Why does nobody talk about local SEO changes after Google's last update?

I run a small roofing company here in Austin, and I saw a huge drop in leads about 3 months ago. Before that update, I was getting 8 to 10 calls a week just from Google Maps. After it hit, that number dropped to maybe 2 or 3 calls a week. I finally figured out it was because my Google Business profile wasn't verified with a video recording, which Google started requiring for my area. I did the video verification last month and now I'm back up to 5 calls a week, but it's still not what it was. Has anyone else in a service business seen this same thing happen after that update?

3 comments

3 Comments

claire_young761mo ago

Wait, isn't video verification just for new listings though?

kai_webb911mo ago

Maybe it's just me but it feels like everything online has gotten way more complicated than it needs to be. Video verification was supposedly for new listings to prove you actually have the item, but now you see people asking for it on everything, even for cheap stuff like a ten dollar candle. I've noticed the same thing with returns and refunds, where you have to jump through ten hoops just to get your money back for something that didn't fit. It's like nobody trusts anybody anymore so they pile on all these extra steps. Makes you wonder if all this verification even stops the scammers or just makes it harder for regular people.

evan_cooper731mo ago

Wait hold up, are you serious? Someone asked for video verification on a ten dollar candle? I gotta say that's a new one for me. Like who's out there running a massive candle scam operation that requires proof of a wax melt existence before buying? I mean I get being careful with expensive electronics or rare collectibles but a candle is literally something you can buy at any grocery store for a few bucks.