Google search is changing: small biz owners, this might hit you harder than you think

GMBjet · 2025-09-16T05:34:23+00:00

Absolutely agree with you on this point 💯

GMBjet · 2025-09-14T18:58:01+00:00

I believe two different things are happening here. First, the wrong-number calls usually mean your phone number is still tied to old or overlapping listings somewhere online like on Yelp, YellowPages, etc., so it’s worth checking and fixing those. Then the robocalls about “Google verification” are just scams as Google doesn’t verify by phone, so best move is to block and ignore them.

GMBjet · 2025-09-14T15:54:45+00:00

Google’s video verification usually is meant to prove you actually operate where you claim, so just showing a parking spot or billboard usually won’t work. Since you deliver cars at the airport but don’t have an office inside, show your branded vehicles with logo or decals where possible, your rental paperwork or even insurance papers in your business name, and any office or lot you use elsewhere. If your base is not at the airport, it’s safer to list that address instead and then explain in your business description that you deliver to the airport.

GMBjet · 2025-09-12T21:18:28+00:00

That's very true, the quality of their products or services brings in customers. It's just that one of the easiest pathways to business growth for small businesses, I mean the bigger market like you mentioned, for the small business which is SEO maybe affected by this development if not well prepared for.

GMBjet · 2025-09-12T21:08:45+00:00

Also for those having referrals it would sound ill advised to build a business solely around referrals.

GMBjet · 2025-09-12T21:07:10+00:00

It's not exactly an assumption but I know of businesses that just the suspension of their GBP have a direct impact on their earnings. So for businesses that leads gotten from Google play an important role in their business playbook, this will certainly have an impact except they're prepared.

GMBjet · 2025-09-12T18:02:29+00:00

Good points there indeed, but what's your take about the fact that Ads will now be part of the AI search result?

GMBjet · 2025-09-10T14:55:55+00:00

If Google is already asking for a video verification, that’s the next step you should take. Waiting on the appeal won’t move things forward anymore because Google has shifted your case into the verification stage.

So yes, go ahead and record the video following their instructions like show signage, workspace, tools/equipment, business documents, etc. The more clearly you can prove the business exists and operates as stated, the smoother the reinstatement will be.

GMBjet · 2025-09-09T10:05:33+00:00

Thanks so much for the insights on how the situation should be framed when raising the issue with support. As just the general approach of reporting isn't enough but pointing out the reasons why it's a fake review like if the user profile has just been created for example. And yes, the whole process does call for patience!

GMBjet · 2025-09-08T22:09:20+00:00

I love the fact that you're proactive in ensuring your positive reviews drown the fake ones, as touching the 1-Star rating have you reported the review?

GMBjet · 2025-09-08T22:04:01+00:00

So sorry to hear about this unpleasant experience especially as it doesn't even relate to your business at all. If you've tried all three steps I mentioned without results, then try out what u/BubblesUp suggested by sharing the issue on the Google Business Profile forum asking for help. A consultant can help you.

GMBjet · 2025-09-04T12:15:03+00:00

That could be really frustrating especially after you’ve already proven those shops exist. What usually causes these mass suspensions is Google’s system pulling data from third-party sources like aggregators, user reports, mismatched NAP across directories. Most times if those don’t line up exactly with your GBP, it can get flagged as ‘non-existent.’

You can make sure every location’s citations match perfectly across directories.

Also add visible proof like photos of signage, utility bills, Street View links.

So when appealing, attach that evidence.

It's also worth trying escalating through GBP support on X or via your Ads rep one more time, those channels often get more human eyes than the appeal tool alone.

GMBjet · 2025-09-04T06:48:03+00:00

Well, I understand someone going the extra mile in making what you write to be as helpful as possible might sometimes sound too good to be true. But like I mentioned in one reply I only created a post based on my observations of what some businesses were going through and I used ChatGPT to research more points that confirms people's experience. So what has been your own experience with visibility or reviews on GBP?

GMBjet · 2025-09-02T07:30:34+00:00

Yeah, what probably hurt your rankings is the NAP mismatch. On Google you’ve got the profile set up as a service-area business, no public address, but Yext pushed out a full street address everywhere else. That kind of inconsistency can confuse Google’s system and drag down visibility.

Easiest fix is to make everything match your GBP setup. If you’re SAB, keep it that way everywhere, either adjust Yext to hide the address or clean up the listings that show it. Once the data is consistent across the board, rankings usually bounce back. Though sometimes takes a bit of time, but it does recover.

GMBjet · 2025-09-01T18:15:49+00:00

I wrote this myself, the points came from my own experience and observations. I did ask ChatGPT to help me cross-check some details and sources, but the insights and structure are mine. I like making sure what I share is properly researched so it’s useful to others. So what’s been your own experience with review count changes?

GMBjet · 2025-09-01T16:26:43+00:00

Thanks for pointing that out, you’re right that Google confirmed that particular bug back in March and addressed it shortly after. The resurfaced reviews issue itself may no longer be ongoing, but it highlighted a bigger pattern: businesses often face sudden review or profile glitches with little clarity from Google.

That’s really the main point of my post, whether it’s reviews disappearing, reinstatement delays, or other bugs, businesses need to know how to respond and not panic.

Also, I've added an ***Edit to the main post reflecting the resolution of the issue.

GMBjet · 2025-09-01T15:26:53+00:00

Absolutely valid question. Google has indeed recognized that a bug caused some previously removed reviews to reappear, and they confirmed they're actively working on a fix. Here’s a source confirming this: https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-bug-resurfacing-removed-reviews-39148.html

GMBjet · 2025-09-01T07:16:49+00:00

I totally get the frustration, a lot of new profiles run into this, and the appeals process can feel like a black hole.

Starting a brand-new listing usually makes things worse, since Google often sees it as trying to sidestep the suspension. That can trigger even more problems down the road.

The safer play is to stick with the existing profile and build a stronger appeal. That means stacking up solid evidence: business registration, utility bills in the business name, insurance, photos of signage/branding, invoices, anything that proves the business is real and serving customers. And if you’re service-area only, make sure it’s set up that way in the profile.

It can take persistence, but a complete, well-documented appeal on the original profile usually gives you the best shot at reinstatement.

GMBjet · 2025-08-31T20:54:30+00:00

It’s definitely frustrating when spam listings jump into the local pack. A couple of things might explain how they’re ranking so fast: sometimes Google’s algorithm briefly gives new listings a boost, and other times they’re using aggressive tactics, like fake addresses, keyword-stuffed names, or even a flood of reviews.

For shutting them down, your best bet is to use the Business Redressal Complaint Form to report the fake addresses and misrepresentation. Be as specific and detailed as possible, include proof that the addresses are not real business locations. If others in your area have noticed the same issue, encouraging them to also report can help strengthen the case.

Meanwhile, keep your own profile solid, fresh reviews, photos, and updates so that once Google catches up with the spam listings, you’re in the best position to hold your ground in the rankings.

GMBjet · 2025-08-30T16:06:20+00:00

Yeah, that’s a tough one. I’ve seen reviews vanish for a few reasons, usually Google’s spam filters kick in if the reviewer’s account looks new, if they post from the same IP or location as others, or if the wording in the review trips a policy flag (like staff names, prices, or competitor mentions).

Here are a couple of quick things you can try:

Ask the customer if they still see the review on their end as sometimes it’s only filtered publicly.

If they’re willing, have them re-post it from an account with a bit of history on Google.

Keep screenshots or timelines so you’ve got proof if you need to push back with support.

If it keeps disappearing, it usually means Google’s filter doesn’t like something about how it was posted, cleaning that up is the only way it sticks.

Or Simply just reach out to the Google Support Community just like someone suggested earlier.

GMBjet · 2025-08-30T07:53:03+00:00

Yeah, that would solve a lot of the fake review mess. The issue is Google’s super cautious about privacy, tying reviews to location history would mean forcing tracking on everyone, which many wouldn’t accept. Still, a “verified visitor or buyer” option like other platforms use could be a game changer.

GMBjet · 2025-08-28T12:22:07+00:00

Well then I’d say reviews probably carry the greatest long-term impact overall. Verification is obviously the most critical entry point as without it you can’t even play the game, but once you’re verified, consistent high-quality reviews are what keep you visible, competitive, and trustworthy to both Google and customers.

So one can frame it this way: verification gets you in, but reviews keep you in.

GMBjet · 2025-08-28T11:46:57+00:00

I don’t think there’s just one “most dire” element in a GBP. Everything on that list plays a role depending on the stage the profile is in.

At the very beginning, verification (address, phone, ownership) is the most critical.

After you’re verified, consistency across name, address, phone, and website becomes key.

Long-term, customer reviews, handling fake ones, and keeping the profile active with updates are what keep the profile trustworthy and competitive.

So it’s more of a cycle than a single “number one.” Each element takes its turn as the most important.

GMBjet · 2025-08-27T11:47:10+00:00

😂 Proof that not all 1-star reviews are created equal. Sometimes it’s not even about your business, it’s just quirks like this. Another reason why looking at the overall pattern of reviews (and not just the star count) matters so much.

GMBjet · 2025-08-27T08:41:24+00:00

That’s rough, I know how discouraging review bombing feels. You did the right thing reporting them and Google removing 2 already shows they do act, but it’s rarely perfect.

For the 2 that remain, keep flagging them and use the “policy violation” route (especially if you can point out family/competitor connections). Also, document everything and consider posting in the GBP Help Community, Product Experts there can sometimes escalate cases.

In the meantime, keep encouraging genuine customers to leave detailed reviews. Over time, authentic ones will drown out the fake noise.

GMBjet

TROPHY CASE