One of my clients, (HRG Services Ltd) is having an issue with their Google Business Profile, the video verification was rejected due to the first video not fitting what we required, they attempted a second video by opening the office site but we don't have any signage there as it's just an office area, our accounts team are based there. Since trying the second video our account has been disabled. We appealed this and uploaded our Company's House registration to this location but this was denied and our account remains disabled. Due to the account being disabled we are no longer able to edit to just be an "SAB", when the appeal was denied we were told we would receive an opportunity to upload another video (Tuesday 26th March) but this still hasn't come through yet. I'm going to send an email over to [email protected] and also into the Google Community Forum in hopes of an expert taking pity on us! Will update things as I go but any advise or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!

Look running a business is tough. Ads are expensive, but Google Maps calls are free if the profile is setup right. So what can actually trigger the Google algorithm to show your business as the business to "Call"? I would go through these in order 1. Trust Signals: How long has your business been around and is it really showing visitors and Google that you are the business to trust ? 2. Activity Signals: Do you have a system for uploading photos or answering reviews that specifically triggers Google to recognise you are keeping your business active and up to date 3. Local Relevance: You may not be able to move closer to your searching customers, but you can give out signals of authority on local relevance. Google Maps is only interested in local business, so you need to be clear on the differences here. 4. Conversion Signals: Making sure their contact info and messaging options are correctly formatted for mobile users. Is the Google Business Profile 100% completed? 5. Brand strength: Remember that Google doesn't judge you based on the website and citations alone, But your Google business Profile is the ultimate key to controlling how you are going to get ranked I would normally check all of the above whenever I work with a new business, as normally once you unblock one of these bottlenecks , you suddenly see a quick change in how Google starts perceiving a business Sometimes, if you have a Service-Area Business with no storefront, or if your dashboard is slightly different, your setup may require a slight tweak. Hope this helps Any questions comment below

I dont think its that complicated once you try and see through the smoke So with the new AI Mode for Search, ChatGPT drawing from many of Google sources, Gemini being integrated including the new maps update with "Ask Maps", I think every business owner now knows you need to get your brand "out there" and understood. - To get your brand out there and understood, focus on consistency, clarity, and authentic storytelling across all channels. - Build awareness by defining a unique value proposition (USP) and, to gain traction, use a "versus" strategy against competitors to highlight your strengths. - Speak to customers , real people and not bots or AI. - Use high-quality content, social media engagement, and employee advocacy to build trust and recognition So the 3 biggest ways to do this? Improve the information Google can pull from: - your Google Business Profile - your website - your citations The simple hard truth I need to do a video on this as i think many are getting confused

It is incredibly frustrating to feel like you’ve checked every box, only to have Google’s "Profile Strength" meter treat you like you’re still a work in progress. In 2026, Google has made that percentage indicator more of an "Optimization Score" than a simple checklist. If you are stuck at 74%, it usually isn't because of a missing phone number or address—it’s because of the dynamic features Google wants you to use continuously. Here is the likely "missing" 26% and how to fix it: 1. The "Hidden" Sections Even if you think you’re done, double-check these specific areas that often stall the meter: • Attributes: These are small tags like "Identifies as Black-owned," "Wheelchair accessible," or "Free Wi-Fi." Google adds new ones frequently. If you haven't clicked into the "More" section of your Edit Profile menu lately, there are likely 5–10 new attributes waiting for a "Yes" or "No." • Secondary Categories: You have a primary category (e.g., "Plumber"), but you can add up to 9 secondary ones (e.g., "Drainage service," "Emergency service"). Adding 2–3 highly relevant ones often bumps the score. • Services with Descriptions: Many people list their services but leave the description for each service blank. Google’s 2026 AI weighs these descriptions heavily. 2. The "Active" Requirements Google no longer considers a profile "100%" if it is static. To get that last chunk of percentage, you often need to trigger activity signals: • Google Updates (Posts): If you haven't posted an update (like an offer or a "What's New") in the last 30 days, Google may deduct points from your "strength." • Unanswered Q&As: Check the "Questions & Answers" section. If there are questions from customers you haven't answered, or if you haven't posted your own "Frequently Asked Questions," the meter will stay lower. 3. The "Ad" Trap (The Most Common Culprit) Sometimes, Google subtly keeps the meter below 100% to encourage you to claim your "Free Credit" for Google Ads. Note: If the only task remaining in your "Next Steps" is "Claim your $500 advertising credit," then your profile is technically fully optimized for SEO. You can safely ignore the 74%—Google is just trying to upsell you on Ads.

Are You the Hare or the Tortoise When It Comes to Ranking? We all know the story: the hare rushes ahead, tries shortcuts, but the tortoise wins with steady progress. Ranking your local business on Google works the same way. - Black hat tactics (the hare) promise quick wins, but they’re risky. Google’s smarter than ever, and shortcuts often lead to penalties or disappearing altogether. - Slow and steady optimization (the tortoise)—updating your Google Business Profile, building real reviews, and improving your website—might feel slow, but it’s what actually works. Over time, you build trust, authority, and lasting results. Ask yourself: Are you chasing quick fixes, or are you building something that lasts? I’ve seen every shortcut out there, and I can tell you: the tortoise always wins. Which are you—hare or tortoise? Comment below!