When you’re trying to clean up a competitor’s dirty Google Business Profile page, it’s not enough just to be right: You also need to make your move at the right time.
When’s the right time to send in a “suggest an edit”? It’s (1) as soon as you notice a problem, (2) as soon as you know specifically what change(s) you’ll suggest to Google, and (3) after you’ve had a long pause from reporting other Google Maps spam.
The first point is intuitive enough. Don’t wait until a competitor is outranking you to send in your edit. Report Google Maps spam that you outrank by a country mile. Today it ranks #14 in the 3-pack, but tomorrow you may be stuck under its kilt, with nowhere to look but up.
The second point might also be intuitive. If you can tell Google exactly what’s wrong, and especially if you can point out multiple problems Google should fix, Google’s more likely to take action and you’re less likely to waste your time and street cred.
The third point may be a forehead-slapper (or at least it was to me): It seems that Google is more likely to approve edits that you didn’t submit after a lot of other edits you submitted. These first-order-of-business complaints are what I call fresh edits.
Let’s say you don’t report GBP spam every day, but rather try to clean it up in batches every few weeks or months. Let’s also assume you’ve rounded up 10 different Google Business Profile violations on 10 competitors’ GBP pages. The “fresh” edits generally are the first 2-3 problems you report, and the “stale” edits are the 7-8 problems you report last. Any of the fresh edits is somewhat more likely to be approved than any stale edit (or tired edit, or crusty edit, or whatever antonym you like).
My theory is that Google sees a “fresh” edit as more likely to come from an objective but concerned third party, rather than from someone with a competitive interest, an agenda, or a beef. It’s like calling the cops. They’re more likely to take your gripe – or serious emergency – seriously if you haven’t reported other problems in recent memory. They’re less likely to take you seriously if you’re the person who calls every time a neighbor’s dog decorates your lawn.
Maybe it shouldn’t be that way. All 10 (or 22 or 103) of your complaints may be justified. Doesn’t matter. It’s theoretically possible that Google takes action on every single problem, and it’s very likely that Google ignores them all. We’re talking about probabilities here. How you maximize your chances may determine whether you succeed in thinning the herd of spammers over time or their numbers keep growing and they trample you into the mud. In turn, that can determine how much of your hard work produces Google Maps visibility and new customers.
How should all of that influence your spam-blasting regimen? Simple:
1. Spread out your “suggest an edit” reports to Google. Don’t send in edits every day, but don’t try to get through your entire list in one day and let it languish for the rest of the year. Ring the bell a few times every couple of weeks or every month or so. In the meantime, kill a few minutes.
3. Be organized. At the very least, use a spreadsheet to keep track of the specific businesses (and possibly locations) you’ve reported, when, why, and the status of each. If possible, enlist a few Robins to your Batman. More in this post.
—
What have you noticed in the timing of your “suggest an edits” reports on spammy Google Maps competitors? Any patterns as to what works, or doesn’t work? Leave a comment!
P.S. If you’ve seen this approach suggested anywhere else, please let me know, so I can give that person due credit.
You’ve highlighted an essential strategy that often gets overlooked in the hustle of digital marketing. Timing, as you mentioned, plays a pivotal role not just in suggesting edits but in the overall landscape of online competition. I’ve found that taking a proactive approach can make all the difference.
You make a great point about timing in digital marketing. It’s interesting how even small shifts can really set you apart from the competition. I’ve noticed that staying ahead of trends and understanding when your audience is most active can give you that extra edge. Sometimes it’s just about being in the right place at the right time, right?
You’ve touched on something that often doesn’t get its due attention in the fast-paced world of digital marketing. The reality is that timing can significantly influence how our strategies pan out. There’s a unique rhythm to the online landscape that many don’t notice until they really start digging into their analytics and engagement metrics.
You’ve really honed in on an essential aspect of digital marketing that often gets overlooked. Timing does seem to be this elusive element that can drastically alter our results. I’ve noticed how certain posts resonate more depending on when they’re shared, which makes me wonder about the underlying why. Is it just about when people are most active, or do broader societal trends and events play a role, too?
You bring up an interesting point about timing and its role in the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies. I’ve definitely noticed that the landscape feels almost like a living organism—constantly evolving, with different trends and patterns emerging. It’s fascinating how much the context of when something is shared can shape its reception.
You’ve hit on something really important about timing in digital marketing. The idea that the landscape feels like a living organism is spot on. It’s true that trends can shift almost overnight; what resonates one week might fall flat the next.
You’ve hit on something really important about timing in digital marketing. It’s fascinating how the landscape feels like a living organism, constantly adapting and evolving. I’ve noticed how quickly audiences can shift their preferences, especially with social media platforms driving trends. One day, a particular meme or challenge can dominate feeds, and the next, it’s nearly forgotten.
You’ve really captured the essence of how dynamic the digital landscape is. It’s almost surreal to think about how quickly we can move from one trend to another. I remember the rise and fall of various meme formats, and how some seem to resonate so deeply for just a moment before fading into obscurity. It raises interesting questions about the nature of engagement—what makes something truly stick?
You’ve really captured the essence of how fluid digital marketing can be. It’s fascinating to think about how quickly things can change, isn’t it? In my own experience, I’ve noticed that staying ahead of trends requires a mix of intuition and constant learning. Sometimes, it almost feels like you need to have your finger on the pulse of culture—what’s resonating in pop culture or even what’s being discussed in communities online can directly influence what works in marketing.
You’ve raised a really interesting point about timing in digital marketing. It’s true that the online landscape feels like this constant ebb and flow, doesn’t it? I often find myself reflecting on how certain campaigns or posts can take off simply because they align with the current mood or trends in society. It makes me think of how events—like a significant news story or a viral trend—can create a window of opportunity for brands to engage with their audience in a meaningful way.
You’ve really captured the essence of how timing plays such a crucial role in digital marketing. It’s fascinating to think about how our online interactions are often shaped by the broader currents in society. I’ve noticed that when brands manage to tap into these moments—like referencing a trending social issue or a viral meme—they can create a deeper connection with their audience, almost like they’re part of a larger conversation.
You bring up a great point about being proactive in digital marketing. It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind and react to changes rather than anticipate them. I think a big part of that proactive approach is understanding your audience’s behavior and the patterns that emerge.
You’ve hit the nail on the head about being proactive rather than reactive in digital marketing. In today’s fast-paced environment, it can certainly feel overwhelming to keep pace with everything happening around us. I’ve been exploring ways to truly nail down audience behavior myself. It’s fascinating how understanding those patterns not only helps in shaping marketing strategies but can also enhance overall user experience.
You’re spot on about the need for a proactive mindset in digital marketing. Getting lost in the daily grind can easily distract us from the bigger picture. I’ve noticed that truly understanding audience behavior often goes beyond just tracking engagement metrics. It involves diving into their preferences, values, and even the socio-economic factors that influence their decisions.
You’ve really captured an important aspect of digital marketing that often gets brushed aside in the rush to keep up with everything that changes at lightning speed. When we talk about timing, it’s not just about hitting the post button at the right moment; it involves being attuned to what’s happening in your industry and how your audience is responding.
“Unlock a world of inspiration and discovery by clicking this link—your next exciting adventure awaits just a click away!”
https://localseoresources.com/ninja
You’ve touched on something crucial with the importance of timing in digital marketing. It really can feel like a race against the clock sometimes. Your proactive approach sets you up well to catch those fleeting opportunities that others might miss. I’ve found that being attentive to shifts in audience behavior—like seasonal trends or even current events—can give you an edge.
Your insights on the timing of suggesting edits to a competitor’s Google Business Profile are both pragmatic and strategic, shedding light on a nuanced approach that many may overlook. The digital landscape is a battlefield filled with fierce competition, where time and precision become powerful allies.