It may be hard to believe, but the unfortunate reality for small business owners is that others may launch malicious attacks against you to gain the upper hand. So how can you prevent this from happening and protect your business?
It starts with staying informed and vigilant. Understanding the types of attacks your business might face—tampering with your Google Business Profile, posting fake reviews, and misrepresenting your location—is the first step. By keeping a close eye on your online presence and taking quick action when something seems off, you can minimize the impact and protect the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.
We recently experienced one such tactic firsthand: Google Maps sabotage. Our Google Business Profile (GBP) location was dragged to an irrelevant spot, causing a sharp decline in our local rankings. While frustrating, this experience highlighted the importance of staying vigilant against such attacks and knowing how to respond effectively.
Common Malicious Tactics to Watch Out For
- Google Maps Sabotage: Relocating your business pin to an irrelevant location like the middle of the ocean, often causing customers to believe your business is closed or non-existent.
- Fake Reviews: Negative reviews from fake accounts can tarnish your reputation and deter potential customers.
- Unauthorized Changes to Business Info: Altering critical details like hours, phone numbers, or URLs to mislead customers.
The Consequences of Online Sabotage
When your online profiles are compromised, the effects can be immediate and damaging:
- Drop in local search rankings
- Lost trust from potential customers
- Decreased traffic to your website or physical location
Let’s take a closer look at these consequences:
1. Drop in Local Search Rankings
Your GBP is a key factor in how search engines rank your business in local results. When malicious actors tamper with your profile—such as moving your pin to an irrelevant location—Google’s algorithms may interpret this as inconsistent or unreliable information. This can cause your rankings to plummet, making it harder for potential customers to find you when searching for relevant services.
2. Lost Trust from Potential Customers
First impressions matter, and for many, your GBP is the first place they’ll encounter your business. If they find inaccurate information—such as the wrong address, phone number, or conflicting details—they may assume your business is unprofessional or even fraudulent. This loss of trust can deter customers, especially those unfamiliar with your reputation.
3. Decreased Traffic to Your Website or Physical Location
When customers can’t find you online, they’re less likely to visit your website or physical location. A tampered GBP can redirect potential foot traffic elsewhere or frustrate customers enough to abandon their search altogether. For brick-and-mortar businesses, this can mean significant revenue loss in a short amount of time.
For us, the impact was immediate. When our GBP was sabotaged, our location was moved to an irrelevant spot, leading to a sharp decline in local rankings. It was a hard lesson in the importance of constant vigilance and swift action.
How to Protect Your Google Business Profile
- Monitor Your Profile Regularly
Set reminders to review your Google Business Profile weekly to ensure all details—like your address, phone number, and hours—are accurate and consistent. - Enable Security Measures
Protect your profile with strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access. Only grant access to trusted individuals. - Report Issues Quickly
If you notice suspicious activity or unauthorized changes, report it to Google immediately through their support channels. The faster you act, the less impact the sabotage will have. - Educate Your Team
Train your team to recognize signs of sabotage, like unusual reviews or changes to your profile, and empower them to take action. - Set Up Change Notifications
Use Google’s notification tools to get alerts whenever updates are made to your profile. This ensures you can catch unauthorized changes as soon as they happen. - Proactively Respond to Threats
If your profile is compromised, take immediate action. Submit corrections to Google, document the issue with screenshots, and follow up until the changes are reversed.
Staying Ahead of the Game
While no business is immune to online threats, being proactive can save you from potential losses. By securing your Google Business Profile and staying informed about common tactics, you can protect your reputation and maintain customer trust.
Taking small but consistent steps to safeguard your profile will minimize risks and give you time to focus on what matters most: serving your customers and growing your business. Online attacks may be frustrating, but with the right precautions, they don’t have to define your success.
