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The Local Biz Show
Safeguard Your Success: Master Google Business Profile Security for Unstoppable Growth!
Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your business's online reputation with our latest episode, where we reveal how outdated permissions in your Google Business Profile can silently sabotage your success. Have you ever considered the hidden threats that might be lurking unseen, just waiting to unravel your carefully built reputation? Join us for a critical discussion on the importance of vigilant user access management. We'll explore how past users, like former employees or marketing agencies, could negatively influence your profile's trustworthiness, potentially leading to suspensions and a drastic loss of visibility. Learn to perform essential digital security sweeps to protect your business's most valuable digital asset.
Discover actionable steps to ensure your Google Business Profile is always working in your favor, rather than against you. We'll guide you through the process of conducting regular checkups to keep your online storefront efficient and secure. With insights into the potential risks and the benefits of tools like Rank Genius, this episode is a must-listen for local businesses and home service professionals. Equip yourself with the power of knowledge and take control over your digital presence, ensuring it's an ally in your business journey rather than a silent threat. Listen in to empower your business with the strategies you need to thrive online.
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Hey everyone, we're going to be talking about something today that is absolutely vital for any local business or home service professional out there. Absolutely your Google business profile.
Speaker 2:It's so important.
Speaker 1:You know that little snapshot that pops up when someone searches for a service in their area. Exactly, it's your digital storefront.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:And honestly, in today's world it can make or break you. But what if I told you there's a hidden risk that could be jeopardizing your profile without you even knowing it?
Speaker 2:That's scary.
Speaker 1:We're talking about outdated user access and the consequences can be pretty severe.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, You're absolutely right. It's like leaving the back door to your business wide open.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow.
Speaker 2:You've put so much work into building your reputation, attracting customers Right, but a single outdated user access could bring it all crashing down.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And the scary part is, google doesn't mess around when it comes to suspending profiles. Right that raise red flags.
Speaker 1:OK, I'm already getting nervous.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But before we dive into the dangers, OK. I think it's important to remind everyone why this Google business profile is so crucial. In the first place, yeah. I mean I use Google all the time Of course, think about it this way Okay.
Speaker 2:Someone's got a leaky faucet.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah.
Speaker 2:They need a plumber stat Right. What's the first thing they do?
Speaker 1:Go to Google.
Speaker 2:They grab their phone and search plumber near me. That's where your Google business profile comes in.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's that little box with your business name contact info reviews.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Everything a potential customer needs to decide if they want to call you.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about having a website anymore.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:This profile is like your business card, your online reputation, all rolled into one.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's often the very first impression a potential customer gets of your business.
Speaker 1:I see.
Speaker 2:And Google is constantly updating its algorithms to prioritize these profiles in local searches.
Speaker 1:Gotcha, ok, I'm starting to see the bigger picture here. Good, but you mentioned something about Google suspending profiles. Gotcha, okay, I'm starting to see the bigger picture here. Good, but you mentioned something about Google suspending profiles.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:That sounds pretty intense, it is.
Speaker 2:They've really cracked down on any activity that looks suspicious.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And here's the kicker.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They don't just scrutinize your actions.
Speaker 1:What.
Speaker 2:They look at the behavior of anyone who's ever had access to your profile.
Speaker 1:Wait. So, even if I'm playing by the rules, someone else who had access, maybe years ago.
Speaker 2:Years ago.
Speaker 1:Could get me in trouble.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:That seems a little unfair.
Speaker 2:It can be. Imagine this you hired a marketing agency a while back to help you with your online presence. Right, right, they had access to your Google business profile to update information, maybe respond to reviews. Ok, now let's say that agency down the line starts engaging in some questionable tactics for their other clients, creating fake business listings, buying reviews, you name it.
Speaker 1:Hmm, ok, so now they're doing shady stuff, right, but it's not directly related to my business shady stuff, right, but it's not directly related to my business, right, but Google sees a connection. Oh no.
Speaker 2:They see that this agency with a history of spammy behavior had access to your profile Right and suddenly your profile's trustworthiness takes a hit. Wow, it's guilt by association, even if you had absolutely no idea what was going on, oh man yeah.
Speaker 1:That's rough.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Wow, that's really eye opening.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:So it's not enough to just run an honest business.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:I have to worry about the actions of everyone who's ever touched my Google business profile.
Speaker 2:Unfortunately. Yes, oh man. And to make matters worse, google often doesn't give you a specific reason, really, for a suspension. Huh, you might weigh up on morning and find your profile has vanished. Oh, from search results. Wow, reinstatement can be a long, drawn out process, right All while potential customers are searching for services like yours and can't find you.
Speaker 1:So you're saying like I could be losing business every day.
Speaker 2:Exactly While.
Speaker 1:I'm trying to get this fixed.
Speaker 2:It's a very real possibility.
Speaker 1:Okay, this is all starting to sound pretty scary, yeah, but I'm guessing there's something we can do to protect ourselves right, yes, absolutely Okay. The good news is that preventing this kind of disaster is actually quite simple.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:It all comes down to regularly checking and cleaning up who has access to your Google business profile.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Think of it like doing a security sweep of your physical business. You make sure all the locks are working right.
Speaker 2:Right, I'd want to be sure no one has a key. Who shouldn't?
Speaker 1:Exactly so how do we do this digitally? Right, I'd want to be sure no one has a key, who shouldn't? Exactly so how do we do this digitally? Okay, well, first things first, you need to head over to your Google business profile dashboard.
Speaker 2:Got it. I'm pretty familiar with that.
Speaker 1:Great. Now, once you're there, navigate to your profile settings. Okay, Look for a section typically called people and access.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:This is where you can see everyone who's connected to your profile and the level of access they have.
Speaker 2:So if I click on People and Access, I'll see a list of all the users, past and present.
Speaker 1:You got it Wow.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Now comes the crucial part. Okay, review that list carefully.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Ask yourself does this person still need access to my profile? You might see former employees marketing agencies you no longer work with.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Even web developers you hired for a one-time project.
Speaker 2:Okay, I'm picturing this list now. There are definitely some former employees on there and a couple of marketing companies I haven't worked with in ages.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:What's the best way to remove them?
Speaker 1:It's super easy Just select the user you want to remove and hit the remove person button.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay.
Speaker 1:It's like digital spring cleaning.
Speaker 2:I like that.
Speaker 1:But there's a word of caution here, okay, before you go on a deleting spree, double check that you're not removing active team members, right or agencies who still need access to manage your profile.
Speaker 2:Good point. I wouldn't want to accidentally lock out someone who's actually helping my business.
Speaker 1:Exactly so.
Speaker 2:I go through the list, remove any unnecessary users and that's it.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:My Google business profile is safe from these hidden dangers.
Speaker 1:You're on the right track.
Speaker 2:But like any good security measure, this isn't a one and done deal.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay.
Speaker 2:Make it a habit to review your user list every six months or so, just to be on the safe side.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Think of it like changing the batteries in your smoke detector. Okay, it's a small task that can prevent a major headache down the line.
Speaker 1:Okay, I can definitely commit to that. Good, every six months, check the list, remove any outdated users. Perfect, easy enough. Are there any other tips or tools that can help me keep my Google business profile in tip top shape?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. There are some fantastic tools out there that can simplify managing your Google business profile, ok, and offer an extra layer of protection.
Speaker 1:Oh, I'm all ears. Tell me more.
Speaker 2:One that comes to mind is Rank Genius.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:A tool developed by local biz domination. It's like having a personal assistant for your Google business profile, helping you streamline user access, monitor your profile for any red flags and even automate a lot of the optimization work.
Speaker 1:So it's not just about security. It actually helps you improve your profile's visibility as well.
Speaker 2:Exactly Wow. Rankgenius can help you with everything from keyword research to review management.
Speaker 1:Oh wow.
Speaker 2:It's a powerful tool for any local business looking to maximize its online presence.
Speaker 1:That sounds incredibly helpful. It is, but even without using a tool like RankGenius, just taking the time to regularly check and clean up user access can make a huge difference, right.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It's a simple step that can have significant impact on protecting your online visibility and, ultimately, your bottom line. Remember, your Google business profile is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. You want to make sure it's a positive and trustworthy first impression.
Speaker 1:It's funny. You know we've been talking about this whole thing the importance of checking for outdated user access.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And it's making me realize.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Just how many people might have had access to my Google business profile over the years. That's true. Like it's a little unsettling.
Speaker 2:It is when I think about it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, think about all the different people who might have been involved Employees, contractors, web designers, maybe even friends or family who helped you set things up initially.
Speaker 2:For sure.
Speaker 1:It's easy to lose track over time.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and it highlights a point you made earlier. We focus so much on making our profiles look good, attracting customers, but we sometimes forget about the behind the scenes security measures that are just as crucial.
Speaker 1:Right, Absolutely. It's like building a beautiful house but forgetting to install an alarm system.
Speaker 2:Wow.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you can have the most impressive facade Right, but if it's not secure, it's vulnerable. Yeah, and in the digital world, that vulnerability can be exploited.
Speaker 2:That's a great analogy. Thanks so for all our listeners out there. Yes, what's the key takeaway?
Speaker 1:The main message is this Okay. Take control of your Google business profile.
Speaker 2:Don't let outdated user access put your business at risk. Right, spend a few minutes today reviewing your user list and removing anyone who no longer needs access.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's a small investment of time, right, that can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Speaker 1:Couldn't agree more. It's like a quick checkup.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:To ensure your online storefront is in tip-top shape.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And if you're looking for an added layer of protection and optimization, definitely check out tools like Rank Genius.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Knowledge is power. Yeah, and understanding the potential risks of outdated user access is the first step to protecting your business For sure. Take action today and make sure your Google business profile is working for you Right, not against you.
Speaker 1:Great advice. Well, that's all the time we have for today. Okay, thanks for joining us as we explored the importance of managing user access on your Google business profile. Of course, it might not be the most glamorous topic, but it's one that every local business and home service professional needs to be aware of.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Stay safe out there everyone.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:And we'll catch you in the next episode.