Google Maps and Google Business Profiles (GBPs) have become essential tools for attracting customers and driving foot traffic. However, a new, concerning tactic has emerged: the Google Maps PIN Moving Scam. Black hat SEOs and scammers exploit the “Suggest an Edit” feature to move business map pins to incorrect locations, significantly harming their competitors’ search rankings and local visibility.
How the Scam Works
The scam leverages the “Suggest an Edit” feature on Google Business Profiles, which allows users to propose changes to a business’s information, including its location. Here’s how the scam unfolds:
- Initiating the Edit: A scammer selects the “Suggest an Edit” option on a competitor’s GBP.
- Moving the PIN: The scammer drags the business’s map pin to a new, often far-off location.
- Lack of Notification: The business owner or profile manager is not notified of the change, allowing the new location to go unnoticed.
Impacts on Business
The consequences of this scam can be severe:
- Search Visibility: Your business may no longer appear in local searches, drastically reducing your visibility.
- Rankings Drop: Your 3-pack Map rankings can plummet, leading to a sudden drop in web traffic.
- Lost Foot Traffic: Potential customers may go to the wrong location, leading to lost sales and negative reviews.
For example, if a law firm’s map pin is moved to a location several hours away, local search users looking for nearby lawyers, won’t find them.
Prevention and Monitoring
While this scam is alarming, there are steps you can take to protect your business:
- Regular Monitoring: Regularly check your GBP to ensure your information, especially your location, is accurate.
- Alert Systems: Use tools to monitor sudden drops in rankings or changes to your GBP.
- Community Involvement: Engage with local SEO communities to stay informed about new scams and solutions.
Fixing the Issue
If you discover that your map pin has been moved, follow these steps to correct it:
- Log In: Use an email not associated with your GBP to log into Google.
- Search for Your Business: Find your business listing on Google Maps.
- Suggest an Edit: Click on “Suggest an Edit,” then “Change Name or other details,” and finally “Edit map location.”
- Correct the Location: Drag the pin back to the correct location and save the changes.
Big Voodoo’s Expertise
At Big Voodoo, we monitor our clients’ GBPs for issues like these and work to counteract them as they arise. Our team is vigilant about detecting sudden ranking drops and will take immediate action to correct your map PIN if it has been moved. By leveraging our expertise, we help to ensure your business maintains its online presence and local search visibility.
The Google Maps PIN Moving Scam is a significant issue for local businesses relying on their online presence for customer acquisition. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can mitigate the risks and ensure your business remains accurately represented on Google Maps.