SEARCHENGINES
Business Losing Google Maps & Local Reviews Again
It seems like there is another set of reviews going missing or being removed by Google in the Google Maps and local listings. Joy Hawkins noticed an increase in complaints from businesses over the past week but Mike Blumenthal thinks it is more intentional over the last few months.
Just as a reminder, we notice this starting back in March 2022 again, where reviews were dropping out of the Google local listings. It has happened in 2019 and 2021 as well.
Mike said he has seen an uptick in complaints in the forums from businesses about reviews being removed or going missing – he shared this chart – because charts make it easier to understand. He said he noticed that the uptick actually started in February with these complaints.
Joy said on Twitter “I’m hearing tons of reports of businesses losing reviews in the last week that were published before but then got removed recently.” There are a number of complaints in the Local Search Forums recently, here they are:
In short my client tells me 10+ have gone missing Since February 2022. After a while he started having his clients send screenshots because they would tell them they left reviews but they wouldn’t show. I have proof of 3 but client is insisting it’s many many more.
It seems they tend to be filtering “new” reviewers and “1 and done” reviewers. Similar to Yelp.
Perhaps if these people continue to leave reviews elsewhere and build up their profile, they may get unfiltered?I know when I see “1 review” on a profile, I question it as legit, so perhaps that is part of Google’s filter?
It’s not 100%, but a high percentage.
Joy added in the forums:
Not only has the filter got stricter, but they also have been doing waves of takedowns lately so I’m hearing tons of reports of businesses losing reviews in the last week that were published before but then got removed recently.
One thing to try is instead of sending customers a link to review you with, tell them to search for you on Google and leave a review. That *might* help – it’s worth testing.
I’ll go escalate your thread on the Google forum now.
Are you noticing fewer reviews or missing reviews for you local listings in Google?
Forum discussion at Local Search Forums.
Source: www.seroundtable.com
SEARCHENGINES
Daily Search Forum Recap: October 10, 2024
Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web.
Google Local Service Ads will require advertisers to have a Google Business Profile next month. Google is testing a Quick view button in search that gives searchers no reason to look at your site. Google may have 9,000 ad campaigns created every second. Google is testing verified labels for retailers in the product search results. Google is expanding store ratings to more countries.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
-
Google Tests Quick View Button For Recipes That Keep You On Google
Google is testing placing a “quick view” button overlayed on the images on recipes within Google Search. The crazy part is that clicking on “Quick view” keeps you on Google while giving you a snapshot of the content from the publisher, without sending that traffic to the publisher. -
Google Local Service Ads To Soon Require Google Business Profile
Google will soon require businesses who want to advertise using Google Local Service Ads to also have a Google Business Profile. Google posted a notice that reads, “By Thursday, November 21, 2024, your Local Services ad will need a matching Google Business Profile to continue appearing in search results and to display your customer reviews.” -
9,000 Google Ads Campaigns Created Every Second???
Thomas Eccel posted a guess, trying to figure out how many Google Ads campaigns are created in a timeframe. He said if the ad campaigns are issued in sequential order, based on his calculations, 9,000 ad campaigns are created on Google Ads every second. -
Google Search Tests Verified Labels For Product Results
Back in August we reported that Google was testing showing verified badges, verification labels, in the organic search results. Well, now Google is testing the verified label on the detailed product results overlay, on retailer listings. -
Google Store Ratings Now Available In India, Australia, Canada & UK
Google is rolling out the Store ratings feature beyond US Search. It is rolling out to searchers in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. Although, we’ve seen examples of Google showing them in Australia and other countries over the years, I guess as a test. -
Google Noogler Bison Again
We have a photo of this Google Bison from 2018. It looks to be in the same condition but moved from its previous location. It also looks angry…
Other Great Search Threads:
- We’re now seeing AI Overviews appearing for non signed-in users in the UK, ZA, NZ, SG, KE – well countries where English is commonly spoken., Authoritas on X
- I’m sure it’ll be a great event! Unfortunately, I’m only able to make it virtually this time :-/. Martin’s there though, he’s pretty cool too!, John Mueller on LinkedIn
- That’s a fantastic question and right upfront: I don’t have an answer, but I have an idea., Martin Splitt on LinkedIn
- You know how sometimes you’re certain you had a good reason to do something, later on forget why, but continue doing it just in case there’s still a good reason? That’s why. 🙂, John Mueller on Mastodon
Search Engine Land Stories:
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
Industry & Business
Links & Content Marketing
Local & Maps
Mobile & Voice
SEO
PPC
Search Features
Other Search
Feedback:
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter @rustybrick or @seroundtable, on Threads, Mastodon and Bluesky and you can follow us on Facebook and on Google News and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or just contact us the old fashion way.
SEARCHENGINES
Daily Search Forum Recap: October 9, 2024
Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web.
DOJ may breakup Google and worse, but the ruling won’t happen officially until next year. Google is testing what people are saying short videos. Google is testing card style knowledge panels on desktop. Google is testing most mentioned places. Google Ads cleaned up its side bar navigation. Google Business Profiles lets you reorder your menu items for your restaurant.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
-
DOJ May Breakup Google As Remedy To Monopoly Ruling
Late last night, the Department of Justice indicated that it was considering a possible breakup of Google as an antitrust remedy to its monopoly ruling. Of course, Google will appeal this decision, which will have this stuck in courts for years. A breakup is probably the most strict outcomes of this ruling that anyone expected. -
Google Tests What People Are Saying Short Video Search Results
Google had this feature titled “What people are saying” that led to forums, in a list and text format. Now, Google is testing this same thing but it leads to short videos on TikTok and other platforms. -
Google Tests Card Style Knowledge Panel Desktop Design
Google is testing its mobile design for knowledge panels on desktop. You can see the card formatted design for these knowledge panels on the desktop interface. -
Google Search Tests Most Mentioned Places Carousel
Google is testing a new local search carousel named “Most Mentioned Places.” It seems to bring up local retail stores that have the product you are searching for. It shows local Google Business Profile listings, with the photo, and review summaries. -
Google Drag & Drop Reorder Your Restaurant Menu Items
Google Business Profiles now lets you quickly reorder your menu items on your restaurant’s menu with drag-and-drop menus. This allows you to move menu items from section to section much faster and easier. -
Google Ads Improved Console Sidebar Navigation
Google has made a small but useful change to the Google Ads sidebar navigation. It made the background white on sub-navigational elements, which helps differentiate between main menu options and sub-menu options. -
Google Bike Window Stickup Sign
Here is a large window stick up sign or decal I found on Instagram. It looks a bit over the top but hey, that is why I am sharing it with you.
Other Great Search Threads:
Search Engine Land Stories:
Other Great Search Stories:
Industry & Business
Links & Content Marketing
Local & Maps
Mobile & Voice
SEO
PPC
Search Features
Other Search
Feedback:
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter @rustybrick or @seroundtable, on Threads, Mastodon and Bluesky and you can follow us on Facebook and on Google News and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or just contact us the old fashion way.
SEARCHENGINES
Google Showing Competitor Ads Above Local Reviews
Google has done it again, it has shown ads from competitors directly above the reviews section of a Google local listing. We’ve seen Google do this before with LSA listings numerous times, with Google local listings and branded knowledge panels and LSA messaging.
Anthony Higman spotted this and posted screenshots and a video of this in action on X – I will say, I tried to replicate it and it did not come up for me. But here is what Anthony saw:
This is a screenshot from his videocast:
This is what I see – no ads:
Here is his video:
— Anthony Higman (@AnthonyHigman) October 7, 2024
There is also this:
Recently, many clients have had a sudden influx of calls or hangup calls from paid search ads. When reviewing the calls, the consumer thinks they are calling the competitor (not bidding on them). It’s been a nightmare to navigate and negate. Plus, several brand’s name cpc went up
— Nate Louis (@N8Louis) October 8, 2024
Forum discussion at X.
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