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The Hidden Risks of Your Google Business Profile
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Hey everybody, welcome back. Today we're going to be talking about something that could really make or break your business.
Speaker 2:That's right. We're diving into Google business profile suspensions.
Speaker 1:Suspensions? Yeah, and you know you might be thinking well, I follow all the rules, so why would Google ever suspend my profile?
Speaker 2:And that's a really good question and, to be honest, it's a question we get all the time.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I bet. So what's the deal then? Why would google suspend a business that's not actually doing anything wrong?
Speaker 2:well, the thing is, google's really really focused on making sure that their search results are trustworthy right, they want users to feel confident that the businesses they're finding are legit absolutely makes sense so they're not just looking at the business itself, but they're also scrutinizing the accounts that are associated with its online presence.
Speaker 1:Ah, okay. So it's kind of like guilt by association then.
Speaker 2:Exactly, you got it.
Speaker 1:So if, like the person managing my Google business profile, has like a shady past, google might think, hey, this business might be shady too.
Speaker 2:Yeah, precisely.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's all about protecting the integrity of those search results.
Speaker 1:Gotcha. So what kind of history are we talking about here? What would make Google raise an eyebrow at an account?
Speaker 2:Well, think about things like you know mass email spam or fake reviews, or maybe an account has been used to try and manipulate search results with some you know sneaky tactics that violate Google's guidelines.
Speaker 1:Those black hat techniques.
Speaker 2:Exactly so that account gets flagged as potentially problematic.
Speaker 1:And then boom. Any Google business profile that's connected to that account could get caught in the crossfire.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Wow, that is scary. I mean for a lot of businesses out there. Their Google business profile is their lifeline, right.
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely. Especially for local businesses, you know those brick and mortar stores or the home service pros the GBP is often that very first point of contact with a potential customer.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's how people find your address, your hours, your phone number, all that good stuff.
Speaker 2:And of course, those all important reviews.
Speaker 1:Right. So getting suspended could mean losing out on a ton of business.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And it's not just about that immediate hit. You know the loss of visibility and leads. A suspension can actually damage your reputation.
Speaker 1:Oh for sure, it's like a digital scarlet letter.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it makes it harder to recover your ranking, even after you're reinstated you know you've lost that trust.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we've established that Google business profile suspensions are bad news, even for legitimate businesses that get caught up in this whole guilt by association thing. Right, so let's talk about solutions, yeah.
Speaker 2:What's the first step to make sure that my GBP is safe and sound? Okay, so the most important thing you can do is conduct a thorough audit of your Google business profile users.
Speaker 1:A user audit.
Speaker 2:Okay yeah, head over to your Google business profile users A user audit. Okay yeah, head over to your Google business profile manager. Got it and take a look at who has access to your profile.
Speaker 1:So I'm guessing it's more than just looking at names here.
Speaker 2:Right? Yeah, You're absolutely right. It's not enough to just see a name and go okay, I recognize that person. You really need to understand the level of access each user has.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Google has different roles with varying permissions. You know you've got owners, managers, site managers, and each of those roles comes with a different set of capabilities.
Speaker 1:So like owners have the highest level of control, I'm assuming.
Speaker 2:Exactly. They can do pretty much anything.
Speaker 1:Oh boy, OK. So should I be worried if someone other than me, like the actual business owner, has owner access?
Speaker 2:Well, it's not necessarily a red flag but, it's something to consider carefully. You know, for example, if you've hired a marketing agency to manage your GBP, they might have set themselves up as an owner.
Speaker 1:Oh, that makes sense.
Speaker 2:Which you know it could create problems if you ever decide to switch agencies or bring your GBP management in-house.
Speaker 1:Gotcha. Yeah, I could see how that could be a problem. So essentially I could get locked out of my own Google business profile Exactly If someone else is holding the keys.
Speaker 2:Precisely so. Ideally, the business owner or someone within the business should retain ownership of the GBP Right.
Speaker 1:That makes sense.
Speaker 2:That way, you always have ultimate control.
Speaker 1:Gotcha, keep control of your own destiny. Exactly All right. So I'm looking at my list of users and I'm checking their access levels. What if I see some old employees or accounts that I don't even recognize?
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that's a good question.
Speaker 1:What should I do?
Speaker 2:If you see any accounts that look suspicious, ok or are no longer needed, it's always best to err on the side of caution Right caution and remove them. This includes old employees in active accounts or accounts that might be associated with past marketing agencies.
Speaker 1:Okay, so just to be clear, we're talking about removing their access to the Google business profile.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Not like deleting their entire Google account.
Speaker 2:Exactly. You're just revoking their privileges to manage or make changes to your GBP.
Speaker 1:Gotcha Okay.
Speaker 2:And it's a pretty straightforward process. You can do it right through your Google Business Profile Manager.
Speaker 1:Okay, awesome. So I've cleaned up my user list. I've made sure the right people have the right level of access. Great, what's next on the GBP security checklist?
Speaker 2:All right. So the next layer of security is making sure that the Google accounts themselves are secure.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So think about it Even if you have the right people listed, if their individual Google accounts are vulnerable, it puts your entire GBP at risk.
Speaker 1:Oh wow, I see it puts your entire GPP at risk. Oh, wow, I see. So if one of my managers, let's say, uses a weak password or doesn't have two-factor authentication set up, that could potentially jeopardize my entire Google business profile.
Speaker 2:Yeah, unfortunately, that's true. A compromised Google account is like a backdoor to all sorts of sensitive information, including your business profile.
Speaker 1:Oh, man, okay. So what are some best practices that our listeners should be following to really lock down their Google accounts?
Speaker 2:Well, the basics are essential Strong, unique passwords for every single account, ok, and enabling two-factor authentication.
Speaker 1:Two-factor OK.
Speaker 2:Yeah, this adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email in addition to your password, so it's like double locking the door. Exactly, and it's also good practice to regularly review the devices and apps that are connected to your Google account.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:If you see anything you don't recognize, revoke access immediately.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. Okay, so we've secured our GBP from the user level. We've locked down those Google accounts. What else can we do to make sure we're staying on Google's good side and avoiding those dreaded suspensions?
Speaker 2:Well, it's not just about avoiding suspensions, you know. It's about building a strong, positive presence on Google, and that means keeping your GBP active and engaging.
Speaker 1:Okay, what does that look like in practice?
Speaker 2:Well, think of your GBP as your digital storefront. Okay, you want to keep it fresh, inviting and informative, so regularly update your business information, add new photos and videos that showcase your products or services, and make use of Google Posts to share updates and promotions.
Speaker 1:So it's about showing Google and potential customers that we're an active and engaged business.
Speaker 2:Exactly the more you interact with your GBP, the more Google sees you as a valuable resource for users Right, and the more valuable you are, the higher you're likely to rank in those search results.
Speaker 1:Makes sense. Okay, now what about reviews? Those seem like a pretty big deal for local businesses. Oh, they're huge, especially in competitive markets.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Reviews are social proof. They tell potential customers that your business is legitimate, trustworthy, right and provides a great experience. Word of mouth Exactly so. Encourage your happy customers to leave reviews on your GBP and don't be shy about responding to those reviews, both positive and negative.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's a good point. Responding shows that you're paying attention, you care.
Speaker 2:It's all about building trust and credibility, both with Google and with potential customers.
Speaker 1:Love it. Okay, so this is all great advice, but I know some of our listeners might be thinking I barely have time to run my business, let alone become a Google expert.
Speaker 2:Right, I hear that.
Speaker 1:Is there a way to simplify this whole process?
Speaker 2:Well, that's where tools and services like RankGenius from local biz domination come in.
Speaker 1:Ooh, rankgenius. Yeah, all right, let's talk more about that. How can RankGenius help our listeners take control of their GBP and really maximize their online visibility?
Speaker 2:I'm glad you asked because RankGenius is like having your own dedicated GBP expert Working behind the scenes 24-7 to keep your profile safe, optimized and ranking high. So it's like a set of tools designed to simplify this whole Google business profile management thing Exactly it takes care of all the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.
Speaker 1:I like the sound of that. So what kind of tools are we talking about here?
Speaker 2:Well, for starters, it constantly monitors your GBP user access. You know like we were talking about earlier Right, It'll flag any suspicious accounts or activities so you can take action right away.
Speaker 1:Okay, that's good. So no more constantly checking for rogue users.
Speaker 2:Nope Rank Genius has got you covered, and it also makes sure your business information is always up to date.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's helpful.
Speaker 2:You know like your hours, your address, your phone number Right.
Speaker 1:All that important stuff Exactly.
Speaker 2:It automatically pushes any changes you make across all platforms.
Speaker 1:So I don't have to manually update every single listing.
Speaker 2:Nope, no more tedious manual updates. Rankgenius takes care of it all.
Speaker 1:Awesome, that's a huge time saver.
Speaker 2:Right, and it also helps you stay active and engaging by automating posts and updates.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow. So it's like having a virtual assistant for my Google business profile.
Speaker 2:Pretty much. It keeps your profile fresh and interesting for potential customers.
Speaker 1:Okay, and what about those ever-changing Google algorithms?
Speaker 2:Yeah, those can be a real headache.
Speaker 1:I know.
Speaker 2:But don't worry, rankgenius keeps an eye on all the latest updates and makes sure your profile is always compliant.
Speaker 1:So I don't have to become a Google expert myself.
Speaker 2:Exactly, leave the technical stuff to Rank Genius.
Speaker 1:This sounds amazing. Yeah, I mean, it could really free up a lot of time for our listeners?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It lets you focus on what you do best.
Speaker 1:Right, running my business, serving my customers.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and all of that leads to better rankings and more visibility for your business.
Speaker 1:More customers ultimately.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Rank Genius helps you harness the full power of your Google business profile to attract new customers and grow your business.
Speaker 1:This is fantastic. Okay, so we've talked about the importance of user audits, Google account security, active engagement and, of course, leveraging tools like Rank Genius to make this whole process way easier. Any final words of wisdom for our listeners who are ready to dominate their local market.
Speaker 2:I'd say the key takeaway here is that your Google business profile it's more than just a listing. It's your digital storefront, it's your online reputation and it's a direct line to potential customers.
Speaker 1:It's your face to the world.
Speaker 2:Exactly so. Treat it with care, keep it secure and updated, and don't be afraid to ask for help from experts.
Speaker 1:Great advice and remember we're here to support you every step of the way, whether you choose to manage your GBP manually or opt for the power of Rank Genius.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:We're dedicated to helping local businesses like yours succeed online.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:So go out there, take control of your GBP yes and get ready to welcome a flood of new customers.
Speaker 2:That's what we like to hear.
Speaker 1:Thanks for tuning in everyone. We'll see you next time.
Speaker 2:Rank Genius is super user-friendly, even if you're not a tech whiz.
Speaker 1:Okay, good, because some of our listeners are. You know, they're amazing at what they do, right, but maybe technology isn't their strong suit.
Speaker 2:Totally understandable. So for those folks, how can Rank Genius make managing their GBP less of a headache?
Speaker 1:Yeah, what's the secret sauce?
Speaker 2:Well, it takes less of a headache. Yeah, what's the secret sauce? Well, it takes care of a lot of the tasks that can be time consuming and confusing, like what, for example, remember how we talked about the importance of user audits? Well, rank Genius constantly monitors your GBP user access. It'll flag any suspicious accounts or activities so you can take action right away.
Speaker 1:So it's like having a security guard for my Google business profile.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and it also makes sure your business information is always accurate and up to date.
Speaker 1:Okay, so no more worrying about outdated hours or incorrect phone numbers.
Speaker 2:Exactly, rankgenius pushes any changes you make across all platforms.
Speaker 1:So I don't have to log into a million different websites and update everything manually.
Speaker 2:Nope, rankgenius does it all for you automatically.
Speaker 1:That's amazing. Yeah, what about staying active and engaging on my GBP?
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that's crucial, and RankGenius can help with that too.
Speaker 1:How so.
Speaker 2:It can automate posts and updates.
Speaker 1:So it's like having a social media manager specifically for my Google business profile.
Speaker 2:You got it. It keeps your profile fresh and interesting for potential customers.
Speaker 1:That's great, because I know consistency is key with social media.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. You want to stay top of mind.
Speaker 1:Okay, Now I have to ask about the Google algorithms. You know they're constantly changing.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah, tell me about it.
Speaker 1:It can be hard to keep up.
Speaker 2:Well, that's another area where Rain Genius really shines.
Speaker 1:Okay, how so?
Speaker 2:It constantly monitors those algorithm updates and makes sure your profile is always compliant.
Speaker 1:So it's like having a Google Insider on my team.
Speaker 2:Pretty much. It takes the guesswork out of optimization.
Speaker 1:That's a huge relief. Honestly, this all sounds too good to be true.
Speaker 2:I know it sounds amazing, but it's the real deal.
Speaker 1:All right. So to recap, rankgenius handles user audits, keeps my information up to date, automates my posts and keeps me in line with Google's algorithms. You got it. That's a lot of weight off my shoulders.
Speaker 2:Exactly it lets you focus on what you do best running your business.
Speaker 1:I love it. Okay, so we've covered a ton of information today. We talked about the risks of Google business profile suspensions, right, we talked about the importance of user audits, google account security and active engagement, and we even dove into the incredible benefits of using a tool like RankGenius to simplify and streamline the whole process. Yeah, it's a game changer. It really is. So, as we wrap things up, any final words of wisdom for our listeners who are ready to take their local business to the next level Absolutely Remember.
Speaker 2:your Google business profile is your digital storefront.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's often the first impression potential customers have of your business.
Speaker 1:So make it a good one.
Speaker 2:Exactly Keep it updated, keep it engaging and keep it secure.
Speaker 1:Couldn't have said it better myself, and if you need help along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts here at Local Biz Domination.
Speaker 2:We're always happy to help.