Setting up a Google My Business (GMB) listing is essential for any business to be visible online. But it’s not always smooth sailing. Many new GMB users encounter common issues, from verification struggles to inaccurate business details. A Google My Business expert can guide you through the solutions, so your listing can start driving traffic and engaging customers.

1. Verification Problems

Issue: Verifying your GMB listing can be challenging, especially if there’s an address mismatch.

Solution: Double-check your business address in your GMB account. Google sometimes offers other options like phone or email for quicker verification, so keep an eye out. Precise verification is essential, as an unverified listing won’t show up on Google Maps. 

2. Inaccurate Information

Issue: Incorrect details in your GMB listing—such as the wrong business name, phone number, website URL, or hours—can mislead customers and lower your search ranking.

Solution: Log into your GMB account and update all details like your business name, address, phone number and website address accurately. These should be consistent with the information on your website and other listings. Small differences can confuse Google and affect your listing’s visibility. Additionally, accurate hours and categories help customers find you easily, improving your local SEO performance.

3. Duplicate Listings

Issue: If multiple listings for your business exist, they can create confusion for customers and even result in lower visibility for your primary listing.

Solution: Check Google Maps for duplicates of your business. Once located, identify the listing you wish to keep, and contact Google support to merge duplicates. Removing redundant listings can also help your customers find your correct business page, boosting credibility and ranking on Google’s platform.

4. Category Issues

Issue: Selecting an incorrect or irrelevant category for your business may affect your GMB performance, as customers looking for your specific services won’t find your listing as easily.

Solution: When setting up your GMB, carefully select a primary category that best represents your business type. Google allows multiple categories, so you can add relevant secondary ones. Avoid using categories that don’t relate directly to your offerings. Correct categorization increases your visibility for local searches, making it easier for customers to find you.

5. Missing Details

Issue: Not filling out essential fields like business description, services, or photos makes your listing less appealing and informative to potential customers.

Solution: Ensure you complete all available fields in your GMB profile. A strong business description, clear service offerings, and high-quality photos of your location, products, or team can increase customer engagement. Detailed listings rank higher in local searches, so be thorough to maximize your reach.

6. Suspension or Removal

Issue: A GMB listing can be suspended or removed due to policy violations, even if unintentional. This may occur if Google suspects inappropriate practices, keyword stuffing, or inaccurate business data.

Solution: Adhere closely to Google’s GMB guidelines to prevent suspension. Regularly review the policies to ensure you’re compliant. If your listing is suspended, address any flagged issues promptly, then contact Google support for assistance. Being transparent with accurate information is key to maintaining your listing.

Tips From Google My Business Expert to Manage Your GMB Listing

Consistency is Key

Google values consistent NAP data (name, address, phone number) across all platforms. Mismatched information between your GMB listing, website, and other online directories can confuse search engines, potentially reducing your listing’s visibility.

Regular Updates

Keep your GMB listing updated, especially if there are any changes in your business. This includes new hours, seasonal changes, or updated contact information. Regular updates help customers stay informed and build trust in your business.

Engage with Customers

One of the great features of GMB is the ability to interact directly with customers. Replying to reviews, both positive and negative, demonstrates that you appreciate feedback and prioritize customer satisfaction. Engaging with reviews can improve your listing’s ranking and encourage more customer interactions.

Use Google Posts to Share Updates

GMB offers a “Posts” feature, where you can share announcements, offers, or updates. Take advantage of this tool to keep customers informed about promotions or events. Frequent posting not only keeps your listing fresh but also enhances engagement.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a Google My Business listing is crucial for any business looking to boost its local presence. But it can come with hurdles, especially for new users. From verification to engagement, understanding the common issues and applying the right solutions can ensure your listing works effectively. By following these strategies and utilizing GMB features, you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your online presence. Here arises the role of  a Google My Business Expert. 

For any business owner, having an optimized GMB listing is one of the simplest ways to reach local customers and grow brand awareness. Get started by ensuring that your information is accurate and consistent, engage with your audience, and monitor your listing regularly.

By addressing common problems with Google My Business Expert insights, your Google My Business listing can become a powerful tool for connecting with your community.