There is a scam going on in the Google Maps/Google Business Profile world.
Competitors may move Google Maps markers to a new location, which could negatively impact rankings.
This has been going on for several months and has impacted many Google Business Profile listings.
It’s easy for scammers to make this change using the Suggest an edit feature on a Google Business Profile and then edit the map location.
When the map marker is moved to the new location, Google thinks the business is no longer in the location it was previously in, so the ranking may drop.
Why is this a problem for you?
Google does not notify GBP listing owners and managers that the map marker has moved.
So unless you’re specifically looking for this change, you may not realize why you’re no longer getting calls or customers. And if you’re monitoring how your Google Business Profile is ranking, you may not understand why your rankings have suddenly dropped.
If you’ve fallen victim to this scam, you can’t simply go into your Google Business Profile and reposition your pin to the correct location, as many who do this get suspended from their Google Business Profile.
How to fix the problem
At the moment, the best way to resolve this issue is to sign in to Google using an email address that is no connected to any Google Business Profile.
Then, search for the business listing on Google Maps and follow these steps:
- click on the Suggest an edit button on your 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 To save.
Remember, it’s always important to verify your Google Business Profile any changes others make to your GBP listing.
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About the author
Sherry Bonelli is a search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing professional with over 25 years of experience. She is the owner of early bird digital marketing, a digital marketing agency serving clients across the US. Bonelli is a Google Business Profile Platinum Product Specialist and a columnist for leading marketing websites. She received Search Engine Land’s SEO Contributor of the Year award in 2018. A recognized presenter and keynote speaker at leading digital marketing conferences, Bonelli holds a master’s degree in Internet Marketing. She is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor, an adjunct instructor at several colleges and universities, and the host of The Marketing Plan Podcast.
