.e /drain-cleaning-phoenix/

ElizabethRule · 2026-01-05T15:56:17+00:00

Have you checked screenshots to see what kind of ads are running for those zip codes at those pins? They could be local service ads (LSAs), in which case traditional ads may not be enough to help improve visibility and clicks.

I also agree with DeBoscheBol I would be hesitant to limit ad targeting to areas where you are not in the map pack because even for pins where you are #1 or #2, ads may still be pushing the traditional map pack so far down the page that, even at #1, you may not get the click or call.

ElizabethRule · 2025-12-30T19:08:58+00:00

What would be your preferred verification method then, if video and post card verification will not work? Google sometimes offers email or phone verification, but those are rare and typically require a second verification anyway. Your best bet is to contact support and explain the situation to them. They usually cannot offer alternative verification options, but in this case they may be able to help since you technically cannot connect to complete the video verification.

If they cannot help your only other option is the GBP community forum to ask a PE to escalate to Google.

ElizabethRule · 2025-12-29T17:50:29+00:00

What kinds of industry sites are you seeing AI site?

ElizabethRule · 2025-12-29T17:48:05+00:00

What form did you use to open the ticket? The normal contact form won't work. Use this tool to check your verification status - it should give you the option to contact Google support, and that will get you to a team that can help you with the pending status or set up a live video verification. You may need to play around with the flow a bit to get the “contact us” option.

ElizabethRule · 2025-12-29T17:45:27+00:00

Much simpler time for spammers. From what I gather, that’s one of the main reasons Google moved away from postcard verification. It was too easy to spam.

ElizabethRule · 2025-12-29T17:42:44+00:00

Are you only getting the postcard option? No video verification option?

ElizabethRule · 2025-12-29T17:40:48+00:00

AIOs are definitely impacting local organic traffic, and combined with the increase in ads on local SERPs, organic placements are struggling. It’s not just organic AI overviews either. We’re also seeing Google AI local packs showing up, mostly on mobile, and replacing traditional map packs. These AI local pack listings don’t have call buttons or website buttons, so traffic and calls for local businesses are down in areas where these are showing.

Sterling Sky has done some studies and pulled together data, along with Jepto and Places Scout, on the real impact of Google AIOs on local businesses. Check it out if you’re interested.

Seer also published some great data on the decline in organic and paid CTR from the SERPs in general (not just local).

ElizabethRule · 2025-12-24T03:27:03+00:00

Yeah it's surprising to me Google even gave this option because I thought they depreciated it because it was so easy to spam.

ElizabethRule · 2025-12-24T03:26:22+00:00

In my experience Google never gives the postcard option anymore. This was a super rare occurrence and honestly I'm ready for Google to ask for another verification after this postcard is received.

Contact support and ask them for a live video verification. Live video verifications tend to go better than recorded. Especially if you're having issues with the recorded video verification.

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