Local SEO Changes

Updates to the local search & maps landscape

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September 14, 2026

"Collected Info" Now Displays Google's Automated Updates to your GBP

Confirm or delete Google's automated info added to your listing directly from your GBP

September 14, 2026

GBP Keyword Data Delays

July 2026 keyword data delayed by Google processing; allow fifteen business days

September 8, 2026

Google Now Asks "Does this look right to you?"

You now have four days to reject Google's suggested edits before they go live.

August 23, 2026

Local Guide's get a makeover

Flattening Local Guide badges brings fear of weakened user motivation and dilution of reviewer authority

August 22, 2026

Google Now Lets Users Report Owner Review Replies

Google users can now report owner's replies to reviews for terms violations, not just reviews themselves.

August 10, 2026

Google Closes Loophole on Multilingual Business Profile Names

Continuing to run dual-language title fields puts listings at direct risk

Google Refutes Reddit Favoritism in AI results

Google has denied giving Reddit preferential treatment in organic or AI search results, despite speculation.

Repeat GBP Violations Lead to More Review Restrictions

Repeat Google Business Profile policy violations double review restrictions.

Google Can Now Reject Your Review Responses

Google's review moderation filter may be removing your review replies without any notice or explanation.

New Branding & Engagement Tools in Apple Business

Apple released significant updates to its Business suite, introducing more granular controls for local listings, expanded digital identity support, and enhanced "Showcase" feature

How to Best Optimize For Generative AI Search

Google published a new help document named Optimizing your website for generative AI features on Google Search.

Updated Review Policy Restricts Staff Mentions & Solicitations

Google bans review quotas and staff name mentions to ensure organic data for AI searches.

Google Replaces Q&A with "Ask Maps" Feature

Google Maps' new Ask Maps uses Gemini AI in the US and now India to answer complex local questions conversationally.

Google to verify business details via automated messages

Google is rolling out a new verification method for Google Business Profiles — and business owners are starting to report receiving emails about it.

February 25, 2026

Google Changes the Business Profile Verification Flow

Be careful when following the new Google Business Profile verification workflow to avoid future headaches.

February 23, 2026

Knowledge Panels displaying AI generated Services

Google is working on rolling out AI to Google listings. The next step, AI generated list of services.

February 11, 2026

Short Names Being Removed From Business Profiles

Google has stopped showing the business short names on Google Business Profiles in Search and Google Maps.

September 25, 2025

Google Decides Dedicated Landing Pages are a “Must”

Local GBP business links now must direct users to dedicated landing pages in order to maintain visibility and avoid policy violations.

September 4, 2025

Daily Verification for Business Profile Links

Google now automatically verifies and removes non-compliant business links daily.

GBP Layouts Grow

Larger public GBP layouts can be connected to a larger trend for horizontal, focused displays that work in AI reviews