The Complete Guide to Google Business Profile Video Verification

Getting Started with Video Verification on Your Google Business Profile

This FAQ guide breaks down everything you need to know about verifying your Google Business Profile, with a special focus on video verification—Google’s newer method for proving your business exists and operates as claimed. Whether you’re a storefront or service-area business, this guide walks you through each verification option, what to prepare, and how to troubleshoot common issues, so you can get your profile live and visible on Google Search and Maps without unnecessary delays. You can also watch this helpful video on Google Verification.

Why did Google introduce video verification for business profiles?

Google introduced video verification for Business Profiles to improve security, reduce spam, and speed up the verification process. Postcard verification often took days, delaying access, while video verification provides a faster alternative. It also strengthens fraud prevention by making it harder for bad actors to falsify business locations or claim listings they don’t own.

What are the available methods to verify my Google Business Profile?

Video Verification – Requires a real-time video from your mobile phone showing your business location, signage, and proof of operations. Google will need access to your mobile camera and location. Video verification can not be done on a desktop.
Phone or Text Verification – Some businesses receive a verification code via call or text to their registered phone number.
Email Verification – If eligible, Google will send a code to the business email associated with the listing.
Live Video Call Verification – A Google representative verifies your business in real-time through Google Meet. You must show proof of your business location and operations.
Bulk Verification – Bulk verification is available for businesses with 10 or more locations, allowing them to bypass standard verification once their account has been approved for bulk verification.
Postcard Verification – Google mails a postcard with a unique code to your business address, which you must enter in your profile. This option is the least available method.

What should I prepare before starting the video verification process if my address is not displayed?

For Service-Area Businesses (SABs):

Since SABs do not have a public storefront, you must prove your business operates in the claimed service area. Your video should include:

Your Service area – Show recognizable street signs, landmarks, or advertisements in your service area. Avoid generic land or unmarked locations.
Business existence – Display branded work vehicles, tools, uniforms, or marketing materials. A strong example is unlocking and starting a branded van, then showing equipment inside.
Proof of management – Record yourself performing a service and using your tools to perform services (e.g., carpet cleaning) and show business documents like invoices, registration, or utility bills matching your Business Profile name.
For more information you can visit the Google Verification support page or watch this helpful video.

What should I prepare before starting the video verification process for a storefront business?

For Location-Based Businesses (Brick-and-Mortar):

Businesses with a physical location that customers visit must provide the following verification proof:

Exterior of the Business – Show your storefront, including clear signage with your business name. Capture nearby landmarks or street signs to confirm the location. Window decals and small signs on office buildings are acceptable.
*Failure to provide proper signage will result in a failed verification.
Interior of the Business – Record inside the business, highlighting tools and branded items such as menus, posters, inventory, or workspaces that reflect the nature of your business.
Proof of Management – Show yourself unlocking the front door, accessing the point-of-sale (POS) system, unlocking the interior doors, handling inventory, using tools on the job or displaying business licenses, tax documents, or other official paperwork.

*Make sure your camera is steady when recording a document and allow the camera to stay on the document for a few seconds to ensure it is visible.

For more information you can visit the Google Verification support page or watch this helpful video.

How long should my video verification be?

Your video should be at least 30 seconds but no longer than 5 minutes, ensuring all required elements—such as signage, proof of operations, and location—are clearly shown. Before starting, make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account with owner or manager access to complete the verification successfully. You now have the ability to preview your video before submitting it, making it easier to confirm everything is clearly captured—saving time and helping avoid potential resubmissions.

How do I initiate the video verification process for my Google Business Profile?

To initiate the video verification process for your Google Business Profile, follow these steps:

Use a mobile device—video verification must be done on a smartphone or tablet; it cannot be prerecorded or completed on desktop. If you select “Get verified” on desktop you will be prompted to scan a QR code and complete the verification on a mobile device.
Enable location services and camera access – Before starting, ensure location services are turned on for your device and that your camera and microphone have permission to record.
Log into the correct Google account associated with your Business Profile.
Search my business or go to Google Business Profile Manager and look for the “Get Verified” button.
If video verification is required, Google will prompt you to begin the process.
Prior to viewing the verification methods; Google may prompt you to enter your address or phone number. Make sure to use the address that is associated with the GBP.
Follow on-screen instructions — Google will guide you to record specific elements. For brick-and-mortar businesses, show your storefront, signage, interior, and proof of management (e.g., POS system, inventory, or business documents). For service-area businesses (SABs), show a branded work vehicle, service tools, or documents proving your business operations.
Preview your video before submitting it – You now have the ability to preview your video before submitting it, making it easier to confirm everything is clearly captured.
Upload Video – Submit the video for review by following Google’s prompts. While the video is uploading do not interrupt the process.
Review times can vary from minutes to several days, during which your profile may show as “pending edits” or “processing” while Google reviews the video..

What documents are required for business verification?

Documents are not required during the video verification process, but you can provide them to support your affiliation or ownership of the business. Acceptable documents include business registration certificates, utility bills, invoices, tax documents, or any official paperwork that matches the business name and address on your Google Business Profile. While not mandatory, including these documents can be helpful. Make sure to allow your camera to hover over the documents so that Google can clearly read them. It is also important to ensure that the documents are in focus and easily legible.

How do I verify multiple business locations?

For businesses with 10 or more locations, bulk verification may be an option, but strict requirements apply. A brand must apply for bulk verification before creating new listings, and no listings can already be pending verification at the time of application.

Bulk verification does not mean you can instantly verify multiple existing listings at once. Your account must be approved for bulk verification before creating new listings. If you have multiple locations that need verification and your account is not already bulk verified, you will need to go through standard verification methods for each listing.

For more information on bulk verification requirements and the application process, visit Google’s support page: Google Business Profile Bulk Verification.

Video Verification Best Practices

Should you talk during your Google Verification video?

You can talk during your Google video verification, but it is not required and does not impact the verification process. Google primarily relies on visual evidence to confirm your business location, signage, equipment, and proof of operations. If you choose to speak, keep it relevant and minimal, as the focus should be on clearly showing the required elements.

Will showing faces in my video verification cause me to fail?

Google advises avoiding faces in your video verification, likely due to privacy and sensitive data concerns. While showing faces won’t automatically cause failure, it’s best to focus on capturing business-related elements such as signage, equipment, and proof of operations. To ensure a smooth verification process, try to keep the camera directed at business assets rather than people.

Troubleshooting Video Verification Issues

Why is my video verification not uploading?

If your video verification is not uploading, it may be due to one of the following issues:

Slow or unstable internet connection – Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection before attempting to upload.
Large file size or length – Google requires videos to be under 5 minutes. If your video is too long, it may fail to process.
Google’s system delays – Sometimes, Google’s servers experience delays in processing. If your video fails to upload, wait a few hours and try again.
Try submitting your video outside of peak hours, such as early morning, late evening, or avoiding East Coast U.S. working hours (9 AM–5 PM ET). This can help avoid server delays or bottlenecks, especially when Google’s systems are handling high traffic.
If your verification attempts continue to fail, visit the Google Business Profile Community and seek assistance from a Google Product Expert. They can help escalate your issue and provide guidance on the next steps to resolve your verification problem.

What should I do if my verification is processing for an extended period?

Please allow up to 7 days for Google to process your video verification. If your profile remains in processing for over 7 days, you can contact Google support for troubleshooting assistance.

Will Google tell me why I failed video verification?

Yes, Google provides a three-part checklist that details what was approved and which areas did not meet the requirements. Carefully review this checklist and adjust your steps accordingly before resubmitting your video verification.

How can I get another verification method if I can’t do the video verification?

If video verification is the only method available, you must use this method. Google does not offer alternative verification options. Additionally, you must be physically present at the business location to complete the verification. If you cannot complete it yourself, ensure that an authorized employee or on-site representative is available to fulfill the process.

I am not getting the text or phone verification, how can I update my verification method?

If phone verification is the only option but your number cannot receive calls or texts, visit the Google Business Profile Community and seek assistance from a Google Product Expert. They can help escalate your issue and provide guidance on the next steps to resolve your verification problem.

Why is my Postcard Verification Code not accepted?

If you’re seeing the message “Enter a valid code”, it’s likely because a second postcard was requested while the first one was still in transit. When this happens, the original code is automatically voided and replaced with a new one.

Please be patient and wait for the most recent postcard to arrive. Postcards typically take 4 to 10 days to reach you.

What should I do if there are no available verification methods; “No More Ways To Verify” for my business?

If your Google Business Profile is displaying the “No More Ways To Verify” you will need to select the contact support button as shown in the image below.

For more guided assistance with this workflow, please watch this video , which provides step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the process.

What steps should I take if my business profile is suspended after verification?

If your business profile is suspended after verification, you will need to appeal the suspension. Start by reviewing your Google Business Profile to ensure it complies with all Google guidelines and that no violations are present. Once you have confirmed compliance, submit an appeal as instructed in the suspension notification. For detailed guidance on this process, please visit the Google Suspension Support page.

*The number one reason for suspension issues is the GBP business name. Make sure your business name is not stuffed with keywords and represents your business in real life and matches your business signage.

Can I change my business information after verification?

Yes, once your business is verified, you can update your information. However, please note that significant changes, such as updating your address or altering your primary business category may trigger a request for reverification to ensure the accuracy and trustworthiness of your listing.

What happens if I don’t verify my business profile?

If you do not verify your business listing, any edits or updates you make to your profile will not be published.

Final Tips on Google Business Verification

Navigating the verification process for your Google Business Profile can sometimes be challenging. To ensure a smooth experience, consider the following tips:

Utilize the Provided Verification Method: Google typically offers a specific verification method based on your business’s details. It’s advisable to proceed with the method presented, as it’s tailored to the business and can expedite the verification process.
Seek Assistance Through the Google Business Profile Community: If you encounter issues or have questions during verification, the Google Business Profile Community is a valuable resource. Here’s how to engage with the community:
- Access the Community: Visit the Google Business Profile Help Community.
- Post Your Query:
  - Click on the “Post a question” button
  - Provide a clear and detailed description of your issue.
  - Include any relevant screenshots or information that might assist community members in understanding your problem.
- Engage with Responses: Community members, including Google Product Experts, often respond with solutions or guidance. Engage respectfully and provide additional information if requested.

This guide is also featured in my LinkedIn Newsletter.
For more step-by-step Google Business Profile FAQs, tips, and updates, you can subscribe on LinkedIn.

Also published as a Google Support Community Guide:
Google Business Profile Community Guide – Video Verification

Google’s Gemini AI Is Flagging Fake Reviews—Is Your Business at Risk?

I often find myself repeating the same thing to clients: don’t incentivize reviews—it’s against Google policy. But understandably, many business owners push back. They see their competitors doing it, and they hear me emphasize how important it is to consistently generate new reviews to perform well in the local pack.

The truth is, businesses know how critical reviews are. So they start encouraging their teams to ask for them, and it becomes part of the company culture. And to be clear—there’s nothing wrong with asking for an honest review. The problem begins when incentives enter the equation or when customers start feeling pressured. That’s where it crosses the line and violates Google’s guidelines.

So how do you find the balance?

And here’s the bigger question: Is Google actually going to enforce these guidelines? Let’s be honest—what Google says is “against policy” doesn’t always seem to apply equally to everyone. Maybe it’s inconsistent training across AI models. Maybe it’s a language barrier with overseas teams reviewing the data. No one really knows.

But this new “badge of shame” Google has started displaying? It feels different.

Why? Because of the new consumer protection laws coming out of the UK. Platforms like Google are now under pressure to show that they have proper systems in place to detect and remove fake reviews, or risk serious financial penalties.

So, could this be the beginning of a review revolution? Probably not. But it might just be the start of something important.

The challenge now is educating small businesses to rethink their approach. What seems innocent—like rewarding a happy customer with a discount, can actually violate Google’s terms. And most small business owners aren’t trying to game the system. They’re just trying to keep up, often without realizing that their tactics could do more harm than good.

Legal Pressure Could Be Driving Google’s New Review Warnings

Could Google be warning businesses that the days of gaming the review system are coming to an end? With new consumer protection laws now in effect in the UK, Google and other platforms may soon face legal pressure, including fines, to act more aggressively against review fraud. Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, companies like Google are expected to take responsibility to monitor and eliminate fake reviews from being published.

“This could include, for example, having adequate detection and removal procedures in place to prevent fake reviews being published.”
— UK Government

To combat fake reviews, Google has rolled out “consumer alerts” under its Maps User Generated Content Policy—part of a broader push for review integrity, stricter enforcement, and warn of public banners on Business Profiles suspected of review fraud.

What makes this different from previous spam filters? For one, Gemini can now retroactively analyze reviews and detect new abuse patterns that may have gone unnoticed at the time of posting. This means reviews that seemed legitimate months ago may now be flagged, removed, and even lead to public profile restrictions.

Visual warnings such as:

“Suspected fake reviews were recently removed from this place”

“Posting reviews is turned off for this place”

are already appearing on profiles affected by these enforcement actions. These alerts are front and center, visible to anyone searching your business.

What Happens If Google Flags Your Business?

If Google determines that a business has violated its Fake Engagement policy, it may apply restrictions to the Business Profile, beyond just removing suspicious reviews. These restrictions can include:

Blocking new reviews and ratings for a set period of time
Temporarily unpublishing existing reviews and ratings
Displaying a public warning on the profile indicating that fake reviews were removed
Email notification to the business owner detailing the restriction being applied

These restrictions are public and can seriously hurt your credibility and visibility in local search. Fresh, authentic reviews play a key role in boosting rankings, so losing the ability to collect them is a competitive setback.

Your Competitor or Customer Could Be the One to Report You

It’s not just Google’s AI you need to worry about. A competitor or even a customer can report your business for violating Google’s review policies. If you’re openly offering discounts or incentives for reviews, whether it’s on your counter, website, or social media, it’s easy for someone to flag you using this reporting tool.

And let’s be honest: if a competitor is playing by the rules and sees you climbing the rankings through shady tactics, don’t assume they’ll look the other way. One clear screenshot is all it takes to put your profile on Google’s radar.

Manipulating Reviews Comes at a Cost

An honest five-star review is one of the most powerful ways customers can support a business. But when businesses try to manipulate their reputation by encouraging “Fake engagement,” whether through paid reviews, review gating, or promotional incentives, they risk more than just content removal. They could face consequential restrictions on their Google Business Profile.

Google’s Big Push to Clean Up the Map

Google’s AI isn’t just flagging fake reviews—it’s part of a broader effort to rebuild trust across Maps and Business Profiles. In 2024 alone:

240 million+ policy-violating reviews were blocked or removed, most before they were ever seen.
70 million+ policy-violating edits were stopped before going live.
12 million+ fake Business Profiles were taken down.
Over 900,000 accounts had posting privileges restricted due to repeated violations.

Why This Matters for Your Business

If you’ve been selectively requesting only positive reviews, otherwise known as review gating, offering incentives like discounts or products, or working with vendors to buy reviews, you may already be on Gemini’s radar. Google is watching. And now, they’re watching smarter.

Examples of What to Avoid

Do not offer existing customers a free or discounted service in exchange for a five-star review.
Do not reach out to customers who left a negative review with offers of a refund or gift card in hopes they’ll change it.
Do not send review requests that first ask if the customer was satisfied and only give those who respond positively a link to leave a review.

What Should You Do?

Now more than ever, it’s critical to:

Audit how you request reviews—ensure no filtering or selective outreach.
Avoid any appearance of incentives or pressure.
Monitor your profile closely for any unusual review activity.
Work with honest platforms like Reputation Arm to organically engage your existing customer base and target them at the right time for the best review conversion.

As Google continues its rollout of Gemini’s enforcement capabilities, expect more public consequences for businesses caught gaming the system.

Stay transparent. Stay compliant. Or risk getting flagged—by AI.

What YouTube’s Product Team Told Me About Shorts & Local SEO—And What It Means for Multi-Location Brands

YouTube Shorts can be a powerful tool for local visibility that many multi-location brands overlook. Shorts are vertical videos under 60 seconds, designed for quick consumption. Often discovered through the YouTube app, the Shorts feed, or directly in Google search results.

With Google’s AI (MUM) now blending Shorts into search, this format is becoming a serious discovery engine for local businesses. Whether you’re a pizza chain with 5 locations or 500, Shorts can help drive leads, build trust, and show up for local intent searches across the country.

In April 2024, reports indicated that Google was experimenting with a dedicated “Short Videos” filter in the search interface, allowing users to easily find short-form content from various platforms directly within the Google app. Given the direction of AI Overviews, it’s likely that short-form videos will play a role in future AI overviews.

Shorts in Google Serp

In this blog, we’ll break down the stats behind YouTube’s reach, explain why Shorts can be a local SEO game-changer, and tackle how a brand your size should structure its channel: one hub or multiple?

YouTube & Shorts: Mind-Blowing Stats That Brands Can’t Ignore

Videos Uploaded to YouTube: Over 500 hours of video content are uploaded to YouTube every minute—that’s 720,000 hours daily or 262.8 million hours yearly. With an estimated 14.8 billion videos total by mid-2024, the platform’s scale is massive.

YouTube Users: As of February 2025, YouTube boasts over 2.70 billion monthly active users globally, with 238 million in the U.S. alone—nearly one-third of the planet logs in monthly.

YouTube Viewing Trends on TV: According to YouTube’s blog, more people are watching YouTube content on televisions than ever before—over 1 billion hours daily, making TV the primary viewing device for YouTube in the U.S. The viewing experience on this “new TV” is interactive, featuring Shorts, podcasts, and live streams alongside traditional entertainment like sports, sitcoms, and talk shows.

YouTube Shorts Leads in Engagement: YouTube Shorts pull an average engagement rate of 5.91%, topping TikTok (5.75%), Instagram Reels (5.53%), and Facebook Reels (2.07%). (adamconnell.me)

Structuring Your YouTube Channel for Multi-Location Success

Despite these staggering numbers, most multi-location brands aren’t leveraging YouTube Shorts to dominate local search. The real question isn’t if YouTube can drive visibility—it’s how a brand with dozens (or even hundreds) of locations should structure its channel to maximize local reach. Should you keep everything under one brand hub, or is it better to create separate channels for each market?

To help answer these questions, I went straight to the source—I asked YouTube’s product team how multi-location brands should approach Shorts to build local relevance. In the Q&A below, we’ll break down their insights and what they mean for your brand.

1. How should a multi-location business structure its YouTube channel to maximize local relevance?

Google’s Recommendation: A strategic structure for a multi-location YouTube channel includes a central hub for core brand messaging, and then utilizes playlists, or even sub-channels, to feature content tailored to individual locations. Implementing consistent location-based tagging ensures viewers can easily find relevant content.

Deeper Dive:

Playlists by Location

Organize content around each physical location so customers in that area see videos that feel relevant to them.

While the main brand channel might post general videos like “How Our Dough Is Made” or “Top 5 Fan-Favorite Pizzas,” localized content could focus on:

Austin, TX: “Meet Our Austin Team: Making BBQ Brisket Pizza a Local Favorite”
Miami, FL: “New Cuban-Inspired Pizza at Aqua Pizza – Only in Miami!”
Chicago, IL: “Behind the Scenes at Our Deep-Dish Friday Event – Chicago Style”
Phoenix, AZ: “$5 Pizza Tuesday at Our Scottsdale Location – Don’t Miss Out!”
Community Tie-Ins: “Supporting Local Soccer in Dallas – Free Slices for the Team!”

2. Is it more effective to create separate channels for each location, state, or region, or should all content live on one main channel?

Google’s Insight: The choice between separate channels and a main channel should be guided by the brand’s content strategy and resource availability. If each location operates with a unique marketing strategy and produces a significant amount of content, separate channels might be appropriate. If the brand prefers a more centralized approach with consistent messaging, a main channel with playlists or location-specific tagging is recommended.

Deeper Dive:

Why This Matters

Multilocation brands do not need 1,000 channels.
But they could break out a few regional channels if content volume + local culture justifies it.
For most brands: Main channel + localized playlists + consistent geotagging is the sweet spot.

3. How can brands maintain consistency across all locations while allowing for local content personalization?

Google’s Advice: Maintaining brand consistency across diverse locations while enabling local content personalization is up to their own strategic and balanced marketing approach.

Deeper Dive:

Centralize Editing, Standardize Branding—Let Local Teams Film

One of the most effective ways to maintain brand consistency and allow for local content personalization is to centralize the editing and branding process while empowering local teams to film.
Give each location clear guidance on what types of content to capture—think new menu drops, customer testimonials, team shoutouts, or local events. Then, have your central marketing or creative team handle the editing.

4. What are the best practices for organizing playlists to highlight specific locations within a single channel?

Google’s Best Practice: Playlists are a great way to group content!

Deeper Dive:

Best Practices for Organizing Playlists to Highlight Specific Locations

Google’s advice is simple: playlists are a great way to group content—but how you organize them matters, especially when managing 50, 100, or 500+ locations. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Use a Consistent Naming Convention
Keep it simple and searchable.
Example:
- PizzaCo – Austin, TX
- PizzaCo – Miami, FL
- PizzaCo – Chicago, IL
Match Playlists to Real-World Locations
Create a playlist for each physical store, city, or region—especially if you’re creating localized content that reflects community involvement, events, or promotions.
Include Local Keywords and phrases into titles, descriptions, tags and content.
Keep the Playlist Active
Use Location-Based Tags in Each Video
Even if videos are grouped by playlist, using YouTube’s location tagging (plus mentions in the video title and description) helps Google connect them to Place Pivot Pages and improves local SEO.

Leveraging Local Search and Geolocation Features

5. What are Place Pivot Pages on YouTube, and how do they work for multi-location businesses?

Google’s Explanation: Place Pivot Pages are compilations of Shorts made about a specific location. If you are a multi-location business, the videos shown on a Place Pivot Page are related to each individual location address, as tagged by the Creators.

Deeper Dive:

In Simple Terms:

If your locations are consistently tagged, YouTube may generate a unique Place Pivot Page for each one.
It allows people searching for your business (or nearby businesses) to see a stream of location-specific content—customer experiences, behind-the-scenes clips, staff intros, etc.
You don’t have to own all the content. User-generated Shorts from customers who tag your business location can show up too.

6. How does tagging geolocation in videos help enable Place Pivot Pages?

Google’s Explanation: Place Pivot Pages are built off of common location tags. This helps users see multiple Shorts about a certain location, all in one place.

7. How can tagging geolocations improve visibility for specific business locations?

Google’s Explanation: Tagging geolocations increases visibility by directly connecting content to specific locations, driving local discoverability and attracting geographically relevant audiences.

Deeper Dive:

What Tagging Geolocations Looks Like in Practice:

Content gets tied to a physical address, not just a general city or state. When users search for a business or browse Shorts related to a location, tagged videos are more likely to surface.
Increased chances of showing up on Place Pivot Pages, which act like hyper-local video hubs built around specific locations.
More relevant views from nearby users: YouTube (and Google) can serve your content to people near that tagged location, even if they didn’t search for your brand name directly.
Boosted performance in local search results: Tagging helps Google understand your business’s footprint better. It’s one more signal that supports your local SEO visibility.

8. What is the process for tagging a location in YouTube videos?

Google’s Explanation: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7638112?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform %3DDesktop

Geotagging Videos

9. How does linking a YouTube handle to a Google Business Profile enhance local discoverability?

Google’s Explanation: Linking your YouTube channel to your Google Business Profile allows for your channel to be displayed on the corresponding Place Pivot Pages, helping with discovery.

Deeper Dive:

Linking your YouTube handle to your Google Business Profile (GBP) connects your short-form video content directly to your physical business locations in Google’s ecosystem. This connection tells Google:

“These videos belong to this business at this address.”

Creating and Curating Localized Content

10. How should brands mention individual locations in video titles or descriptions when managing 100+ locations?

Google’s Explanation: Shorts titles and descriptions should be reflective of the content shown in that specific Short.

Deeper Dive:

Including the location in your video title and description improves:

Local search discoverability
Placement on Place Pivot Pages
Relevance for YouTube’s and Google’s AI systems, which rely on context like location names to serve up hyperlocal content.

11. How can brands utilize customer-generated content from different locations effectively?

Google’s Explanation: To leverage diverse customer-generated content, brands should implement a system for collecting, organizing, and promoting it, creating authentic narratives that resonate with local audiences. Brands can curate location-specific customer-generated content into Playlists on YouTube, to aggregate and showcase videos on their Channels.

Deeper Dive:

Customer-generated content—especially Shorts filmed on-site—adds social proof, authenticity, and local relevance. It shows potential customers what your business looks and feels like in their city. And when tagged properly, it can appear on Place Pivot Pages and boost local discovery.

Writing Effective Titles, Descriptions & Finding the Right Local Keywords

Creating Shorts is only half the equation—optimizing them for local discovery is where strategy comes in. Your video title and description should be keyword-rich, and location-specific. There’s no better way to show relevance than using the actual terms people are searching for in your area.

According to Moz’s guide to writing title tags and meta descriptions, the same principles apply to YouTube: “Choosing keywords is about relevance, not volume”.

Choosing Keywords is about relevance.

Best Practices for Local Shorts SEO:

Title structure: “What + Where” — e.g., “Best Lunch Spot in Phoenix? Try PizzaCo Downtown”
Description: Add 1–2 sentences that reinforce your location and include relevant search terms.
Hashtags: Use a mix of trending and hyperlocal hashtags (#PizzaCo, #DetroitEats, #LocalLunch)
Keyword discovery: Tools like Sparktoro, Moz Keyword Explorer, Google Trends, and even the YouTube autocomplete bar help uncover real-world search terms. Search variations like “best pizza in [city]”, “family restaurants near [neighborhood]”, or “[location] food spots” can guide your content phrasing.

Youtube autofill

Final Takeaway: YouTube Shorts Are Your Local SEO Power Play

For multi-location brands, YouTube Shorts shouldn’t be treated as just another social media trend. It should be a core part of your local SEO strategy. Think of Shorts the same way you think about blog content: consistent, localized, keyword-rich, and optimized for discovery.

That said, organizing and maintaining location-specific playlists at scale isn’t easy. Most brands don’t always have the budget, time, or in-house bandwidth to manage content across dozens or hundreds of locations.

Franchisees and local managers are likely already creating content for Instagram and TikTok. If the brand can’t support a fully centralized YouTube strategy, creating individual YouTube channels for locations or regions should be considered. When built with local SEO in mind, YouTube Shorts can help brands show up in local searches – PERIOD!

Mastering Search Rankings For Restaurants: Top 11 Ranking Factors for Your GBP

By the time you’ve set up your Google Business Profile and watched it go live, you might feel like you’ve crossed the finish line. The endless steps of getting verified, fine-tuning your details, or battling through the suspension process can leave you thinking, “I’m done!” But here’s the truth: the real work is just beginning. If you’re serious about showing up in local search, letting your profile gather dust is not an option.

As a local business owner, you’ve got more than enough on your plate—managing staff, serving customers, and somehow squeezing in time for all the other tasks that keep your business running. But if you want to stay competitive in local search, you need to pay attention to the key factors that determine where you show up and how often. The good news? You don’t need to become a full-time SEO expert to make it happen.

In this blog, we’ll dive into 11 essential ranking factors every local business should monitor. Each search query is unique, and how well your business ranks depends on how effectively your profile aligns with the specific ranking factors relevant to that query. Let’s break it down.

1. Category: Aligning with What Your Customers Search

Think of your Google Business Profile as a dynamic portfolio that communicates exactly what your business offers. The categories you select don’t just label your business—they define the search queries where you’ll show up. When someone searches “sushi near me,” the last thing they want is a burger restaurant that has sushi on the menu. It’s about making sure your profile reflects what people are actually searching for and ensuring that your business is accurately positioned.

Google gives businesses the option to add up to 9 secondary categories, and you should take full advantage of that. The more relevant categories you add, the better chance you have to appear in different search queries. The real trick, though, is in picking your primary category. This could make the difference between showing up in the top 3 results or not even making the first page.

For example, if your Japanese restaurant serves sushi, it’s unlikely you’ll rank highly (top 3) for “sushi” searches unless you’ve made “Sushi Restaurant” your primary category. Google prioritizes businesses that match the search intent directly, and having the right primary category is crucial for that. However, depending on the competition in your area, you can still rank for the sushi query, just not as high as you would if “Sushi Restaurant” were your primary category.

Pro Tip: Research search volume for keywords related to your business before deciding on your primary category. The right choice could help you dominate the most relevant search results.

2. Why Secondary Categories Matter

While your primary category is critical for ranking in top search results, secondary categories can’t be overlooked. Take the example of an Italian restaurant offering pizza. Originally, this restaurant didn’t rank for “pizza near me” or “best pizza near me,” despite having pizza on the menu. Once “Pizza Restaurant” was added as a secondary category, it began ranking in the top 4 for both search queries. Without the secondary category, it didn’t rank at all.

We even ran a test—after removing “Pizza Restaurant” from the secondary categories, rankings dropped completely, only to shoot back up when it was re-added. This example shows how essential secondary categories for some search queries are in making sure your business is visible.

Secondary Categories on your GBP Matter

Restaurant owners and businesses alike need to consider their menu options (or services for non restaurant categories) when selecting secondary categories. If you have multiple steaks on your menu, adding the “Steakhouse” category will benefit you for steak related queries. Have seafood? Add “Seafood Restaurant.” Sell burgers? Add “Hamburger Restaurant.” You get the point—make sure your categories reflect all key aspects of what your menu offers.

3. Business Name: What’s in a Name? Everything!

Search engine algorithms— specifically Google’s—tend to favor business names that include the keywords people search for. The closer your business name matches a search query, the more likely Google is to rank your business higher than competitors who lack these keywords. Research from Sterling Sky, has shown the considerable impact a business name can have on local rankings. This is why it’s important to ensure your business name aligns with relevant search queries, but avoid the temptation to overdo it.

Your business name is one of the most visible aspects of your brand. If your business name includes keywords that match what users are searching for, it can give you a meaningful advantage. For instance, a name like “Tokyo Sushi Bar” might perform better in local searches for sushi than something more general, like “The Red Dragon.”

However, be cautious: Google frowns upon keyword stuffing in business names. Overloading your name with keywords to boost rankings can not only turn off customers but also get your profile suspended. It’s important to strike the right balance between incorporating relevant terms and staying true to your brand identity.

For more detailed guidance on picking the perfect name, check out Mariam Ellis’s blog on the subject; Everything That Can Go Right and Wrong with Your Local Business Name for in-depth insights into crafting a name that resonates with your business and searchers alike.

4. Menu Item: What’s on the Menu Matters

When it comes to ranking in local searches, your menu does more than just tell customers what you serve—it also plays a big role in how Google ranks your business for food-related search queries. If your menu items match the search query people are using, like “Margherita Pizza,” you’re more likely to rank for that search query.

Even if customers rave about your “Pepperoni Pizza” in reviews, if it’s not on your menu, Google won’t rank your business for it. Google needs to trust that the dish is part of your regular offerings, not just a one-off special.

Here’s where it gets tricky: Don’t rely on menu headers like “Pizza” or “Sushi” to do the heavy lifting for your ranking. It’s not enough to list “Pepperoni” under a header titled “Pizza”—Google needs to see the full name, like “Pepperoni Pizza,” in every menu item. The more specific and complete your menu item names are, the better your chances of appearing in relevant search results. So when in doubt, think in terms of what your customers are searching for and label each dish accordingly. Google doesn’t assume anything—it only reads what’s there.

Label your menu to rank for food related search queries. For more in depth data on how your menu items boost rankings, read here.

Pro Tip: Keep your menu updated using a third-party vendor with a direct API to your Google Business Profile. This way, you won’t have to update it in two places, and you’ll stay current across all platforms. If integrating your menu through an API is not an option, Google provides an AI tool specifically for adding your menu to your GBP.

Don’t Forget: Products and Services Matter, Too

The same logic we applied to menu items works for your products and services. Whether you’re listing “Bluetooth Speakers” or offering “Car Detailing,” the key is to get specific. Google isn’t going to connect the dots if your service is simply labeled “Detailing” or your product as “Speakers.” Each item needs to match exactly what people are searching for, so think in search terms, not just internal jargon.

5. Photos: Fuel for Rankings

Photos are more than eye candy—they’re a critical part of how Google understands and ranks your business now. Google’s algorithm can now analyze images, and when a photo aligns with a menu item (or service you offer), it acts as a trust signal, boosting your profile’s credibility. Photos also feature in menu highlights, “Discover More” sections, and the photo categories now displayed at the top of your Google Business Profile in Maps.

What’s important to note is that the names of your menu highlights and the keywords tied to photo categories are all linked to search queries. The more signals you provide through well-labeled, relevant photos, the better your chances of ranking for that keyword.

The ranking report below highlights the search queries “Kobe Slider” and “Wagyu Slider.” I chose these two keywords specifically to demonstrate the impact that precise menu item names and menu highlight names can have on search rankings. “Kobe Slider is on the menu and “Wagyu Slider” is a Menu highlight.

Now let’s consider the search queries “slider” and “sliders.” How does Google rank these two keywords for the same restaurant alongside “Kobe Slider” and “Wagyu Slider”? As you can see from the photos, “slider” had some rankings, while “sliders” barely registered.

The term “slider” ranked at the time a photo category labeled “slider” was visible, giving it a boost. This difference shows how critical it is for signals on your Google Business Profile to match search query intent—right down to variations of singular versus plural forms.

6. Keywords in Reviews: Do They Influence Rankings?

Customer reviews can help boost your search visibility, but often times only if the keywords mentioned align with your actual menu or services. For example, a local restaurant had 47 reviews mentioning “Caesar Salad,” but didn’t rank for that keyword because their menu listed it as “Caesar Kitchen.” After updating the menu item name to “Caesar Salad,” the rankings shot up from 71 to #1 within two days. Keywords in reviews might give a short-term boost, however, they don’t hold much weight without corresponding signals on your Google Business Profile—like menu items, photos, or services. Think of reviews as extra layers of relevance—they enhance what’s already there.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that much of my research is done on restaurant categories. Some other categories may not have the option to add a menu, services or products and therefore keywords may hold more weight. I have also noticed that a combination of keywords in reviews, photos and menu items / services are all needed to rank for specific search queries.

Reviews bring a wealth of value beyond just boosting rankings

Google gathers valuable insights from reviews, such as food quality, service, atmosphere, spending, recommended dishes, and specific details like vegetarian options and parking. All this data enriches your profile and helps Google match your business to relevant search queries. Google even uses this information to automatically update attributes on your profile, further optimizing your visibility.

7. Attributes: Your Business’s Key Details

Attributes in your Google Business Profile are more than just optional details—they provide detailed information that can influence rankings and customer decisions. Attributes like “wheelchair accessibility,” “vegetarian options,” “kid-friendly,” and “outdoor seating” can help your business appear in relevant searches. What’s more, Google often updates these attributes automatically, based on customer reviews and feedback, making it easy to keep your profile accurate and aligned with your offerings.

8. Openness: Prioritizing Businesses That Are Ready for Customers

Google has confirmed that a business’s operating hours now play a significant role in local search rankings, particularly for non-navigational queries where users are searching for services or products, not specific business names. Google prioritizes businesses that are open at the time of the search, assuming they are more likely to meet the user’s immediate needs. This means that being open and available when users search can directly impact your ranking.

It’s important to remember that when analyzing ranking reports, the time of day can be a significant factor. Your rankings likely fluctuate not just from day to day, but hour to hour. This means you might see variations depending on when the reports are run. A business that ranks higher during peak hours could see a dip in the middle of the day, so keep this in mind when assessing your local search performance.

9. Click-Through Rate (CTR): Capturing Attention Matters

Your click-through rate (CTR) reflects how many people are engaging with your Google Business Profile after seeing it in search results. The higher the CTR, the more Google recognizes your profile as relevant and appealing to searchers. This can lead to a boost in rankings. Everything from your photos, videos to reviews can influence CTR, so it’s important to keep your profile polished and inviting and most importantly engaging.

10. Proximity: The Power of Location

Proximity has long been known to play a key role in local search — especially for those “near me” queries, but it’s not the only factor Google considers. Just being closer to the searcher won’t guarantee top placement if your profile isn’t optimized. Google is looking for the best fit, not just the nearest option. Your Google Business Profile acts like a portfolio of signals, and proximity is just one of them. Categories, Openness, photos, and CTR all contribute to earning those top spots.

While location matters, relevance can often outweigh proximity. According to Whitespark’s Local Pack/Finder Ranking Factors, proximity to the point of search (Searcher-Business Distance) ranked third. However, with Google’s growing emphasis on openness and real-time availability, it’s reasonable to believe that factors like openness and CTR may now carry more weight than proximity.

11. Popular Times Boost: Riding the Waves of Real-Time Activity

Google’s “Popular Times” feature does more than just display foot traffic—it can impact your rankings. According to a leak from the Google API, periods marked as “Live, Busier than usual” correlate with potential ranking boosts. Google’s systems detect real-time spikes in activity and treat them as signals of relevance, prioritizing visibility in search results. According to the Google API leak, this means high traffic during these “hot” periods can give your rankings a timely boost. For more insights, read the full blog here.

Conclusion: Your Profile Needs Ongoing Care

Managing a Google Business Profile isn’t a one-and-done task—it’s an ongoing process. With every menu update, photo, and attribute adjustment, you’re signaling to Google that your business is active, relevant, and engaged. Staying on top of all the ranking factors ensures that your profile performs well, not just for today but long term. Think of it as a dynamic portfolio that grows with your business, requiring regular attention to stay ahead of the competition. Keep refining, optimizing, and adapting, and you’ll see the results follow.

Boost Your Rankings with Menu Items, Menu Highlights, Reviews, and Photos

In today’s fiercely competitive landscape, where every local business is striving for visibility, optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) has never been more critical. Among the many facets of GBP that often fly under the radar, one stands out for its potential to significantly boost your visibility: naming your menu items.

Strategically naming your menu items can elevate your search rankings, making it easier for potential customers to discover your culinary delights. This isn’t just about listing what you serve; it’s about meticulously crafting each menu entry with search optimization in mind.

In this post, I’ll dive into some fascinating findings on ranking signals and share actionable insights that can help any local restaurant make meaningful improvements. While the focus will be on menu items, the principles discussed can be applied across other categories, enhancing your overall search visibility through deliberate and strategic optimizations.

Why Third Party Integrations On Your GBP Are More Important Than Ever!

Feeding information to Google effectively is crucial, and integrating your Google Business Profile (GBP) with third-party partners is the best way to do this. Running a small business often leaves little time for managing multiple platforms. Integrations not only save time but also ensure the accuracy and integrity of your GBP.

For information about removing third-party vendors, read here.

Having a single source of truth for your business that syndicates across your GBP and other platforms simplifies management. Google trusts these third-party integrations, which provide data on products, services, and menu items to help Google better recognize your business offerings. It also means users don’t have to leave your GBP to find the information they need.

GBP integrations in general, but for the sake of this article, integrations with menus, are part of Google’s strategy to keep searches within their ecosystem. Sparktoro’s study on Zero-Click Search highlights that “searchers are considerably more likely to find themselves back in Google’s ecosystem after a query.” It appears the more integrations a business has within this ecosystem, the better the outcomes for their rankings.

Top Takeaways and Tips for Optimizing Your Menu on GBP

After uncovering that menu items are a significant ranking factor, here are my top takeaways and tips for optimizing your menu on your Google Business Profile (GBP):

1. Menu Items Rank, Period!

The following ranking image is for the menu item “Jaraku roll.” When searching the exact menu name the business dominated the rankings.

Menu Items

Keep in mind that the searched keyword matched the menu item exactly—no other sushi restaurant carries this particular item. It’s also worth mentioning that not a single review mentions the name of this roll in the review comments.

2. Match Menu Item Names to Exact Search Queries

Conducting this exercise on menu items revealed that the name of the menu item truly matters. In my previous blog, I noted a restaurant with 47 reviews mentioning the keyword “Caesar Salad.” Many reviews also had images of Caesar Salad and a Menu Highlight with the different menu name. Despite all these mentions, the business didn’t rank. Once the menu item was updated from “Caesar Kitchen” to “Caesar Salad,” the restaurant was able to achieve a significant increase in ranking.

ranking report

So, if you’re a trendy restaurant with cute, trendy menu names, consider matching the names of your menu items to specific keywords. “Insalata” may be an authentic Italian menu item, but will it rank as well as “salad”?

3. Keywords In Reviews, Do They Influence Rankings?

As highlighted above, the business did not rank for a specific food item despite having several mentions of the menu item in reviews. Does this mean that keywords in reviews do not matter? Not exactly—they do matter, and I’ll explain why.

Recommended dishes mentioned in reviews often feature as menu highlights on your Google Business Profile. These menu highlights are derived from reviews that specifically name the dish and the images attached to those reviews.

I updated a menu highlight from “Steak” to “Tomahawk Steak” by updating my review to include “Tomahawk Steak” instead of just “steak”. Once approved, the recommended dishes section that you see when leaving a review also reflected the new menu name.

Menu highlights can change, and editing the menu highlight name isn’t always accepted. Google uses other trust factors to update the dish name. I was able to edit a menu highlight only after the review comments were updated from “steak” to “tomahawk steak.” The tomahawk steak was a special that was later removed, and as soon as it was taken off the menu, the menu highlight and recommended dish also disappeared.

Menu Highlights

4. How to Boost Your Ranking for Competitive Menu Items Like “Sushi”

Competing for popular menu items like “sushi” can be challenging, but there are strategies to boost your rankings. Multiple signals need to be in place due to the high competition and prevalence of the keyword in many local menus. Despite having numerous sushi items, photos, and one menu highlight, one particular restaurant still struggled with rankings. Here’s what was done to improve its visibility:

Updated all menu items to include the word “sushi,” e.g., “California Sushi Roll.”
Changed the primary category from “Japanese Restaurant” to “Sushi Restaurant.”
Added “Sushi Takeaway” as a secondary category.

These edits significantly improved the listing’s ranking for “sushi,” as demonstrated in the ranking images below.

7-9-24 ranking sushi

sushi ranking 7-16-2

5. Primary Category is Still the Dominating Ranking Factor

In the above example, it was straightforward to help this business rank for “sushi.” They had all the signals needed to rank: several sushi rolls on the menu, numerous images of sushi in reviews, menu highlight for a sushi roll and “sushi” in the business name. The main contributing factor for their improved ranking was updating the primary category. Changing it to “Sushi Restaurant” made a significant difference.

6. Understand Your Competitors

The sushi restaurant also has a menu item for Kobe Sliders. I wanted to see how they would rank for “sliders.” Here’s what I found: they have four menu items that mention sliders, 20 reviews that mention sliders, and 11 photos of sliders. The menu highlight had an image of the slider but was labeled “Tapas.” I tried several times to update the name from “Tapas” to “Slider,” but it was rejected.

Although they rank for “Kobe slider,” they did not rank for “slider.” Despite having most signals in place to rank for the keyword “slider,” achieving this seems unlikely. The top 20 restaurants that rank for “slider” had “slider” or “hamburger” in their name, and their primary categories were more relevant, such as “Hamburger Restaurant,” “Fast Food Restaurant,” or “American Restaurant.” Many of these restaurants had slider menu items, multiple menu highlights labeled “sliders,” and numerous images of sliders or burgers.

Slider ranking

After a few days the menu highlight changed from “tapas” to “wagyu slider.” I requested the name change to just “slider”. Edits to menu highlights can be done in the “NMX” or by suggesting an edit on Google Maps.

None of the menu items include the term “Wagyu,” nor do any of the reviews mention “Wagyu” before “slider.” However, Google’s moderators or AI tools labeled the menu highlights as “Wagyu Slider.” Intrigued by this, I ran a keyword scan for “Wagyu Slider,” and it ranked! It’s worth noting that menu highlights take 5-7 days to review according to Google.

It appears that the name of a menu highlight is just as trustworthy a signal as the actual menu item name. If a menu highlight name does not rank, examining competitors can reveal the obvious reasons why other restaurants are outranking for that particular keyword. Take, for example, the menu highlight for “Crispy Chicken.” There was no ranking data for this keyword due to the highly competitive nature of the term.

Crispy Chicken Menu Highlight

7. Reviews, Menu Highlights and Photos Are Trust Signals

Menu Highlights names are relevant. In my analysis, I noticed that a restaurant’s menu highlight was simply “Ramen,” while other restaurants had more specific highlights like “Kai Ramen” or “Spicy Tofu Ramen.” As a result, the restaurant with the simpler highlight ranked better for the keyword “ramen” compared to those with more descriptive highlights.

Photos also play a significant role in ranking restaurants. While the exact details of how Google uses photos in its ranking algorithm aren’t fully understood, it is clear that having a well-maintained photo gallery can positively impact your restaurant’s visibility. Google may use AI to analyze images on a Google Business Profile (GBP). However, AI isn’t always perfect, so it’s important to monitor the labels Google assigns to your menu highlights to ensure accuracy.

Reviews are fundamental as they drive photo uploads and keyword mentions. Without reviews, a restaurant wouldn’t generate as many photo uploads or get the keyword and menu highlight mentions that Google uses to feature prominently on a GBP. Reviews provide direct feedback from customers and contribute to the overall ranking by offering valuable insights and authentic content.

Conclusion

No single ranking factor can stand alone. Achieving high rankings for a competitive menu item requires multiple layers of optimization and trust signals to Google. Unique menu items might rank on their own without photos or menu highlights, and vice versa, outranking another business for a competitive keyword takes much more than just the menu item name.

You need a combination of strategic menu naming (think query searches), relevant photos, accurate primary categories, the right business name and consistent menu highlights. These signals work together to build trust and signals to Google that your business is the most relevant choice for potential customers. Each location has to navigate its own set of competitors, and this is where understanding the various signals mentioned here can help influence rankings.

If you need assistance with improving your local business rankings, reach out to us.

Google’s Popular Times Graph: An Unexpected Boost in Search Rankings

In this blog, I share findings on how keyword rankings fluctuate in relation to peak activity periods found within the popular times graph. By examining real-time busyness data and its potential impact on search rankings, businesses can better understand when they might see a boost in their rankings. From timing promotions effectively to monitoring hourly keyword trends, these insights can help refine your local SEO strategy.

After analyzing several businesses and comparing hourly ranking data, I observed a trend where keyword rankings tend to rise just before peak hours. Furthermore, leaked Google API documents may indicate that live data on the popular times graph can potentially boost rankings.

Real-Time Busyness: Potential for Boosting

Periods marked as “Live, Busier than usual” on Google Maps possibly correlate with a boost in search visibility. According to the Google API documents; “Time range (start time and end time)” is used to identify periods when “a LiveResult is considered “hot” and thus a potential for boosting.” The Google Api indicates a correlation between a boost in ranking and the LiveResult data. Could the LiveResult be the live data we see on the popular times graph?

Google specifically discusses how “Busyness patterns identified by popular times are useful.” They leverage the location history data in real time, allowing their systems to detect sudden spikes in activity and display it as “Live” on Google Maps.

Timing is Everything: How Peak Hours Impact Keyword Rankings

By running hourly keyword scans, you may notice a trend of improved rankings before peak hours. It is important to note that hourly trends in keyword rankings identified in this article are potentially just one of many ranking factors. For instance, a business can still rank well even during closed hours, and a less busy business can still achieve high rankings. Let’s consider the keyword “pizza takeout.”

All scans were performed at various hours on a Wednesday. According to the popular times graph displayed, Hungry Howie’s peaks at 2 PM and 6 PM.

The following ranking reports shows an increase in ranking from 12 PM to 1 PM and again from 4 PM to 5 PM. As the business approaches peak times, the rankings start to trend upward. Monitoring keyword rankings in relation to popular times can provide valuable insights for your local SEO strategy and reporting efforts. You can find more examples in my recent blog, Menu Items and Google’s Popular Times Graph Can Boost Your Local SEO Ranking.

Key Takeaways for Leveraging Popular Times Graph on Google Maps

Monitor Hourly Trends: Regularly analyze the popular times graph on your Google Maps profile to identify peak activity periods. Understanding these trends can help you plan and execute strategies that align with your business’s busiest times.
Leverage Real-Time Data: Recognize that live data indicating your business is “busier than usual” can be a signal for a potential ranking boost.
Run Targeted Promotions: Schedule promotions and special events during identified slow periods to drive more customer traffic. This increase in activity can lead to improved visibility and higher keyword rankings.
Track Keyword Rankings Hourly: Conduct hourly keyword scans to observe trends in your rankings, especially before peak hours.
Understand Multiple Ranking Factors: Recognize that while popular times data can influence rankings, it is just one of many factors. A business can still rank well outside of peak hours or even when it appears less busy compared to competitors.
Optimize Based on Insights: Use the insights gained from monitoring popular times data and keyword trends to continuously refine your local SEO strategy.

Reputation Arm can help you optimize your Google Business Profile, leading to enhanced rankings, contact us for professional SEO help. Follow me on X for continued ranking insights.

Menu Items and Google’s Popular Times Graph Can Boost Your Local SEO Ranking

In this blog, I’m taking a close look at how menu items like Caesar Salad on your Google Business Profile can affect your search rankings. Even though it’s not a high-traffic keyword, it’s a solid example of how your menu items influence search results. In addition, I’ve also stumbled upon some interesting findings about how Google’s popular times data impacts rankings for a business. Let’s dig into how Google preferences the popularity of your business and the data you feed it through the Menu integrations.

Menu Items, A Ranking Factor?

A local restaurant is known for having table side Caesar salad. A chef rolls a cart over and prepares a delicious Caesar salad in front of the table, anchovies and all. Fairly new, they opened in September of 2023 and had 555 reviews (4.7 average rating); out of the 555 reviews 47 mentioned Caesar salad. Out of the 47 reviews, 43 were positive. Despite the popularity they did not rank for the keyword Caesar salad.

I quickly realized that the menu on the Google Business Profile that was fed through an api did not have the keyword Caesar salad. Instead the menu stated Caesar Kitchen. After updating from Caesar Kitchen to Caesar salad on June 6th the rankings did improve. June 7th the rankings were 71 by the 8th we were ranking #1.

You can find reference to local menu items here in the Google API leak. The leak contains mentions of price constraints, quality constraints and local scalable attributes. I personally love adding attributes to a GBP because it directly impacts your visibility for a search intent. For example, the attribute “serves happy hour food” on a GBP signals to Google that the restaurant offers happy hour therefore helping you rank for a users search intent with the words happy hour. For more information on attributes, read my blog on Enhancing Search Visibility in Google Maps with Attributes.

Understanding Ranking Data at Different Times

Despite showing positive results, my ranking data from Local Falcon compared to Whitespark seemed off. With Local Falcon I was ranking in the top 20 for the keyword Caesar Salad but the data on Whitespark showed better ranking positions. At that point I realized that I was not factoring in the open times and scan times of the restaurant and starting scanning later in the evening. This is when I stumbled on the correlation with the popular times graph and rankings.

Popular Times Graph Corelates with Better Rankings

The popular times graph on the GBP helps users understand when a business is typically busier or quieter by showing the average customer visits at different times throughout the day and week. Google states, “Google uses aggregated and anonymized data from users who have opted in to Google Location History”. The graph provides live visit data, visit duration and wait time estimates.

My research shows that if a business is busier at a specific time of day then they outrank their competitors. Below are a series of ranking reports for the keyword Caesar Salad near me. Notice the various times of day and how the rankings get better each hour based on the popular times graph data above. For a deeper dive into Google’s Live popular times data and its “potential for boosting” click here.

Keep in mind that 7:00 PM is a popular time for many restaurants, and later in the evening, most tend to die out. Although, 8:00 PM isn’t this restaurant’s peak time, they still saw a rankings boost. By analyzing competitor data, I found that less busy competitors allowed this restaurant to rank higher.

Lets compare how two local business rank side by side based on popular times data from their GBP. If I had to guess Crispelli’s will rank better at lunch time and J. Alexander’s will rank better in the evening around 7 PM solely based on the popular times data provided below.

Scan run at 12:39 PM; Crispellil’s for the win!

Scan run at 7:00 PM Crispelli’s for the win.

Scan run at 8:00 PM, J. Alexanders for the win. As popular times for J. Alexanders increases so does its ranking visibility.

Not convinced? Then why is this unverified listing outperforming J. Alexander’s? This manual search was done at peak lunch time.

Follow me on X to keep up with GBP tips and new feature sightings.

Enhancing Search Visibility in Google Maps with Attributes

Your presence on platforms like Google Maps can greatly impact your visibility to potential customers. In this article, we explore how attributes can enhance your search visibility. We’ll show you how to use attributes to make your profile more effective and improve your search relevance. Let’s get started!

What are Attributes in Google Business Profiles?

Attributes in Google Business Profiles are specific features or services that describe your business, such as “free Wi-Fi,” “outdoor seating,” or “wheelchair accessible.” These details help potential customers understand what you offer and match your business to their needs, directly influencing their decision to choose your services.

Enhancing Search Visibility with Attributes

Attributes play a key role in improving your business’s visibility in search results. When you accurately list your business attributes, Google can better categorize your establishment, increasing the chances of appearing in relevant searches. Incorporating attributes is a good practice and should not be neglected if you want to optimize your presence on Google Maps.

Relevant, Searchable attributes that Resonate with user Queries

The GoogleAPI.ContentWarehouse describes scalable attributes that can enhance search functionalities for business profiles. Scalable attributes, like “outdoor seating” for restaurants or “serves breakfast,” play a critical role in how businesses are discovered and evaluated by potential customers on Google. These attributes are not static; they can vary widely between businesses and are relevant for Google to distinguish a business in search queries.

In order to fully leverage search engine rankings every business needs to pay attention to the attributes and “amenities” in their profiles.

Removing Third-Party Vendors from Google Business Profile: A Guide to Streamlining Your Food Ordering Links

Google has recently mandated that third-party providers offer an easily accessible option for businesses to request removal of provider links from a business’s Google Business Profile (GBP). This change is particularly relevant for businesses utilizing third-party services for food ordering links such as GrubHub, Uber Eats, Slice, and DoorDash. Often times these providers attach themselves to a GBP with no notification and without consent of the business owner.

The New Google Update Explained

Google’s latest update to their Local business links support document has brought a promising change. Now, third-party providers are required to remove their links from the profile within five days of receiving a removal request. This update aims to give businesses more control over their profiles and the ordering links they choose to display. If a remove provider link is not displayed (as shown in the image below) the business can file a complaint using the Business Profile third party complaint form.

Remove Provider

Real-World Challenges

Despite these guidelines, the process of removing third-party services is not as seamless as one might hope. In my experience, the response from these providers often falls into a black hole: forms filled out to request removal seem to vanish without acknowledgement, and follow-ups remain unanswered, stretching well beyond the stipulated five days.

For instance, efforts to remove providers like Uber Eats and Postmates from a Google Business Profile were met with significant resistance. Initial responses from support teams claimed inability to remove the listings, prompting a series of follow-ups, direct contacts, and even social media appeals to management to ensure compliance.

Similarly, discussions with Slice about removing their ordering link from a specific location revealed a stark communication breakdown regarding who was responsible for the removal. Despite Slice’s initial compliance in removing themselves from the Google Food Ordering system (which was never turned on), discrepancies remained about removing the provider’s link off the order now options.

What is GFO?

GFO otherwise known as Google Food ordering is often displayed with “Storefront by.” This option allows the customer to order right on the GBP without having to be directed to another third party site. However, GFO is getting discontinued by the end of June 2024 and will no longer be an option.

Google Food Ordering

Navigating the Process Successfully

Here are some actionable tips for businesses facing similar challenges:

Start with the Remove Provider Options: Go to the ‘Food Ordering’ section of your profile. Next, locate and select ‘Edit your service providers’. Choose the provider you want to remove and scroll to the ‘Remove provider’ option. Click on this to proceed. You will be redirected to a webpage provided by the service provider that includes detailed instructions on how to request the removal. This could be through a form, an email, or a FAQ page with specific guidance.
Wait 5 business Days: Once you have submitted your email or completed the form to request the removal of a service provider from your Google Business Profile, allow five days for a response. If you do not receive any communication or see no changes, proceed to fill out the Business Profile third party complaint form. TIP: If you are an agency working on behalf of the client, make sure to use their contact information and not yours.
Email Your Provider’s Rep: If you have a representative from the provider, email them and let them know that you would like the provider link removed from the GBP.
Documentation and Persistence: Keep detailed records of all communications with third-party providers. This includes saving copies of filled-out forms, emails sent, and any responses received. Persistence is key, as repeated follow-ups may be necessary.
Direct Escalation: If the usual channels fail, consider escalating the issue in the Google Forum.

Conclusion

The ability to control which providers are linked to a Google Business Profile is important for maintaining the integrity of a business’s revenue and online presence. While Google’s policy updates are a step in the right direction, the real-world application of these policies often requires a proactive and determined approach. By understanding these challenges and preparing for them, businesses can prevent third parties from intercepting customers and redirect them to their own ordering systems, thereby protecting revenue that is rightfully theirs.

Mastering Local SEO: Navigating GBP Bugs for Optimal Visibility

Struggling to rank in local city searches? Many businesses assume they will rank naturally in local city searches because their physical address is located in that city. While this holds true for many businesses, the reality is more complex for others. It may be important to identify if the listing has been compromised by a Google Business Profile bug affecting the address. This article will help you identify some common bugs that will prevent you from ranking accurately.

Review Your Location Map Pin Placement

In your Google Business Profile, it’s important to check the accuracy of your location. To do this, click on the map image and review where your map pin is placed. Be aware that there’s a common issue where the map pin may revert to a previous address after updating to a new one.

Additionally, you can determine if there’s a misplacement of your map pin by examining the “service in…” section found in the knowledge panel. This step helps identify where your business is correctly represented and located on Google Maps.

Identifying Map Pin Discrepancies Through Driving Directions

This issue with the map pin can also be identified by examining the driving directions provided for your business. Even if the driving directions display your new address, they will guide your customers to the location where the map pin is currently placed, which might be your old address. The end destination in the driving directions often reveals the actual position of the map pin.

What to do if you find your map pin on your Business Profile is inaccurate?

If you find that your business is incorrectly listed as providing services in an old city location, far from your actual location, move your map pin within the edit address on your GBP. A common issue with Google Business Profiles (GBPs) is that the map pin may revert to a previous address or fail to update properly when a new address is entered. One important tip to remember: including a suite number in the main address line can sometimes prevent the map pin from moving to the correct location.

Attention all SABs not ranking at their new address!

For Service Area Businesses (SABs) on Google Maps, the option to verify location accuracy through driving directions or the “service in” feature on their profile isn’t available. However, it is recommended that if you find your business ranking at an old address contact Google support and specifically request them to ‘register’ your new address on your Google Business Profile (GBP). This step is essential due to a prevalent bug affecting SABs, where the new address, although entered, doesn’t get properly registered on the profile. This glitch can prevent a business from being accurately positioned within the boundaries of the new city on Google Maps.

Often times support doesn’t understand the request to register the new address. If this is the case, you can always create a new listing and then ask support to transfer the reviews. For more information on creating a new GBP, read 3 Steps to Move Your Service Area Business Google Business Profile Without Destroying Your Ranking.

Kansas Bug affecting Service Area Businesses

A known issue often referred to as the “Kansas bug” is impacting numerous service area businesses (SABs), causing them to appear in search rankings for Independence, Kansas, even though they are based in different states. Why Kansas? Independence KS is near the center of the United States.

If the business address isn’t correctly registered or recognized by Google or perhaps another bug that causes the address to get removed, the business might end up without a specific location on its profile. As a result, Google’s algorithm might default these businesses to a central location, in this case, Independence, Kansas. This phenomenon isn’t just limited to the United States; similar situations could potentially occur in other countries if GBPs there are also missing precise location data.

When searching for ‘All American Electricians’ within the North Kansas area (specifically at coordinates 39.1406, -94.5746), the business appears prominently in search results, as illustrated in the ranking photo provided. Interestingly, this same business, which is actually based in Tecumseh, MI, does not show up in search rankings when searching from its actual physical location.

Ranking-Report-for-All-American-KS-vs-MI

Understanding Service Areas on your GBP

Adding service areas to your Google Business Profile serves primarily to illustrate the regions you cover on the service area map within your profile. It’s important to understand that this action is about visually defining your service boundaries and does not directly influence or enhance your ranking in those specific areas.

Why is My Service Area Map in the Ocean?

It’s often thought to be a glitch with Google Business Profile, but in reality, if your designated service area is excessively large, Google might inaccurately display it in the ocean or extend it across state lines. It’s important to regularly check and update your service area to ensure it’s accurately represented on the map. Remember, to comply with Google’s guidelines, your service area should not span beyond a two-hour driving distance.

Mastering local SEO requires meticulous attention to detail, especially regarding your Google Business Profile (GBP). By diligently reviewing and updating your GBP information, addressing common bugs such as map pin discrepancies and ensuring accurate service area mapping, businesses can enhance their chances of ranking prominently in local searches.