Local SEO News Flash for March 26, 2025

Google Business Profile Bug Hitting New Listings

I’m seeing a nasty bug in Google Business Profile right now that’s stopping new businesses from being added and messing up phone numbers on existing profiles. If you’re trying to create a new listing or update your contact info, you might hit a wall. Google knows about it and they’re fixing it. Not ideal timing if you’re launching a business this week!

What to do: Hold off on major GBP changes for a few days. If you absolutely need updates made, document any errors with screenshots so you have proof when contacting support. For those who need help once the bug is fixed, check out my guide on how to set up a GBP from scratch or my Google Business Profile management services.

Do Geotagged Photos Help Your Local Rankings?

I just reviewed a study on whether geotagging your business photos actually boosts your Google rankings. The results? It’s complicated. Geotagged images seem to work differently for “near me” searches versus city based searches.

My take: Start tagging your photos with location data, especially if you’re in a competitive market. It’s a small tweak that costs nothing but could give you an edge. Just make sure you’re consistent about it with all new photos you upload. Want to check how your GBP stacks up? Use my free Google Business Profile Optimization Check tool.

March 2025 Google Update Rewards Quality Content

Google’s March Core Update is hammering websites with thin, generic content. If your site lacks depth and expertise, you might see your rankings drop. This update rewards businesses who show real knowledge and create content that answers what customers are actually searching for.

My advice: Look at your top landing pages. Ask yourself if they truly showcase your expertise. If not, beef them up with specific examples, case studies, or how to sections that prove you know your stuff. Not sure where to start? My Local SEO Blueprint for Small Businesses can help you prioritize what matters.

Local SEO Still Driving Growth for Small Businesses

A fresh article confirms what I’ve been telling my clients for years: local SEO remains one of the best investments for small businesses. It connects you directly with people actively searching for what you sell, builds trust through reviews, and helps you compete against bigger companies with deeper pockets.

Bottom line: If you haven’t optimized your local presence yet, you’re leaving money on the table. Start with claiming and completing your Google Business Profile, getting 5-star reviews, and making sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent across all directories. Need to check your citations? Try my Local Citation Checker or see if local citations still matter for your business.