My Audit Discoveries this morning
I’m auditing a business this morning, but I keep seeing the same issues pop up again and again, so I thought I’d share the most common mistakes I spot. If you avoid these, you’ll instantly boost your business’s credibility and visibility online! Here are the top things I notice (and how you can fix them): 1. Service Area vs. Address Confusion Many businesses worry about moving their Google pin or not having the “perfect” address for rankings. The truth? Being a few feet off won’t ruin your rankings, but having an inaccurate location can cause trust and compliance issues. Make sure your service area and address are accurate and reflect where you actually do business. 2. AI Search & Reviews Want to show up in Google’s new AI features? Focus on getting reviews that describe real customer experiences, not just “great service.” The more specific and detailed your reviews, the more likely you’ll be featured in AI summaries. 3. Q&A Section – The Missed Opportunity Most businesses ignore the Q&A section on their Google Business Profile. This is gold! Add and answer common customer questions, think about what people ask you every week. These answers help both customers and Google understand your business better. 4. Review Themes & Competitor Insights Look for patterns in your reviews and compare them to your competitors. Are people raving about your “easy pickup” or “friendly staff”? If not, maybe your competitors are winning with those keywords. Use this info to improve your service and your profile. 5. Landing Page Links Don’t just link your Google profile to your homepage. Sometimes your “Contact” or a specific service page converts better and ranks higher. Test and see what works best for your business. 6. Handling Bad Reviews Bad reviews happen. If they’re genuine, respond professionally. If they’re fake or misattributed, report them, but know that removal isn’t guaranteed. Focus on getting more positive, detailed reviews to outweigh the negatives. 7. Content That Ranks