Introduction
Google My Business (now Google Business Profile) plays a crucial role in local SEO, helping businesses improve visibility in Google Search and Maps. Like other Google services, GMB’s algorithm undergoes frequent updates, impacting local search rankings, business visibility, and engagement.
In this guide, we’ll explore key Google My Business algorithm updates, their impact, and how businesses can adapt to these changes.
Understanding Google My Business Algorithm
The GMB algorithm determines the ranking of business profiles based on multiple factors, including:
- Relevance: How well a business listing matches the user’s query.
- Distance: Proximity of the business to the searcher’s location.
- Prominence: The business’s online reputation, reviews, and overall activity on Google.
Now, let’s look at the major updates that have shaped GMB rankings over time.
Major Google My Business Algorithm Updates
1. 2016 – Possum Update
Impact:
- Diversified local search results by filtering out duplicate or similar business listings.
- Improved ranking for businesses located just outside city limits.
- Increased volatility in local rankings.
How to Adapt:
- Ensure unique business details and avoid duplicate listings.
- Focus on improving local SEO, including citations and backlinks.
2. 2017 – Hawk Update
Impact:
- Adjusted the filtering of similar business listings, allowing more legitimate businesses to appear in search.
- Helped businesses recover from being unfairly filtered in the Possum update.
How to Adapt:
- Optimize your business profile with unique service areas.
- Improve NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency across all listings.
3. 2018 – Google My Business Review Update
Impact:
- Google removed fake, spammy, and inactive reviews from GMB profiles.
- Businesses lost a significant number of reviews that violated guidelines.
How to Adapt:
- Encourage genuine customer reviews and respond to them actively.
- Avoid fake reviews or incentivizing customers to leave feedback.
4. 2019 – Bedlam Update
Impact:
- A major shift in the GMB algorithm, leading to unpredictable ranking fluctuations.
- Increased emphasis on personalization and search intent.
How to Adapt:
- Optimize for long-tail local keywords and user intent.
- Keep business categories, attributes, and descriptions up to date.
5. 2021 – Vicinity Update
Impact:
- Google prioritized businesses closer to searchers instead of favoring businesses with strong SEO but located farther away.
- Reduced the impact of keyword stuffing in business names.
How to Adapt:
- Avoid keyword stuffing in business names (e.g., “Best Pizza New York” instead of “Joe’s Pizza”).
- Improve your local SEO by getting local citations and Google reviews.
6. 2023 – Local Search Ranking Update
Impact:
- Google emphasized relevance, distance, and prominence even more.
- Improved Google AI understanding of local businesses and their services.
How to Adapt:
- Enhance your Google Business Profile with accurate service details.
- Regularly post updates, images, and promotions to stay active.
Best Practices to Stay Ahead in GMB Rankings
- Keep Your Business Information Accurate: Update your business name, address, phone number, and hours regularly.
- Optimize for Local Keywords: Use relevant local search terms in your business description and posts.
- Encourage Customer Reviews: Actively collect and respond to customer reviews to improve engagement.
- Post Regular Updates: Share events, offers, and news through Google Posts to keep your listing fresh.
- Use High-Quality Images: Upload clear, professional photos to enhance your profile.
Conclusion
Google My Business updates continue to shape the way businesses rank in local search results. By staying informed and adapting to these algorithm changes, businesses can improve their visibility and attract more customers.
Do you need help optimizing your Google Business Profile? Contact us for expert local SEO services!
