Subhash
raman Staff answered 5 months ago
To avoid penalties from Google My Business (GMB), it’s crucial to adhere to their guidelines. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Keyword Stuffing: Don’t stuff your business name with keywords or include keywords that aren’t part of your actual business name. It violates Google’s guidelines and can result in penalties.
Creating Multiple Listings for the Same Business: Each location of your business should have only one listing. Duplicate listings can confuse customers and harm your ranking.
Using Virtual Offices or PO Boxes: Google requires that your business has a physical location that customers can visit. Using virtual offices or PO boxes to create listings is against their guidelines.
Inconsistent NAP Information: Ensure that your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms. Inconsistent information can confuse customers and harm your local ranking.
Misrepresenting Your Business: Provide accurate and honest information about your business. Misleading customers with false information or representing your business in a deceptive way can lead to penalties.
Posting Fake Reviews: Fake reviews violate Google’s guidelines and can result in penalties. Encourage genuine reviews from satisfied customers instead.
Violating Content Guidelines: Ensure that your business description, posts, and images adhere to Google’s content guidelines. Avoid using inappropriate or offensive content.
Ignoring Customer Messages or Reviews: Respond promptly to customer messages and reviews. Ignoring them can harm your reputation and lead to lower rankings.
Violating Review Guidelines: Don’t solicit reviews from customers in a way that violates Google’s guidelines. For example, offering incentives in exchange for reviews is against their policy.
Using a POI (Point of Interest) as a Business Name: Your business name should accurately represent your business. Using a generic term like “ATM in Walmart” as your business name violates Google’s guidelines.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following Google’s guidelines, you can maintain a healthy presence on Google My Business and avoid penalties.
Amit Khanna Staff answered 1 month ago
When creating your Google My Business (Google Business Profile) listing, it’s important to follow best practices and avoid common mistakes that could lead to suspension, rejection, or harm to your business reputation. Here’s a list of what not to do while creating your Google Business listing:
1. Don’t Provide Incorrect Business Information
Don’t Use False Business Name: Always use the real, registered name of your business. Avoid adding extra keywords or location details unless they are officially part of your business name. Example: If your business is “ABC Cafe,” avoid naming it “ABC Cafe Best Coffee Shop in New York.”
Don’t Enter Wrong or Incomplete Address: Make sure the address is accurate and matches the physical location of your business. Incorrect or vague addresses can confuse customers and lead to rejection.
Avoid Using a P.O. Box: Google does not accept P.O. boxes or virtual offices as business addresses. You must provide a physical address where your business operates.
2. Don’t Violate Category Guidelines
Don’t Choose Irrelevant Categories: Select the most accurate primary and secondary categories that describe your business. Don’t add unrelated categories just to attract more customers.
Avoid Overloading with Categories: Adding too many categories can dilute your profile and confuse potential customers. Stick to the most relevant categories.
3. Don’t Mislead with Service Areas
Don’t List Incorrect Service Areas: If your business delivers services to specific locations, make sure to list only the areas you actually serve. Avoid adding regions or cities where you don’t operate to increase your visibility.
4. Don’t Provide a Fake or Unverified Phone Number
Don’t Use Non-Operational Numbers: The phone number you list should be accurate and easily reachable. Using fake or non-working numbers can frustrate customers and get your profile flagged.
Don’t Use a Personal Number: Use a business phone number, not a personal or unrelated number, to maintain professionalism and transparency.
5. Don’t Spam with Keywords
Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Do not insert excessive keywords into the business name or description fields to try and rank higher. This can get your listing suspended or penalized.
Don’t Mislead with Keywords: Don’t use misleading words in your business title or description that don’t align with the services you offer.
6. Don’t List an Incorrect Website URL
Don’t Use URLs That Don’t Belong to Your Business: Ensure the website URL you add directs to the official website of your business. Don’t link to unrelated or third-party websites.
Avoid Using Social Media Pages as Your Website: If possible, avoid listing your social media profile pages as your primary website unless you have no website at all.
7. Don’t Upload Inappropriate or Low-Quality Images
Don’t Upload Irrelevant Photos: Ensure that the photos you upload represent your business accurately. Avoid using stock photos, irrelevant images, or low-quality pictures.
Avoid Inappropriate Content: Uploading inappropriate or offensive images can lead to the rejection or removal of your listing.
8. Don’t Create Duplicate Listings
Don’t Create Multiple Listings for the Same Business: Creating duplicate listings for the same business at the same location can confuse users and result in account suspension.
Don’t Create Separate Listings for Each Department: Avoid making separate listings for different departments or services in the same location unless they are legally distinct entities.
9. Don’t Ignore Reviews and Customer Feedback
Don’t Neglect Negative Reviews: Engage with both positive and negative reviews professionally. Ignoring reviews or responding poorly can damage your online reputation.
Don’t Ask for Fake Reviews: Never pay for or incentivize fake reviews to boost your profile. Google has strict policies against this and may suspend or penalize your listing if detected.
10. Don’t Misrepresent Your Business Type
Don’t Create Listings for Non-Eligible Businesses: Businesses that do not physically interact with customers (like online-only businesses) may not be eligible for a Google Business Profile. Do not create a listing for an ineligible business type.
Avoid Misrepresenting Your Operational Status: Don’t list a business as “open” if it’s permanently closed or temporarily shut down.
11. Don’t Ignore Google’s Policies
Don’t Skip Reading Google’s Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with Google’s Business Profile guidelines to ensure compliance. Violating these rules can lead to rejection or suspension of your listing.
Avoid Using Unverified Information: Any unverified or unapproved information can lead to your listing being flagged for a policy violation.
Tips for Creating a Compliant Google Business Profile:
Accuracy is Key: Always provide complete and correct information, from business name to contact details and operating hours.
Focus on User Experience: Make your profile easy to understand and navigate, ensuring it reflects your business as it operates in real life.
Update Regularly: Keep your listing updated with accurate information on business hours, contact details, and offerings.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong and successful Google Business Profile that enhances your business’s visibility and credibility.