Google Is Done With Spam. What That Means for Your Business and Your Google Business Profiles.
- Amber Hartman
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Why Google’s New Local Signals Prioritize Your Business, Google Business Profiles and What You Can Do About It
Google’s Local Ranking: What Matters Most
Google ranks local businesses using three main signals: relevance, distance, and prominence. That means to appear in the coveted Local Pack or top of Google Maps, your business must:
Match the search intent (what the customer is actually looking for)
Be located nearby
Demonstrate activity and trust especially through reviews and GBP engagement
Recent industry reports confirm that customer reviews are now the third most important local ranking factor, behind proximity and category relevance. But here’s the key: only consistent, high-quality reviews count. Google favors businesses that show ongoing engagement, not one-time review spikes.
Why Reviews Matter (And What the Data Says)
Photo-rich and detailed reviews improve your Google Maps visibility
Keywords in reviews (like “bathroom remodel” or “roof repair”) help Google understand what you offer
According to research, 70% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
Even a 0.5-star increase in your average rating can dramatically improve click-through and conversion rates
How to Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Your Google Business Profile is more than a listing — it’s your most powerful tool for local search. And it’s free.
To rank well, your GBP should include:
A complete list of services and clear descriptions
High-quality, recent photos showing your work
Accurate business categories (e.g., "General Contractor", "Roofing Contractor")
Filled-out Q&A and regular updates or Google Posts
Inactive or half-filled profiles often get outranked by newer, more active businesses even if you’ve been around longer.
Google’s Crackdown on Fake Reviews Is Real
Google has made it clear: they are no longer tolerating fake reviews, spammy behavior, or keyword-stuffed business names. Businesses in the UK, for example, are now facing legal warnings for violating review authenticity.
That’s why your online reputation must be earned, not gamed.
What This Means for YOU.
Strategy Element | Why It Matters |
Consistent 5-star reviews | Keeps your listing active and builds trust |
Keyword-rich, photo-filled reviews | Boosts local search relevance and Google category accuracy |
Fully optimized GBP (Google Business Profile) | Strengthens your position in Google’s core ranking signals |
Authentic review requests | Helps avoid penalties and improves long-term visibility |
Introducing ShineOn™: Trust-Based SEO for Local Service Pros
ShineOn™ is designed for contractors and service providers who want to rank higher without chasing trends or hacks.
With ShineOn™, you’ll:
Get automated review requests that feel natural and easy for your clients
Have your Google Business Profile fully optimized with services, photos, posts, and Q&A
See improved search visibility and more quality leads in your inbox
This is how to rank higher on Google without backlinks, blog spam, or gimmicks.
What Works Now
Ongoing, keyword-optimized Google reviews
Complete and up-to-date GBP listings
Authentic activity like new photos, updated hours, and real client feedback
What No Longer Works
Copy-pasted blog posts stuffed with keywords
Buying fake reviews or engagement
Keyword-stuffing your business name to try to rank
Ignoring your GBP and hoping your website alone will carry the load
If you’ve been wondering how to fix low visibility on Google Maps, this is your answer: build trust, stay active, and align with what Google is actually rewarding.
Want to See It in Action?
Let’s take 30 minutes to walk through how ShineOn™ works and whether it fits your goals. Book a demo or text me at 909-255-0175.
“Our systems are designed to reward content that helps users, not content designed to rank well.”– Google Search Central
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