Don’t fall for this: Google Maps Pin SEO Scam

So what’s this threat? Well, for a few months now it has been possible for people to ‘suggest and edit’ to a Google Business Profile and move the map pin to another location.

This can have a huge impact on your local pack rankings as it means Google won’t know that you location could be the closest and most beneficial result to show a searching potential-customer.

So why is this a problem for you?

The biggest issue is that Google doesn’t notify the GBP owner that the Map pin was moved.

So unless you’re specifically looking for this change, you may not realise why you’re no longer getting calls or visits from customers. And even if you’re keeping a close eye on the rankings of your Google Business Profile, it may not be obvious why your rankings have suddenly dropped.

What’s more, if you try and fix the issue yourself and move the pin back to the correct location, you could still get affected by a Google Business Profile suspension!

How can you fix the issue?

If you work with Online Path for your SEO, you can be sure we are on top of this and checking for you regularly. But if you are managing your GBP yourself, then the best option to resolve any issue you find is to use an email address not connected to your Business Profile.

Then, search for the business listing on Google Maps and follow these steps:

• Click the Suggest an edit button on the Google Business Profile.
• Click Change Name or other details.
• Click Edit map location.
• Drag the map until the pin is in the correct location.
• Click Save.

It’s always worth checking in on your Google Business Profile regularly to ensure there are no erroneous changes made via suggestions, which can also be around opening times or other business information. And if you get stuck, Online Path, are always happy to assist.