If you’ve recently seen a sudden and steep drop in views on your Google Business Profile (GBP), you’re not the only one. When your online visibility drops, it’s normal to feel anxious, especially if your visibility influences client attention, phone calls, and foot traffic. However, this may have nothing to do with your actions.
With over 83% of the worldwide search engine market share and over 8.5 billion daily queries, Google is still the undisputed leader in local discovery. Google visibility is a must for any multi-location brand, or any business for that matter. That is why you take notice of any change in your listing’s performance with great seriousness – especially because managing, optimizing, and claiming your GBPs takes time and work.
The drop in views is due to Google’s updated method of counting, not reduced visibility. Improvements to the Business Performance API now filter GBP impressions more accurately to reflect meaningful interactions. In this article, we’ll explain what’s changed, what it means, and why it could be a positive shift.
What Are GBP Views?
Before we dive into what’s causing the drop in GBP views, let’s first understand what they actually represent. The number of times that users see your business listing on Google Search or Maps is referred to as the number of views on your Google Business Profile (GBP), which is also termed impressions. One of the most important indicators of your visibility in local search is the number of views you receive. Vicinus – a Saas based platform for hyperlocal marketing, closely monitors profile view counts as a key indicator of visibility and reach, along with its effective e-reputation management tools that help businesses track, manage, and respond to reviews while building customer actions, trust and loyalty.
Understanding the Drop in GBP Views
This section outlines the primary reasons for the drop in views, incorporating recent updates from Google that influence the tracking and reporting of views.
#1 Google Business Performance API Update
In April 2024, Google implemented a substantial upgrade to its Business Performance API, resulting in a dramatic decline in views for numerous businesses’ Google Business Profiles (GBP). This alteration is not attributable to diminished visibility, but rather to a modification in Google’s methodology for calculating and reporting profile views.
The following modifications have occurred:
1. Unique User Views Daily: Views are now calculated according to unique users within a 24-hour timeframe. A single individual seeing your profile numerous times in one day is recorded as merely one view.
2. Enhanced Map View Tracking: Previously, your business's representation as a pin on a map, even amidst numerous others, was considered a view. A view is logged solely when an individual directly accesses your business profile.
3. Enhanced Accuracy in Direction Requests: Google revised the methodology for counting direction requests by excluding multi-taps, cancellations, and spam, thereby more accurately representing genuine user intent.
In April 2024, Google unveiled an updated approach for computing driving direction requests under its Business Performance API. This upgrade substantially modifies the measurement of direction-related interactions on your Google Business Profile (GBP), emphasizing precision above exaggerated user engagement metrics.
The subsequent alterations have taken place:
1. Unique Request Numbering: Only the initial directional request from a distinct user during a given timeframe is considered. Subsequent taps by the same individual no longer increase totals.
2. Cancellation and Spam Filters: Requests that are annulled or identified as spam are omitted from insights to maintain data integrity.
2. Enhanced Representation of User Intent: The revised statistic seeks to quantify the actual number of genuine customers attempting to reach your location, rather than merely counting the button clicks.
#3 City Name Designated by Google (Geolocation Pin Placement)
A significant but sometimes overlooked aspect influencing your google my business profile (GBP) rating is the city designation provided by Google. This identification is determined by the placement of your location pin on the map, which directly affects your visibility in local searches.
The subsequent alterations have taken place:
1. City Border Accuracy: If your establishment is situated on the boundary of two municipalities, Google may designate the location to the adjacent city, influencing your visibility in search results for your targeted city.
2. Impact on Local Rankings: Association with an inaccurate city can adversely affect local rankings for geo-targeted keywords, such as ranking for "Oxford" instead of "London."
3. Manual Pin Adjustment: You may relocate your location pin within the appropriate city boundaries to coincide with your local SEO objectives and ensure Google accurately represents your service region.
#4 Competition (Emerging Enterprises or Spammy Listings Surpassing Your Rankings)
A sudden decline in your Google Business Profile (GBP) ranks may stem from heightened competition, whether from real newcomers or from fraudulent listings that exploit Google’s system.
The subsequent competing elements may influence your visibility:
1. Emerging Competitors: Recently established enterprises inside your niche may possess superior optimization, resulting in their higher ranking in local search outcomes.
2. Spam Listings: Fabricated or keyword-saturated profiles may briefly overshadow search results, relegating your listing to a lower position.
3. Profile Optimization Deficiencies: Competitors may possess a greater number of reviews, superior categories, or more captivating media, potentially influencing google algorithm update in their advantage.
#5 Disappearance of Knowledge Panel (Impact of Knowledge Panel Absence on Visibility)
The sudden removal of your business’s knowledge panel on Google can dramatically diminish your exposure, particularly in desktop search results, where this panel serves as a crucial trust indicator and interaction catalyst.
This affects your visibility:
1. Decreased exposure: The knowledge panel presents essential company information (operating hours, reviews, address, etc.)—in its absence, your profile forfeits a significant aspect of exposure.
2. Lack of Authority Indicators: The absence of panels may indicate to users (and Google) that your profile is incomplete or inconsistent.
3. Reduced Interactions: In the absence of the panel, consumers are less inclined to make calls, seek directions, or navigate to your website.
The existence of numerous Google Business Profiles for the same business or address can activate Google’s local filter, potentially suppressing one of the listings—typically the original—leading to a significant decline in visibility and google business profile views.
The subsequent issues may occur:
1. Proximity Filtering: If multiple profiles share an identical address or are in close proximity, Google may exclude one from the search results.
2. Dominance by Superior Profiles: A replica possessing a greater number of evaluations or enhanced optimization can overshadow the authentic profile.
3. Inconsistent Signals: Engagements may be divided among listings, diminishing SEO signals for the primary profile.
Read here to find out how to remove duplicate listings easily.
#7 Local Filters (Multiple Profiles at Identical Locations or Shadowing)
Google employs local filters to prevent the display of many comparable listings inside the same search results. If numerous business profiles share the same address or are in close proximity, Google may filter one out, resulting in diminished exposure for that listing.
The subsequent scenarios may activate local filtering:
1. Address Conflict: If two profiles own the same or a highly similar address, one may be excluded from the local pack.
2. Overshadowing by Competing Listings: A proximate or duplicate listing with superior optimization, categories, or a greater number of reviews may eclipse your profile.
3. Minimized Profile Visibility: Although both listings may be authentic, only one may be displayed in search results, thereby diminishing impressions for the other.
#8 Changes in Business Categories (Erroneous or Ineffectual Business Categories)
The category of your google my business profile significantly affects the visibility and timing of your business in local search outcomes. A recent alteration of your primary or secondary categories, or a misalignment with your services, may adversely affect your visibility.
The influence of business categories on your ranking is as follows:
1. Primary Category Influence: The primary category informs Google of your principal business emphasis. If it is overly wide, irrelevant, or recently altered, it may diminish your likelihood of appearing in pertinent searches.
2. Secondary Categories Significance: Supplementary categories enhance your outreach. Utilizing an insufficient number of relevant keywords can restrict your profile's visibility.
3. Industry Shifts or Algorithm Modifications: Google may revise category definitions or relevance, influencing the ranking of your profile for specific inquiries due to the latest google algorithm update.
#9 Seasonal or Local Demand Fluctuations (Changes in Search Demand During Certain Times of the Year)
In some cases, fluctuations in the number of views on your Google Business Profile may not be directly related to performance concerns. Instead, these fluctuations may be the result of natural swings in consumer behavior brought on by seasonality or local patterns.
Here’s how seasonal demand can impact your profile:
1. Seasonal Trends: Certain industries, such as tax services, tourism, or HVAC maintenance, encounter heightened demand during particular months. A reduction during off-season months is anticipated and typical.
2. Event-Driven Fluctuations: Local events, holidays, or academic calendars can transiently elevate or diminish searches for specific services.
3. Climatic Variations: Seasonal changes, such as winter and summer, might influence search interest for particular items or services.
#10 Insufficient Engagement Posts And Content (Neglecting Google Posts or Interactive Content)
A suboptimal google business profile configuration is frequently associated with an absence of fresh, appealing content. Google encourages active accounts that deliver value to users, and neglecting to utilize accessible features may lead to diminished exposure.
Principal factors influencing your profile:
1. Irregular Google Posts: Failing to consistently post updates, offers, or events may indicate inactivity to Google's algorithm, hence diminishing your profile's visibility in search results.
2. Minimal User Engagement: In the absence of compelling content—such as inquiries, evaluations, or updates—users are less inclined to connect with your profile, affecting its significance and visibility.
3. Neglected Local SEO Indicators: Articles featuring keywords and location-specific content enhance visibility. Disregarding them results in the loss of significant search impressions.
#11 Inconsistent or Poorly Managed Listings (NAP Discrepancies and Outdated Information)
One major reason for a drop in Google Business Profile performance is inconsistent or poorly maintained listings across the web. Google prioritizes accurate and reliable business information when determining local search rankings.
Key issues that contribute to this:
1. NAP Discrepancies: Inconsistencies in your business Name, Address, or Phone Number across directories can perplex both users and search engines, undermining your reputation.
2. Obsolete Listings: Antiquated hours, erroneous classifications, or absence of updates indicate carelessness, resulting in diminished trust and decreased visibility.
3. Unattended Profiles: Unclaimed or dormant listings diminish your local visibility and may be eclipsed by more engaged competitors.
#12 Website Integration Issues (Problems with Linking Your Business Website to Your GBP)
The ranking and performance of your Google Business Profile (GBP) in local search results can be significantly impacted if it contains website links that are either incorrect or absent.
Key issues include:
1. Absence of Website Link: The omission of a website link in your GBP diminishes the comprehensiveness and credibility of your profile.
2. Inaccurate or Malfunctioning URL: Directing users to obsolete or non-functional pages can detrimentally affect user experience and credibility.
3. Discrepancy Between Website and GBP Information: Variations in business name, address, or services between your website and GBP may perplex Google's algorithms and adversely affect your rating.
Conclusion
A number of things might go wrong with your Google Business Profile and cause its performance to suddenly decline. These include tracking updates and algorithm changes, as well as duplicate listings and poor website integration. To recover lost ground and maintain a competitive edge in local search, it is essential to identify and address these issues.
Staying on top of these changes requires constant vigilance over your listings, consistent business details, and the ability to roll with the punches when Google alters its rules. Duplicate identification, listing health monitoring, bulk editing, and website integration tests are just a few of the powerful features offered by Vicinus. These tools are conveniently located in one dashboard. Vicinus keeps your company visible, optimized, and ahead of the curve whether you’re managing one location or hundreds.