Google Maps Scam - How Competitors Can Steal Your Ranking

Google Maps Scam - How Competitors Can Steal Your Ranking

Read time: 3 minutes

Hello Grow Community! 📈

Have you heard about the latest sneaky scam targeting Google Business Profiles? Competitors can now maliciously move your Google Maps pin to a new location using the “Suggest an edit” feature. This nasty trick can tank your rankings without you having a clue why your phone isn't ringing!

When your pin is moved, Google thinks your business has relocated (even if your address didn’t change), causing a sudden drop in your rankings. Worst part? Google doesn’t notify you about these changes. So, if you’ve noticed a sudden decline in calls or website clicks, this could be why.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to just move the pin back in your Google Business Profile settings. If you do, your profile could easily get suspended and your progress will be sidelined until you get through the monotonbous appeals process. You’ll want to use a Google account that isn’t associated with any Google Business Profiles to correct this.

How to Tell If You’re Being Targeted:

1. Go to your Google Business Profile Dashboard

2. Click “Edit Profile” > “Location”

3. Look at the map displayed below your business address and check if the pin placement is accurate

How to Fix It If You Were Targeted:

1. Log into Google with an email unlinked to any Google Business Profiles

2. Find your business on Google Maps

3. Click “Suggest an edit” > “Change name or other details” > “Edit map location”

4. Drag the pin to the correct spot and hit “Save”

Remember to check your Google Business Profile monthly for any unexpected changes to avoid this scam and keep your rankings healthy.

Exciting News!

We are soon launching Lihi, our comprehensive digital marketing tool that goes beyond just heat map reports. Lihi will provide you with detailed insights, automated audits, and proactive strategies to keep your business at the top of search results. Stay tuned for more details on how Lihi can revolutionize your digital marketing efforts!

Thank you for being a valued part of the Guac Digital community. We’re excited to help you maintain a healthy and visible online presence. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We will connect you with a live agent per your location shortly.

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Consultations Available 🥑

We offer consultations. We have something for everyone, whether you're a digital marketer with a client whose rankings stubbornly refuse to rise or an unsure business owner who isn't confident about the next steps to take. You can send an email to [email protected] or reply to this newsletter to set one up. The rate is $500 for an hour call, but the truth is the calls always last at least two hours, and often far longer. We'll stay on with you until we've communicated everything we need to. We usually start out with a detailed audit of your Google Business Profile and a survey of the competition. It’s your show though. Let us know what you’d like to discuss. We’ll start researching as soon as we hear from you.

P.S. If you’d like to work with us and grow your business, we have an extra opening for a new client in September! Get started for free here.