The Secret to Beating Competitor and Ranking Higher on Google Business Profile

Why You’re Struggling to Rank Despite Proper Optimization

You’ve done everything right—optimized your Google Business Profile (GBP) on and off the page, fine-tuned your website, nailed your citations, and even secured solid backlinks. Yet, despite your best efforts, you’re still struggling to break into the top rankings. What gives?

The Hidden Factor Hurting Your GBP Rankings

There’s a hidden ranking factor most people overlook. Not because it’s a secret, but because it requires effort, persistence, and a bit of detective work. But if you get this right, the results are consistent and game-changing.

I’m talking about spam listings—those sneaky competitors stuffing keywords in their names or, even worse, setting up completely fake businesses (a.k.a. “rank and rent” schemes). These listings clutter the map and unfairly steal the spotlight.

The good news? You can clean up this mess in three simple steps, and within 15 to 30 days, you’ll start seeing real results. Let’s get to work.

Three Steps to Remove Spam Listings and Improve Rankings

Step 1: The ‘Suggest an Edit’ Power Move

Start by identifying spam listings near your business. You’ll find these culprits in two main categories:

• Keyword-stuffed names – Businesses adding unnecessary keywords like “Best Plumber NYC” or “Cheap Locksmith Los Angeles” to game the system.
• Fake ‘rank and rent’ listings – Non-existent businesses set up purely to rank and generate leads for someone else.

How to Report Spam Listings:

1. Go to the listing on Google Maps.
2. Click “Suggest an Edit.”
3. Select “Change name or other details” (for keyword stuffing) or “Close or Remove” (for fake businesses).
4. Provide proof – Google doesn’t take action based on complaints alone; they need evidence.
   • If it’s keyword stuffing, check if the official storefront image matches the name on the profile. If not, upload a screenshot of their actual signboard.
   • If it’s a fake business, visit the listed location and take photos or videos showing no such business exists.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re a Local Guide level 7 or above, your edits get processed faster. If not, wait about three days and check if the profile has been updated or removed.

Step 2: Use Google’s Redressal Form

If your edit gets ignored, don’t worry—Google has a backup system. Report the spam listing via the Google Business Redressal Form (yes, Google has a spam-fighting form!).

How to Submit a Report:

• Fill out the Google Redressal Complaint Form.
• Attach all your gathered proof (images, videos, or other documentation). Sample Sheet.
• Wait 7-10 days for Google to investigate and take action.

This step significantly increases your chances of getting spam listings removed, but there’s still one final and most powerful move.

Step 3: Post to the Google Business Profile Community

If Steps 1 and 2 don’t get you results, it’s time to bring in reinforcements.

How to Escalate Your Case:

1. Create a Google sheet listing the spam profiles you reported, their details, and your proof.
2. Post it in the Google Business Profile Community Forum.
3. A Google Product Expert will review your case. If they find your report valid, they’ll escalate it directly to Google, and in 3-5 days, the spam listings should be gone.

The Key to Success? Perfect Proof

The more solid your evidence, the faster and more effective the takedown process. Google manages millions of listings globally, so it’s up to us to provide bulletproof proof.

💡 Quick Tip:

• Ensure you take clear photos/videos that support your claim.
• Maintain a detailed record of all the spam profiles you report.
• Revisit the listings every few weeks to ensure they don’t reappear.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep It Fair

By fighting spam, you’re not just helping your own business—you’re leveling the playing field. Let’s make sure everyone competes fairly and gets ranked based on quality, not shady tactics.

🚀 Are you ready to clean up the map and claim your rightful ranking spot? Start today, and let’s fight spam together!