This is either caused by major Google algorithm changes and updates, or a lack of fresh, human-made, and relevant content being added to your business profile and/or website.

Essentially, you either got affected by Google’s changes or you’ve been less active on GBP. Adding fewer photos to your business profile, creating fewer business citations, or posting little to no GBP updates.

Google Algorithm Changes & Updates

For example, in the screenshot below, I typed in “emergency plumbers available weekends manhattan” which is clearly a business intent search. As you can see below, Google’s AI Overview appears first instead of local businesses in the 3-pack.

An example of Google’s AI Overview appearing above the map pack for a business query.

Google permanently removed live chats and call history from Google Business Profiles in July, 2024. Before that date, there was a feature on Google Maps that let you start a live chat with a business.

Therefore, many businesses in August 2024 noticed a traffic drop from their Google Business Analytics dashboard. Things like calls made to my business and chats started with my business dropped dramatically.

Tracking local SEO progress with Google Business Profile dashboard of analytics and insights to track how well local SEO is working
An example of a business profile losing calls after the July 31st 2024, Google update.

Check your Google Business Profile analytics on “year over year” data. If your views are the same but your “actions” (calls/website clicks) are down, the problem is your CTR, not just the algorithm.

If no correlation shows, then your competitors have just been more active than you have, and that’s something you can work on to improve.

Also worth noting, Google tries to avoid showing the same businesses if they show up both in the “Local Pack” (the 3 businesses on a map) and the organic search results (websites).

This is called “deduplication“, so if your website ranks #1 organically, Google may ‘hide’ your Map listing to save space. A pro like me knows how to balance an SEO strategy to dominate both areas well.

Example showing how Yelp ranks under the local pack instead of other relevant businesses.

That basically means if your business shows up as a top 3 result on the map, then your business website won’t show up as a result below, and vice versa. This could result in fewer potential customers finding you.

Google’s March 2026 update also deprioritized results with AI-generated content and low CTR (click through rate) for more “helpful” results.

Staying Relevant in Local Searches

NAP Data Consistency: Is your business name, address, and phone number the same on your website, GBP, social media, and other citations? If not, make them all the same.

Business Profile Suspended: Search for your business in an incognito tab (where you are signed out) to check if it’s showing up in searches. If not, then your GBP could be suspended.

GBP updates post example of a car dealer showcasing cars for sale via GBP update posts
An example of a car dealership posting updates regularly on their GBP.

Staying Active: Are you adding photos regularly, posting updates, getting reviews regularly, and consistently? A lack of activity communicates a lack of relevancy to Google, which can hurt local rankings.

Poor GBP Optimization: Is your GBP categorized correctly? Are your target keywords in your about page description? Do you have any AI content in your posts? Are there any empty fields on your profile?

Want This Fixed, Not Just Explained?

If you want this dealt with properly, our Google Maps optimization service, which starts at $375, includes everything: profile, citations, keyword strategy, and fixing the precise issue you came here for. Consider booking a free consultation with me by clicking here.