Author: Ysabel Mano

At Websites Made With Love, we’re all about building beautiful, high-performing websites that fuel business growth. If you’re considering a new website, you’ve likely heard of WordPress. And there’s a good reason why it powers over 40% of the internet—it is simply the most powerful, flexible, and scalable platform available.

Here are our top 5 most persuasive reasons why building your professional website with WordPress is the smartest investment you can make in your business’s digital future.

1. Unmatched Flexibility: The “Build Anything” Platform

Unlike rigid, proprietary website builders that lock you into their templates, WordPress is an open canvas. It doesn’t matter if you need a simple brochure site or a complex e-commerce store—WordPress can do it. You will never outgrow a WordPress site, because it can scale with your success, accommodating any new feature or traffic spike you encounter.

💡 WMWL Client Example: Bringing the Vision to Life
We often have clients who struggle to translate their visual ideas into a cohesive web presence, relying heavily on platforms like Instagram to convey their brand’s image. When we built their WordPress website, we matched their beautiful visual aesthetic while integrating their live Instagram feed directly onto their homepage. This flexibility allowed us to create a gorgeous, dynamic site that perfectly captured the image they had in mind, leaving them absolutely thrilled.

2. The World’s Largest Ecosystem of Plugins and Themes

If you can dream of a feature for your website, there’s likely a WordPress tool for it.

The WordPress ecosystem boasts tens of thousands of plugins and themes, which are essentially pre-built functional modules (like apps) that add specific capabilities to your site quickly and affordably.

🤝 WMWL Client Example: Functionality for NPOs
Non-profit organizations (NPOs) often have unique and complex needs. They love WordPress’s flexibility to add dynamic tools like an event calendar, manage different member vs. admin user roles, and integrate fundraising platforms. This ability to layer on specific, proven functionalities through plugins gives NPOs the confidence to grow their digital presence without resorting to expensive, custom-coded solutions.

3. True Ownership and Freedom from “Platform Lock-in”

WordPress is open source, meaning the core software is free, and no single company “owns” your website. This is a massive benefit that provides true ownership and cost-effectiveness:

• No Vendor Lock-In: You can choose your own hosting, your own developers (like us!), and move your site freely if you ever need to. You own all your content and data completely.
• Lower Overall Cost: You save on the licensing fees that proprietary platforms charge. Your main costs are hosting and, if desired, premium themes/plugins.

⚠️ WMWL Client Example: The Price of Proprietary Lock-in
We once had a client who paid for a complete website on a proprietary CMS. When they simply tried to move it to a different, better hosting provider, the site instantly broke. It lost all form functionality and had no accessible admin login. The client essentially paid for a broken copy they couldn’t fix or update without a costly, manual rebuild. You shouldn’t have to pay a steep penalty just to move your own website.

4. Superior Foundation for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

As a company deeply focused on digital marketing and SEO, we know that a website is only as good as its ability to be found. WordPress is built from the ground up with clean code that search engines like Google love to crawl and index.

Moreover, the platform offers industry-leading SEO plugins that give you and your marketing team total control over every page title, description, and keyword optimization opportunity, making it a standout choice for achieving high search rankings.

💡 WMWL Client Example: The SEO Rebuild Problem
A client came to us with a Wix site, ready to invest in serious SEO and growth. We found that due to the platform’s severe limitations, we couldn’t properly optimize the site or scale it for their needs. The only solution was a complete rebuild on WordPress, causing them to spend more time and money just to get back to square one. Building a simple website on WordPress is just as easy, but it keeps the door open for professional SEO from day one.

5. Easy Content Management for Non-Technical Users

A powerful website shouldn’t require a developer to update a simple typo or add a new blog post. WordPress provides a highly intuitive administrative dashboard (the backend) that is world-renowned for its ease of use. This empowers you to keep your site fresh, update your services, and publish your own marketing materials quickly.

🎥 WMWL Client Example: Empowering Our Clients
While we handle the complex technical updates, we empower our clients to make simple content changes themselves. We use a premium theme and a carefully selected “toolbox” of plugins that work seamlessly together. More importantly, we provide custom, step-by-step video tutorials for routine updates. Our clients can rewind, slow down, and speed up the video as many times as they need to feel confident making changes, giving them total control over their day-to-day content.

Ready to Build Your Website Made With Love?

Stop worrying about platform limitations and start building your future. If you’re ready for a powerful, flexible, and scalable website that you truly own, let’s talk about building with WordPress.
Book a consultation with Mark today to discuss your website needs and see how a WordPress site can drive real growth for your business!

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is not static. It is constantly evolving, and a recent wave of updates indicates a major shift toward AI-driven functionality and stricter verification.
Here is a summary of the most critical changes and new features you need to know to maintain visibility and accurate tracking for your local business.

1. The AI Takeover of GBP Q&A

Google is moving quickly to integrate its AI models into local search, fundamentally changing how customers find answers on your Business Profile.

Q&A API Deprecation

The most immediate change is the deprecation of the Google Business Profile Q&A API. While the Q&A section itself may not disappear immediately, the ability for third-party tools (and possibly even the main dashboard soon) to easily manage or bulk-upload questions and answers is ending.

The Future is AI: Google is testing AI-generated Q&A and conversational search bars on the FAQ section of profiles.

This suggests the platform will rely on scraping your profile, website, and reviews to generate answers, giving you less direct control over the response.

Your Action Plan:

To ensure key information shows up accurately, you should rely on Google Posts to showcase specific details, promotions, or services that you want customers to see first.

2. Cleaner Data, Better Focus: The SERP Ranking Shift

The &num=100 Parameter Shift: How Reporting Data Changed, Not Your Rankings

The quiet removal of Google’s &num=100 URL parameter has fundamentally reshaped how keyword performance is measured in the SEO industry. This change was not a ranking algorithm update; it was a technical data collection change that primarily affected how SEO tools and Google Search Console (GSC) reported visibility.
For years, appending &num=100 to a search query allowed tools and bots to retrieve up to 100 search results on a single page, making bulk data collection efficient and inexpensive. When Google disabled this function, it forced the industry to recalibrate.

The Impact on Search Console Metrics

The most immediate and widespread effect was a dramatic shift in two key metrics in Google Search Console:

• Impressions Dropped: Impressions plummeted for the vast majority of sites. This was a result of automated scraper traffic (using &num=100 to load all 100 results) no longer being counted. Previously, a single scrape would generate an impression for all 100 URLs, regardless of whether a human user ever saw the result past page one. The new, lower impression count reflects a more accurate baseline of real user visibility.
• Average Position Rose: Many sites saw their Average Position metric suddenly improve. This is an artifact of the Impressions drop. Since the very low-ranking positions (pages 3-10) were the primary source of the inflated, bot-driven impressions, removing that data noise automatically inflated the average rank (making it “better”) because the calculation is now weighted more heavily by the actual top-ranking, highly visible keywords.
• Keyword Visibility Decreased: Third-party rank tracking tools and GSC reports showed a sudden decline in the total number of unique keywords a site ranked for. This is because visibility for long-tail keywords ranking deep in the SERP (positions 21-100) became much harder and more expensive to track, causing them to drop out of reports entirely.

Adapting Your SEO Strategy

The removal of the parameter ultimately compels SEO professionals to focus on meaningful performance indicators:

• Trust Clicks, Not Impressions: If your impressions dropped but your Clicks, Click-Through Rate (CTR), and Conversions remained stable, your actual SEO performance is secure. These are the metrics that reflect real user interaction.
• Prioritize Top 20 Rankings: The tracking change reinforces the fact that the vast majority of organic value comes from the first two pages of search results (Top 20). Shift your strategy to prioritize improving positions 5-20, as visibility beyond that is now both harder to measure and less valuable.
• Re-baseline Reporting: Annotate your reports starting from the date of the change (typically late September 2025) and establish the post-removal numbers as your new metric baseline. Avoid comparing current impression data to inflated historical data.

3. New Features: Post Scheduling and Multi-Location Events 🗓️

Google is giving business owners more control and flexibility with content:

• Post Scheduling: This is a major update! The ability to schedule Google Posts is rolling out, making the GBP platform much more like a social media channel. This feature will improve consistency and simplify content planning for managers.
• Multi-Location “What’s Happening”: For businesses with multiple locations, GBP can now grab event information from third-party sources and display it as an event listing across all relevant GBP listings. This centralizes event promotion and saves time.

4. Enhanced Lead Tracking and Customer Journey Insights

The customer journey is becoming more complex (from AI Discovery to Brand Search to Reviews to Conversion). To truly track where your business is generating value, you need a multi-faceted approach.

5. Passing the Video Verification Test

Verification remains a persistent pain point, with processing delays, including for video submissions, sometimes taking up to two weeks. The criteria are strict because Google agents literally cross-reference your video against Google Maps Street View and other factors.
When submitting your continuous, unedited verification video, you must clearly show three things:

• Proof the Business Exists: Show your office or truck with clear, permanent business signage.
• Proof You Are the Owner/Manager: Prove access by showing the key unlocking the vehicle or the front door (must show the door is locked before unlocking).
• Proof of Location: Clearly show the exterior, nearby street signs, or permanent landmarks to prove where you are located.

Video Recording Tips:

• Clarity is Key: Ensure the video is super clear as it may be cropped by the system.
• Pace Yourself: Do not pan too fast—move slowly and deliberately.
• Avoid Cheating: Do not try to prop the door open with your foot when demonstrating the lock.

Focus on Websites Made With Love

Don’t let reporting changes distract you from the core mission: building a quality online experience. Google’s shifts often aim to clear out noise and emphasize genuine value.
If your website is “made with love,” focused on user value and quality content, you’re already doing what matters most. With these recent changes, now is a great time to consider a Mini SEO Audit to help establish a new, accurate performance baseline. Reach out for more info!

Google isn’t the untouchable giant it once was. In 2022, studies showed that nearly 40% of Gen Z users start their product or local discovery on platforms like TikTok or Apple Maps instead of Google (source – WARC). That’s a huge chunk of potential customers bypassing Google entirely! Meanwhile, AI-powered searches and in-app platforms like Apple Maps are eating into Google’s territory.

Why does this matter to you? Customers are searching differently now. They’re using apps, voice assistants like Siri, and even social media to find businesses. If you’re only focused on Google, you’re leaving money on the table. Smaller search engines like Apple Maps aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re becoming essential for reaching today’s customers.

Why Citations Are Your Secret Weapon

You might be wondering, “What’s a citation, and why should I care?” A citation is any online mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP). Think of it as your business’s digital footprint across the web—on directories, apps, and search engines. Citations are the backbone of local search visibility, and here’s why they’re critical:

• Consistency Builds Trust: Search engines like Google, Bing, and Apple Maps use citations to verify your business’s legitimacy. If your address is listed as “123 N Street” on one site and “123 North Street” on another, it confuses search engines and customers alike. Inconsistent information can hurt your visibility and make customers doubt your reliability.
• Clicks Are Declining, Citations Are Rising: Fewer people are clicking through to websites from search results. Instead, they’re relying on quick info from apps like Apple Maps or voice assistants like Siri. Accurate citations ensure your business pops up when someone asks, “Hey Siri, find a coffee shop near me.”
• Smaller Search Engines Matter: While Google still uses citations as a trust signal, platforms like Bing and Apple Maps rely on them even more. As Google’s dominance wanes, these platforms are stepping into the spotlight, making citations more important than ever.

Is Your Citation Strategy Working?

To make sure your citations are helping, not hurting, your business, ask yourself these questions:

• Is it working? Are customers finding you on Apple Maps, Bing, or other platforms? Check your analytics to see where your calls and visits are coming from.
• Are there errors? Search for your business online. Do you see mismatched addresses, old phone numbers, or outdated hours? These errors can push customers to your competitors.
• How do I fix them? Use tools like Apple Business Connect to claim and update your listing. For broader citation cleanup, talk to our team at Websites Made With Love to ensure consistency across directories.
• Am I better than my competitors? Search for businesses like yours on Apple Maps. Are your competitors’ listings more complete or accurate? A polished listing with photos, reviews, and up-to-date info can set you apart.
• How do I prove it? Track your performance. Are you getting more calls or visits after optimizing your citations? Tools like Google Analytics or Apple Business Connect insights can show you the impact.

The Power of Apple Maps for Your Business

Apple Maps is no longer just a navigation app—it’s a major player in local search. As the default navigation app for iOS devices, Apple Maps connects businesses to over half of U.S. smartphone users. That’s a massive audience you can’t afford to ignore. According to NearMedia.co (2023), Apple Maps drives 10% of phone calls and 5% of website visits that Google Business Profiles (GBP) don’t. That means Apple Maps is picking up customers Google is missing.

Apple’s answer to GBP is Apple Business Connect, a tool that lets you claim and manage your business listing on Apple Maps. Think of it as your business’s digital storefront on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. By claiming your listing, you ensure customers see accurate details like your hours, address, phone number, and website. This isn’t just about visibility—it’s about trust. Customers are more likely to visit or call a business with consistent, reliable information.

How to Get Started with Apple Maps

Ready to tap into Apple Maps’ potential? Here’s how to make it work for your business:

• Claim Your Business on Apple Business Connect: Open Apple Maps, search for your business, and select “Claim this place.” Follow the steps to verify your ownership. This process can be a bit clunky (yes, it’s not as user-friendly as Google Business Profile), but it’s worth the effort.
• Fill Out Every Detail: Add your business hours, phone number, website, photos, and any special offerings. The more complete your listing, the more likely customers will choose you.
• Keep It Consistent: Make sure your NAP (name, address, phone number) matches exactly across Apple Maps, Google, Bing, and other directories. Even small differences can hurt your visibility.
• Encourage Reviews: Just like Google, Apple Maps lets customers leave reviews. Positive reviews boost your credibility and make your business stand out. Politely ask happy customers to share their experiences on Apple Maps.
• Monitor and Update Regularly: Keep your listing fresh. Update hours, add new photos, or promote seasonal offers through Apple Business Connect to stay relevant.

Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Apple Maps

As Google’s grip on search weakens, platforms like Apple Maps are stepping up. With AI and voice assistants like Siri pulling information from multiple sources, having a strong presence on Apple Maps is no longer optional—it’s a game-changer. Small businesses that overlook this opportunity risk losing customers to competitors who are already optimizing their Apple Maps listings.

Think about it: over half of Canadian smartphone users are on iOS devices, and Apple Maps is their default navigation app. That’s a huge pool of potential customers looking for businesses like yours. Plus, with approximately 10% of phone calls and 5% of website visits coming from Apple Maps (and not Google), you’re missing out if you’re not listed or your information is outdated.

Yeah, But Isn’t This Just For America?

The United States usually gets the first slice of cake because most of the tech giants are located there. Usually, Canada and other countries follow suit sometime after. That’s the benefit of being a Canadian business – you still have time.

At Websites Made With Love, we take the time to learn and watch what is working (and not working) in the United States so we can better prepare your website to rank competitively.

The Bigger Picture: AI and the Future of Search

AI is reshaping how customers find businesses. Smart assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant rely heavily on citation data to deliver accurate results. If your business information isn’t consistent across platforms like Apple Maps, you could be invisible to these AI-driven searches. As Google’s search ad share is projected to fall, diversifying your presence across multiple platforms is critical to staying competitive.

This isn’t about abandoning Google—it’s about expanding your reach. By combining a strong Google Business Profile with a polished Apple Maps listing and consistent citations across the web, you’re casting a wider net to capture customers from every angle.

Take Action Now

Don’t let your business get left behind in the shifting search landscape. Here’s a quick action plan to get started:

• Claim Your Apple Maps Listing Today: Visit Apple Business Connect and claim your business. It’s a small time investment for a big payoff.
• Audit Your Citations: Search for your business on Apple Maps, Google, Bing, and major directories like Yelp. Fix any inconsistencies in your name, address, or phone number.
• Use Citation Management Tools: If managing citations feels overwhelming, tools like Moz Local or Yext can streamline the process and ensure consistency.
• Track Your Progress: Use analytics tools or Apple Business Connect insights to measure how many calls, visits, or clicks your listing generates.
• Stay Ahead of Competitors: Regularly check your competitors’ listings on Apple Maps. A more complete, engaging listing will give you the edge.

What’s Next?

Google may still be a major player, but its decline signals a new era of search. Apple Maps, powered by Apple Business Connect, is a rising star that small businesses can’t afford to ignore. By claiming your listing, optimizing your citations, and keeping your information consistent, you’re not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead.

In a world where customers are searching in new ways, being everywhere they look is the key to success. Take the first step today and claim your Apple Maps listing—your customers are already searching for you there. Or, book a call with our team to get you set up.

At Websites Made With Love, we care just as much about what powers your website as we do about how it looks and functions. That’s why we’re proud to officially partner with Hosting Nation, a locally owned Canadian hosting provider in beautiful British Columbia that shares our commitment to quality, performance, and personal service.

Because let’s be honest, your website isn’t just “online.” It’s the core of your business. And the server it runs on? That’s the foundation. With Hosting Nation, we know our clients are backed by fast, secure, and reliable infrastructure, with real human support just a call or email away.

Why Hosting Nation?

There are a lot of hosting companies out there, but Hosting Nation stands out for all the right reasons:

• Locally Owned & Operated
  • Hosting Nation is proudly Canadian and based right here in British Columbia. Just a real team that gets it.
• Fast, Reliable Performance
  • Hosting Nation delivers the kind of speed and uptime your website (and your users) deserve.
• Security You Can Count On
  • Built-in malware scanning, daily backups, SSL certificates, and strong firewall protection, all included.
• Excellent Customer Support
  • Hosting Nation’s support is responsive, friendly, and local. We’ve experienced it ourselves, and it’s a big reason why we trust them with our client sites.

Built for the Way We Work

This partnership allows us to seamlessly host, manage, and support our clients’ websites from start to finish, with no handoffs, no headaches. Whether we’re launching a brand-new site or migrating an existing one, Hosting Nation gives us the flexibility and reliability we need to do our best work (and help you do yours).

Keeping It Local, Keeping It Real

Like us, Hosting Nation believes in doing good work for good people, without the big-agency fluff or tech overwhelm. We both value clear communication, sustainable practices, and building long-term relationships. This partnership is a natural extension of that.

Need Hosting? We’ve Got You Covered

If you’re working with Websites Made With Love, rest assured your site is in good hands, from design to hosting and everything in between. And if you’re looking to switch to something more dependable, let’s talk. We’ll guide you through it and make the move easy.

Want to learn more about Hosting Nation or how we manage hosting for our clients?
Contact us, we’d love to chat.

If you’ve recently checked your Google Business Profile (GBP) and spotted a message stating, “Suspicious high-rated reviews were recently removed from this place,” you’re not alone. This notification, paired with a 30-day ban on new reviews, signals Google’s latest effort to combat fake reviews and ensure trust in its platform. Previously seen in regions like the UK, this feature is now rolling out across North America, catching business owners by surprise.

Here’s everything you need to know about this change, who it affects, and what to do if it hits your profile.

What Is the “Suspicious High-Rated Reviews” Message?

Google has intensified its fight against inauthentic reviews on Google Business Profiles, aiming to maintain the integrity of its Maps and Search platforms. The “Suspicious high-rated reviews were recently removed from this place” message indicates that Google’s automated spam detection system has flagged and removed reviews it deems questionable—typically high-rated (4- or 5-star) reviews that show signs of manipulation, such as being posted in bulk, from suspicious accounts, or lacking specific details. Alongside the removal, the affected profile faces a 30-day ban on receiving new reviews, and the business’s overall rating is updated to reflect the change.
This crackdown isn’t entirely new. Google has been testing this feature in regions like the UK, but its expansion to North America marks a broader push to address the growing issue of fake reviews, which can mislead consumers and harm honest businesses. According to industry reports, Google removed millions of fake reviews last year alone, with a 44% spike from the previous year, highlighting the scale of the problem. (source)

Who Does This Affect?

The “Suspicious high-rated reviews” message can appear on any Google Business Profile that accepts reviews, regardless of the business’s size, industry, or location in North America. From local coffee shops to multi-location brands, no one is immune if Google’s algorithms detect suspicious activity. Common triggers include:

• Bulk Reviews: A sudden influx of 5-star reviews posted in a short time frame, often with vague or repetitive language (e.g., “Great service!” without specifics).
• Suspicious Accounts: Reviews from profiles with little activity, multiple reviews across unrelated businesses, or stolen profile images.
• Paid Reviews: Businesses that have engaged (knowingly or unknowingly) with services offering fake reviews risk triggering Google’s detection system.

This can hit small businesses particularly hard, as their GBP ratings directly influence local search rankings and customer trust. For multi-location brands, suspicious activity at one location could cast doubt on the entire brand’s reputation. With 81% of customers using Google to evaluate local businesses, maintaining a clean review profile is critical. (source)

What Can You Do If You See This Message on Your Profile?

If your Google Business Profile displays the “Suspicious high-rated reviews” message, don’t panic. Google provides steps to address the issue, and there are ways to protect your reputation moving forward. Here’s what you can do, based on guidance from Google’s support documentation:

1. Review Google’s Policies

Understand why reviews might have been flagged. Google removes reviews that violate its policies, such as those deemed spam, irrelevant, or from fake accounts. Familiarize yourself with Google’s content policies to ensure your review practices align with their guidelines. For example, soliciting reviews in exchange for payment or discounts is a violation and could lead to further penalties, including profile suspension.

2. Appeal the Decision

If you believe the removed reviews were legitimate or the ban was applied in error, you can appeal:

• Access Business Profile Manager: Sign in with the email associated with your GBP.
• Locate the Message: Find the “Suspicious high-rated reviews” notification on your profile.
• Submit an Appeal: Use Google’s appeal form (linked in the notification or available through Google’s support page) to request a review of the decision. Provide evidence, such as screenshots of legitimate customer interactions, to support your case.
• Check Status: After submitting, monitor the status in Business Profile Manager. Possible statuses include:
  • Decision pending: The appeal is under review.
  • Report reviewed – no policy violation: The review was evaluated and found compliant, so it may be reinstated.
  • Escalated – check your email for updates: The appeal has been escalated, and you’ll receive an email with the final decision.

Appeals are one-time, so ensure your submission is thorough. If Google mistakenly removed authentic reviews, contacting support promptly can help restore them.

3. Encourage Authentic Reviews

Once the 30-day ban lifts, focus on collecting genuine reviews to rebuild your rating. Use ethical tactics like:

• QR Codes: Create a QR code linking to your GBP review page and display it in-store or on receipts to make it easy for happy customers to leave feedback.
• Respond to Reviews: Reply to all reviews—positive or negative—to show customers you value their input. This can boost engagement and encourage organic reviews.
• Avoid Shady Tactics: Steer clear of services promising to “boost” your reviews. Google’s algorithms are quick to detect manipulation.

4. Monitor Your Profile

Regularly check your GBP for suspicious activity. If you notice a surge in vague or overly positive reviews, flag them yourself to avoid future bans. Encourage your team to report suspicious reviews via the “Flag as inappropriate” option in Business Profile Manager. Multiple flags can help Google’s algorithm identify patterns of spam.

At Websites Made With Love, we offer a neat service that connects your Google Business Profile to a monitoring system. This system alerts us when there are changes made to your profile. This way, you can know about it and fix it immediately.

For example, some profiles have a “suggested edit” section that allows anyone to suggest edits. Sometimes, these suggested edits are automatically applied without the profile owner even knowing. This can be very detrimental for local businesses that rely on local SEO.

I mean, think about it… if you are a plumber in Nanaimo, BC, and someone changes your location to Prince George, is that really going to help you? While we hate to say it, sometimes competitors can practice bad behaviours like this to try and get ahead. While we don’t like it, it can and does happen. Don’t you want to know when/if it does? Contact us, we can help.

Why This Matters

Google’s review system is a double-edged sword. Reviews can boost your local SEO and attract customers, but fake or suspicious ones can tank your reputation and rankings. With 75% of consumers wary of fake reviews, maintaining authenticity is more important than ever.

Google’s new measures, while strict, aim to level the playing field for honest businesses. However, bugs in their system—like the resurfacing of previously removed reviews—can complicate things, so staying proactive is key.

The Bigger Picture

This crackdown reflects a broader push for transparency in online reviews. In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has pressured Google to enhance its detection processes, resulting in warning alerts and review bans for offending businesses.

North America’s adoption of similar measures shows Google’s commitment to global consistency. As a business owner, embracing ethical review practices not only protects your GBP but also builds trust with customers who rely on authentic feedback to make decisions.

Stay Ahead of the Game

Seeing the “Suspicious high-rated reviews” message can feel like a gut punch, but it’s a chance to clean up your review profile and double down on authenticity. By understanding Google’s policies, appealing errors, and fostering genuine customer feedback, you can navigate this challenge and come out stronger. Keep an eye on your GBP, engage with your customers, and let your real reviews shine.

Have you encountered this message on your Google Business Profile? Contact us at Websites Made With Love for expert tips on managing your online reputation!

If you’ve noticed your Google Business Profile (GBP) acting a bit funky—like disappearing entirely or losing key details—you’re not alone.

There’s a glitch in Google’s system causing some serious headaches, especially for folks in the automotive industry, though other sectors might feel the pinch too. Over 2,500 dealership listings have already been hit, and Google’s still working on a fix without a clear timeline.

But don’t panic! We’re here to break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can protect your profile with a few simple steps. Let’s dive in with a calm, clear head and get your business back on track. Ok? Ok!

What’s Going On with Google Business Profiles?

Google’s been rolling out its shiny new Gemini AI to help audit and moderate listings. While AI can be awesome, it’s not perfect, kind of like when your GPS sends you down a random dirt road. This tech hiccup is causing some major disruptions, like:

• Profiles are getting unverified or completely removed
• Primary categories and customer reviews are vanishing
• Edits being blocked, reversed, or stuck in limbo

Some experts think Gemini’s overzealous auditing is flagging legitimate profiles as suspicious, especially if they’ve had recent updates or multiple users tinkering with them.

Even routine changes, like tweaking your business description or adding a new category, can accidentally trip the system. Worse, some profiles are disappearing without any recent changes. If you’ve gone through the reverification process, you know what a headache that can be!

Why should I care about this?

Your Google Business Profile is like your digital storefront—it’s how customers find you on Google Search and Maps. If it goes poof, you’re in for a rough ride:

• No review responses: You can’t reply to customer feedback, which can hurt your reputation.
• Lost control: You can’t update your hours, photos, or other key info.
• Lower visibility: A missing or unverified profile tanks your local SEO, making it harder for customers to discover you.

In short, a glitchy GBP can make your business look like it’s playing hide-and-seek with potential customers. Not cool.

What’s Causing the Disappearances?

Here are the main culprits behind vanishing profiles:

• Suspensions: Google might flag your profile for violating its guidelines, like inaccurate info, spammy content, or fake reviews.
• Verification Issues: If your profile isn’t fully verified or has verification hiccups, it might not show up.
• Listing Errors: Typos in your business name, wrong categories, or outdated location details can trigger removal.
• Automated Sweeps: Google’s AI sometimes goes a bit rogue on checks, especially on profiles with similar info or those tied to bulk verification accounts.
• Account Mix-Ups: Conflicting verification details can make your profile look “unclaimed” or unverified.

The kicker? Making more than two edits in a 24–48-hour window can increase your chances of getting flagged. Yikes.

How to Protect Your Google Business Profile

The good news? You’ve got options to keep your profile safe and visible while Google sorts out this mess. Here’s your action plan:

• Limit User Access
  Too many cooks in the kitchen (or users on your GBP) can raise red flags. Stick to essential team members only and avoid adding new users for now.
• Pause Major Edits
  Hold off on bulk changes or frequent tweaks to your profile—like updating categories, hours, or descriptions—until Google gives the all-clear.
• Check for Suspension Notices
  Keep an eye on your email for any alerts from Google about account or listing issues. If you spot one, act fast.
• Verify Your Business
  Double-check that your profile is fully verified. If it’s not, follow Google’s verification steps to lock it in.
• Fix Errors ASAP
  If your business name, category, or location details are off, correct them immediately to avoid triggering Google’s radar.
• Appeal Suspensions
  If you think your profile was unfairly suspended, file an appeal through Google Business Profile support. Be patient, it might take a bit.
• Track Your CID
  Your Business Profile ID (CID) is like your profile’s fingerprint. If you have it saved, it can help you recover or manage your listing.

Psst, here’s where to find your Google Business Profile ID

Google your business to see your profile, or visit https://business.google.com/locations and click on the profile you manage.
From Google’s search, click on the three vertical dots -> Business Profile Settings

Then, click “advanced settings.” By the way, if you want to add or remove users, you can do that from “People and access.”

Your business profile ID will be at the top. Save it!

• Mark Temporary Closures
  If your business is temporarily closed (like for seasonal reasons), update your profile to reflect that so Google doesn’t assume it’s inactive.

Don’t Let a Glitch Steal Your Spotlight

We get it—having your Google Business Profile disappear feels like a punch to the gut. But by taking these steps, you can minimize the risk and keep your business shining bright in search results. At Websites Made With Love, we’re all about helping you navigate these digital hiccups with ease. If you need a hand checking your GBP, fixing errors, or boosting your online presence, we’ve got your back.

Got questions or need help with your profile? Drop us a line, and let’s make sure your business stays front and center where it belongs.
Stay visible, stay awesome!

Hey there, lovely website owners and digital dreamers! It’s Websites Made With Love, popping in with some exciting news about how we’re keeping our skills razor-sharp to help your business shine online. We recently wrapped up an awesome 6-week Growth Marketing Certification from Growclass, and we’re pumped to share what we learned and why it matters for you, our amazing clients.

At Websites Made With Love, we’re all about staying ahead of the curve. The digital world moves fast (like, Usain Bolt fast), and we’re committed to constant learning to deliver the best for your websites.

That’s why we are happy to announce that two (yes, two!) of our lovely team members are now Growclass certified!

The Growclass certification isn’t our first rodeo—our team has a stack of credentials—but it’s a shiny new addition that’s already sparking ideas for your projects.

What’s Growclass, and Why Did We Jump In?

Growclass is an online, part-time program designed for growth marketing pros who want to level up their game. Over six weeks, we dug into the nitty-gritty of modern marketing strategies, guided by industry experts who’ve worked with big names like Google, Shopify, and Airbnb. The course covered a ton of ground, including:

• Growth and Experimentation Mindset: Learning how to think like a data-driven marketer, testing ideas to find what works best for growth.
• SEO: Unlocking the secrets to getting your website to rank higher on search engines (hello, Google front page!).
• Facebook and Google Ads: Crafting ads that grab attention, convert clicks, and make every dollar count.
• Conversion Copywriting: Writing words that don’t just sound pretty but actually persuade visitors to take action.
• Google Analytics: Decoding data to understand what your audience loves and how to give them more of it.
• Email Marketing: Building emails that land in inboxes (not spam folders) and turn readers into loyal customers.

The program was hands-on, with bite-sized video lessons, live office hours, and a super-supportive Slack community of marketers and founders. It’s not just about learning theory—it’s about applying practical skills right away, which is totally our vibe at Websites Made With Love.

Why This Matters for You

So, why should you care that we’ve added another certification to our toolbox? Because everything we learned at Growclass is already helping us make your website work harder and smarter. Here’s how:

• Smarter Strategies for Growth
  The experimentation mindset we honed means we’re not just guessing what’ll work for your site. We’re testing, tweaking, and optimizing based on real data. Whether it’s a new landing page or an ad campaign, we’re using proven frameworks to drive traffic, leads, and sales. For example, the course gave us tools like the Growth Experimentation Template, which we’re now using to prioritize high-impact opportunities for your business.
• SEO That Packs a Punch
  Search engine optimization isn’t just about keywords anymore—it’s about understanding user intent and technical know-how. Growclass taught us advanced SEO tactics to boost your site’s visibility, from on-site tweaks to content strategies that attract organic traffic. If you want your website to be the one customers find first, we’ve got the skills to make it happen.
• Ads That Convert Like Crazy
  Running ads can feel like throwing money into a black hole if you’re not careful. The Growclass modules on Google and Facebook ads showed us how to structure campaigns, target the right audience, and write ad copy that clicks (pun intended). This means your ad budget goes further, bringing in more qualified leads without breaking the bank.
• Copy That Closes the Deal
  Words matter. Whether it’s a homepage headline or an email subject line, the conversion copywriting skills we picked up help us craft messages that resonate with your audience. We’re already using our new tips to make your website’s pages more persuasive and action-oriented.
• Emails That Actually Get Opened
  Email marketing is still a powerhouse for connecting with customers, and Growclass showed us how to write emails that don’t just sit in inboxes—they inspire clicks and conversions. From SaaS onboarding funnels to sales emails, we’re equipped to help you build stronger relationships with your audience.
• Data-Driven Decisions
  Google Analytics can be overwhelming, but we now have a clearer handle on tracking metrics that matter. This means we can dig into your website’s data to see what’s working, what’s not, and how to double down on success. It’s like having a crystal ball for your online strategy.

The Community Vibe

One of the coolest parts of Growclass? The community. We weren’t just learning from instructors; we were swapping ideas with a diverse group of marketers and founders in a private Slack channel. It’s been called “the kindest corner of the internet,” and we totally get why. This network gave us fresh perspectives and real-time feedback, which we’re channeling into creative solutions for your projects. Plus, the ongoing access to workshops and resources means we’re constantly updating our playbook to keep your website ahead of the game.

Our Commitment to You

We don’t just build websites—we build partnerships. The Growclass certification is one more way we’re investing in your success. It’s not about collecting badges (though we’re pretty proud of this one); it’s about bringing you the latest, most effective strategies to grow your online presence. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or a founder scaling up, we’re here to make sure your website isn’t just beautiful—it’s a growth machine.

This certification is just one piece of our ongoing learning journey. Our team is always diving into new courses, experimenting with new tools, and staying on top of digital trends (like Google’s AI Overview , which we broke down in a previous blog). Why? Because we love what we do, and we’re obsessed with helping you succeed.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you’re curious about how our new Growclass skills can supercharge your website, let’s chat! Whether you need a killer SEO strategy, high-converting ads, or emails that turn leads into fans, we’ve got the tools and the passion to make it happen. Drop us a line at Websites Made With Love, and let’s talk about your next big win.

Until then, keep shining online.

Websites Made With Love is thrilled to announce its partnership with accessiBe, a leading provider of AI-powered web accessibility solutions! This collaboration aims to make the Internet more inclusive and accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Why Accessibility Matters

Since most of today’s world revolves around the Internet, especially businesses and corporations, web design is a significant technology area that can be improved to create a more engaging online presence. However, some people with accessibility impairments will have a hard time navigating some websites. Study after study has demonstrated the inaccessibility of websites and other elements of the Internet since the advent of the World Wide Web.

At Websites Made With Love, we ensure that individuals of all abilities can navigate, understand, and interact with online content. With over 1 billion people worldwide living with disabilities, providing an accessible digital experience is not just a necessity. It’s an opportunity to reach a wider audience. It stands as a powerful tool to bridge digital divides and make the internet a more equitable space for all.

How accessiBe Enhances Website Accessibility

accessiBe uses cutting-edge AI technology to scan, analyze, and adjust websites in real-time, ensuring compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and other legal standards. Some key features include:

• AI-powered automatic adjustments for screen readers and keyboard navigation
• Alt text generation for images, making content accessible to visually impaired users
• Color and contrast modifications for better readability
• Customizable accessibility widget, allowing users to adjust settings based on their needs

The SEO and Traffic Advantage

By implementing accessiBe’s solutions, businesses can increase their online visibility and attract more organic traffic. The SEMRUSH study found that 73.4% of websites using accessibility tools saw growth in their organic traffic, proving that accessibility isn’t just good for users, but also it’s great for business!

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Web

At Websites Made With Love, we believe that the internet should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. This partnership with accessiBe reinforces our mission to create inclusive, user-friendly, and SEO-optimized websites for all businesses and individuals.

If you’re ready to make your website more accessible, improve your SEO, and enhance user experience, let’s talk! Contact us today and let’s build a website that truly welcomes everyone.

Picture this: you’re searching for a cozy coffee shop or a reliable plumber nearby, and right at the top of Google’s results, you see a neat summary with all the info you need—hours, reviews, even a quick description. That’s Google AI Overviews in action, and they’re shaking up how local businesses like yours get found online.

Let’s face it, AI is everywhere. While it is teased for its clumsy nature, it will eventually get good. It’s only a matter of time before AI-generated images with too many fingers or awkwardly placed objects get replaced with much more sophisticated versions.

So, to AI or not to AI, that is the question. The answer? Get on board or you’ll be left behind.

What is Google’s AI Overview feature?

Google AI Overviews are like the CliffsNotes of search results. They’re AI-generated summaries that pop up at the top of Google’s search page, pulling together key details from across the web to answer your query fast.

For local searches—like “best pizza near me” or “emergency locksmith”—these overviews might highlight a few businesses, their services, and even customer feedback, all without you scrolling down the page. Think of them as Google’s way of making life easier for searchers by serving up quick, relevant info. For local businesses, this is a big deal because it’s changing how customers find you online.

This overview pulls information from around the web in a convenient summary at the top of the page. Getting your local business in this AI overview is a goldmine for visibility. Currently, it appears above sponsored ads, the map pack, and organic search results. Technically, it’s free because the AI is using already existing information.

How do I get on Google’s AI overview summary?

The AI is ever changing as it pulls and learns more information. However, we identified some tricks that may help.

Keywords Matter

If your domain name or slug is an exact match, it seems more likely to appear on the AI Overview. For example, searching “Nanaimo plumber” may pick up direct matches like nanaimoplumber.com or plumbingcompany.com/nanaimo-plumbers
Public directories like Yelp can be accessed by any AI platform. While Microsoft’s AI cannot access Google reviews (but Gemini can), it is a good idea to get your information out there so that all AI bots can find it.

Does my location matter?

Here’s where it gets interesting: once your business makes it into an AI Overview, where it ranks in that summary isn’t tied to how close it is to the searcher. Instead, Google’s AI prioritizes things like content quality, relevance, and authority.

So, a well-optimized website with clear, detailed information about your services can outshine a competitor who’s just down the street. This shift levels the playing field, letting businesses with strong digital strategies shine regardless of exact location. AI prioritizes content that is robust and unique. If your webpage has something more to offer than a competitor’s, there is a better chance that your content will be selected for the overview.

That said, Google’s still fine-tuning how AI Overviews handle location. Early tests show that AI Overviews are starting to pick up on geographic patterns, especially when searches are tested across a grid of locations. This suggests that while proximity isn’t the main driver, it’s still a factor, and Google might lean more into location as the technology evolves. For now, businesses need to focus on both local relevance and high-quality content to maximize visibility.

What about the Local Map Pack?

Unlike the traditional “local pack” (those three business listings that show up with a map), AI Overviews don’t rely as heavily on how close your business is to the searcher. A recent study found that businesses within a 4-mile radius of the searcher appear in AI Overviews 72% of the time, compared to 68.5% for those slightly farther away. That’s a small gap, meaning your business has a shot at being seen even if it’s not the closest option. This opens up new opportunities to compete in a wider area, but it also means your online presence needs to be top-notch to stand out.

While the local map pack doesn’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon, the AI Overview feature does sit above it. Many businesses wanted in the pack because of its placement so far up the SERP, but now AI Overviews are taking over. Our advice? Optimize for both the map pack and AI Overviews. Hey, it doesn’t hurt to show up in a few places, right?

Why should I care about AI stuff? Isn’t a website enough?

AI Overviews are pushing traditional website links further down the search results page, which means your website needs to work harder to grab attention.

If your business shows up in an AI Overview, you’re front and center for potential customers, but getting there requires a website that’s optimized for how AI interprets and prioritizes information. Detailed, accurate, and engaging content is key, as is making sure your business info (like hours, services, and contact details) is spot-on. Without a strong online presence, you risk being overshadowed by competitors who’ve adapted to this new reality.

But don’t worry, you’re in good hands with our crew.

Not every search is the same

Searching for a phrase on Google will result in an AI overview that may differ from another person’s search or even yours if you place it minutes apart. Why? The AI is still learning and organizing.

Another thing to note is that while some results are linked, others are not. No one knows for sure why some results get linked while others are not, but this is likely a feature that will also get refined over time.

Can Google detect AI-generated content on my website?

Yes, it can.

The issue with AI content is that it pulls from what it already knows. This means that a lot of AI content can seem generic, because it is. It’s rehashed information from around the web.

The best practice? Expand on what the AI offers. Provide more information that is unique to your business. Examples are a great way to add unique content that is relevant to the topic.

A website that thrives in the age of AI.

At Websites Made With Love, we’re not just a web design company—we’re your partner in navigating the ever-changing world of search technology. Our team stays up to date on AI-driven changes like Google AI Overviews, ensuring your website is built to compete.

Your website will contain fresh, high-quality, relevant content that speaks directly to what AI Overviews value, from detailed service descriptions to user-focused information. You’ll also have an optimized site for local SEO, ensuring your business details—like hours, location, and services—are accurate and easy for Google to find.

Using data-driven insights, we adapt to evolving algorithms and updates. With our commitment to trust and reliability, you can count on us to keep your business visible in this AI-powered era.

We offer a free, 30-minute clarity call. No obligation, just straight-up information.

At Websites Made With Love, we’re always on the lookout for ways to help you grow your business online without adding more to your already full plate. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with ActiveCampaign, a platform that makes email marketing and automation a breeze.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of setting up email campaigns or automating customer follow-ups, you’re not alone. Many small business owners feel the same way. But with ActiveCampaign, these tasks become manageable, even enjoyable.

Why ActiveCampaign?

ActiveCampaign is an all-in-one platform that combines email marketing, automation, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and machine learning to help businesses of all sizes deliver truly personalized customer experiences. From welcome emails to full-scale customer journeys, ActiveCampaign empowers you to connect with your audience at the right time, in the right way.

So, What Exactly Is ActiveCampaign?

Think of ActiveCampaign as your behind-the-scenes marketing assistant. It helps you:

• Send targeted emails to the right people at the right time.
  • Send professional, personalized emails to your audience using ready-made templates or create your own.
• Automate follow-ups, so no lead falls through the cracks.
  • Set up automatic emails and messages based on customer actions.
• Manage your contacts with an easy-to-use CRM.
  • Keep track of your contacts, leads, and sales in one simple dashboard.
• Gain insights into what’s working and what needs tweaking.
  • Get clear reports on key metrics like email open rates, clicks, and sales.
• Use tools you are familiar with!
  • Works seamlessly with tools you already use, like Shopify, WordPress, Stripe, Calendly, and hundreds more.

And the best part? It’s designed with small businesses in mind, with no complex setups or third-party headaches.

The Power of Connection

At Websites Made With Love, we specialize in crafting custom, accessible websites and comprehensive digital marketing strategies tailored to your business goals.

By integrating ActiveCampaign into our services, Websites Made With Love empowers your website with powerful marketing automation tools. You can track visitor behaviour, engage across multiple channels like SMS and social media, and access in-depth reporting to fine-tune your marketing strategy.

The result? A smarter website that not only looks great but actively works to grow your business.

Let’s Build Smarter Together

Whether you’re running a small business or scaling up, this partnership gives you everything you need to market with confidence and ease.

If you’re curious about how ActiveCampaign can work for your business, we’re here to help. Let’s chat about how we can integrate it into your website and start building stronger relationships with your customers.