Rise & Rank with RankPast Podcast

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 15: Suspended. Offended. Defended

Has your Google Business Profile been suspended, disabled, or locked in endless verification loops? Time to fight back. In this no-fluff, action-packed episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, we’re unpacking the suspension maze—why it happens, how to appeal, and what it really takes to get your listing reinstated.

Think of it as digital self-defence—because when Google drops the hammer, your business can’t afford to disappear.

💡 Here’s what we cover:

• The Penalty Spectrum – From soft suspensions to the “nuclear option,” know exactly where you stand
• Why Google Suspends – The top triggers that land businesses in digital detention
• The Evidence Arsenal – Documents, photos, and proof you need to build a winning case
• The 60-Minute Rule – How to ace Google’s tight appeal window without breaking a sweat
• Video Verification Secrets – What to show (and what NOT to) when Google asks for proof on camera
• Staying Out of Trouble – Proactive steps to prevent future suspensions and keep your listing safe

This episode is for every business owner who’s woken up to find their profile gone and their calls silent—and is ready to bounce back stronger.

So get ready to defend your business, recover your visibility, and keep Google from putting you back in digital detention.

Because your profile isn’t just a listing—it’s your livelihood.

Hit play now! Love what you heard? Leave us a review and help more businesses rise and rank! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 14: Spam Bam Thank You Ma'am

Is your Google Business Profile surrounded by shady competitors with keyword-stuffed names and sketchy addresses? Time to fix that. In this no-fluff, action-packed episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, we’re pulling back the curtain on GBP spam and showing you exactly how to spot it, report it, and win back your rightful place in local search.

Think of spam reporting as cleaning up your neighbourhood—but instead of picking up litter, you’re removing fake businesses, lead-gen traps, and keyword-crammed impostors from Google Maps.

💡 Here’s what we cover:

• Spam Red Flags 101 – From fake addresses to suspicious review patterns, learn the dead giveaways every spam fighter should know

• When to Report (and When to Let It Go) – How to tell legit competition from rule-breaking listings

• Reporting Like a Pro – Step-by-step walkthroughs for Google Maps, the Reviews Tool, and the Redressal Form

• Evidence That Sticks – The screenshots, photos, and details that make your reports hard to ignore

• Protecting Your Own Profile – How to keep your business safe from false reports and shady takedowns

This episode is for business owners tired of losing clicks to cheaters and ready to fight back—without crossing the line.

So get ready to spot faster, report smarter, and clean up your corner of Google.

Because your local search results deserve to be fair—and you deserve to be seen.

Hit play now! Love what you heard? Leave us a review and help more businesses rise and rank! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 13: Click, Track, Conquer

Is your Google Business Profile dashboard just sitting there, collecting digital dust? Time to change that. In this high-energy, data-powered episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, we're diving into the juicy goodness of your GBP insights and showing you how to turn those confusing little charts and stats into real, revenue-boosting moves. Think of your GBP dashboard as a spaceship console—except instead of steering through asteroid belts, you're navigating customer behaviour, peak traffic times, and visibility goldmines. 💡 Here’s what we cover: - Customer Actions Decoded – What phone calls, direction requests, and website clicks are really telling you (and what to do about it) - Behavior Trends – How to align your marketing with the times your audience is actually paying attention - Strategy Tweaks That Work – From fresh photos to smart updates, we’ll show you how small adjustments can create big results - Tools That Make Life Easier – Meet BrightLocal, Yext, and other superhero sidekicks that give your GBP a serious glow-up This episode is for business owners who are done with guesswork and ready to make smarter, data-driven decisions—without the overwhelm. So get ready to track smarter, post better, and optimize faster. Because your Google Business Profile shouldn’t just exist—it should work for you. Hit play now! Love what you heard? Leave us a review and help more businesses rise and rank! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 12: Text Me, Maybe?

In this episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, we’re spotlighting a massively underrated feature: GBP Messaging. Think of your Google listing as your digital storefront window. GBP Messaging? That’s your friendly employee at the door, waving hello and asking, “Need anything?” It’s fast, it’s free, and it’s one of the smartest ways to engage your local audience in real-time. 💡 Here’s what we cover: - What the Heck is GBP Messaging? We break down what this feature is, why it matters, and how it connects you to high-intent customers before they ever land on your website. - Easy Setup That Works We walk you through activating messaging without the stress, including welcome message tips and app suggestions to keep things smooth and snappy. - Respond Like a Pro You’ll learn best practices for replying quickly, saving canned responses, and maintaining a helpful, human tone—because slow responses are like missed punchlines. - Notifications That Keep You in the Loop Don’t miss a message that could lead to a booking. We cover how to stay on top of every ping so you never lose a lead. Real-World Wins From bakeries to HVAC companies, we share success stories that prove GBP Messaging can boost bookings, build trust, and make you the go-to business in your area. Ready to turn those listing lurkers into real conversations and paying customers? This episode is your step-by-step guide to doing just that—no tech overwhelm, just real results. Hit play now! Love what you heard? Leave us a review and help more businesses rise and rank! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 11: GBP Mistakes

Ever driven to a business that said it was open on Google—only to find the lights off and the doors locked? Yeah… us too. Betrayed by tacos, no less. In this spicy episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, Aileen and crew dive headfirst into the biggest (and most cringe-worthy) mistakes people make on their Google Business Profiles—and how to fix them fast. We’re talking: - Outdated hours that break hearts and trust - Review replies (or lack thereof) that make you look like a ghost - Empty posts, awkward categories, and enough keyword stuffing to make Google gag - Blurry logos and missing photos (yup, we noticed) - Neglected FAQs that leave customers guessing and bouncing If your GBP has been gathering cobwebs or shouting “We do ALL the things!” without clarity—this episode is your wake-up call. We’re handing you a GBP Glow-Up Checklist, real-life examples, and some good laughs along the way (yes, even a hot take on grainy flip-phone photos and unicorn filters). ✨ Want to shine online and stop missing out on local searches that matter? ✨ Ready to clean up your digital storefront and boost trust with both humans and Google’s algorithm? Then this one’s for you. Tune in Now. Don’t forget to search “Rankpast” on Google to leave us a review—we’ll love you forever. Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 10: Bookings

Have you ever tried to book a haircut only to hear, “We’re fully booked, sorry!” Cue the panic—and the emergency hat. In this episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, Aileen and Kai are making sure your business never leaves a customer hanging. We’re diving into Google Business Profile’s Booking Features—your secret weapon to stop missed opportunities, eliminate phone tag, and drive more conversions. Whether you run a salon, yoga studio, HVAC company, or a restaurant, this episode shows you how to turn your GBP into a hardworking, no-nonsense, always-on digital receptionist. 💡 You’ll learn: - Who can (and should) use Google’s booking tools - How to connect with booking partners like Square, Appointy, and Bookeo - The difference between appointment-based bookings and waitlist features - Why prepaid bookings can reduce no-shows and boost revenue - Real-life examples of how local businesses boosted visibility and bookings overnight Plus, we’re sharing quick-fire tips like keeping your calendar up to date, setting a clear cancellation policy, and promoting your booking button across all channels—from your website to your bathroom mirror (no shame). If your business takes appointments, reservations, or schedules anything at all—this episode is your step-by-step playbook for making it easier, faster, and more customer-friendly. Show us some love with a review on Google by searching for RankPast Digital—we see you, small biz hero and tune in to this episode now! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 9: Product Listings

Ever feel like your Google Business Profile is more a mystery novel than a bestseller? Like… people know you exist, but they have no idea what you actually offer? In this episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, we’re pulling back the curtain on two underrated superstars of your GBP: the Services and Products sections. Join Aileen and Kai as they break down the key differences between Services (your business’s “what we do”) and Products (your visual, clickable, “ooh I want that!”). From dog groomers and electricians to tutors and massage therapists, this episode is packed with real-world examples and no-fluff tips to help you optimize your listings and attract more local customers. 💡 You’ll learn: - The biggest mistakes businesses make with Services and Products (and how to fix them fast) - How to write keyword-rich, click-worthy descriptions that fit into those character limits - Why even service-based businesses should be using the Products tab (hint: it’s visual gold) - What UTM links are, how to build them, and how they track performance - A real-life example of a high-converting product listing you can model today Think of Services as your GPS for Google—and Products as your digital billboard. When they work together - Boom. Visibility, engagement, and conversions skyrocket. Whether you’re brand new to GBP or ready to level up your listings, this episode gives you the exact steps to make your business stand out in local search. Hit play now! Love what you heard? Leave us a review and help more businesses rise and rank! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 8: Attributes

In this episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, Kai and Aileen tackle one of the most important yet often overlooked features of your Google Business Profile Attributes. These little badges are your business's personality, and they make a huge impact on visibility, customer decisions, and SEO performance. It's time to stop blending into the background and start shining with all the right attributes. Attributes are like the signs on a storefront that let customers know exactly what you offer—whether that’s free Wi-Fi, wheelchair accessibility, or a dog-friendly vibe. Google—and your potential customers—are looking for these features when deciding where to spend their time and money. So, it’s time to make sure you're not leaving any of them out. Takeaways: - Attributes = Visibility: Businesses with the right attributes pop up more in search results, leading to more customers. -Attributes Make Decisions Easy: Whether it’s “Free Wi-Fi” or “Kid-friendly,” these details help customers make quick choices. - Google Loves Attributes: Businesses with detailed attributes get priority in search rankings, so don’t skip them. Action Steps: -Add relevant attributes to your Google Business Profile. -Encourage customers to mention features like “cozy vibe” or “best vegan options” in their reviews. - Keep your attributes updated, and check out the full list of options based on your business category. If you’re ready to stand out in the crowd, managing your Google attributes is a must. Listen now for all the tips, laughs, and actionable advice you need to rock your local SEO. And, don’t forget to check out Rankpast for even more ways to optimize your business profile! Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to leave us a review! Listen to all the GBP Edition live local SEO podcast episodes.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 7: FAQ's

In this episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, we're diving into the underappreciated but oh-so-powerful Google Business Profile Q&A section. Picture this: You walk into a store, and instead of crickets, you’re greeted with helpful, personalized info. That’s what your Q&A section should be like! It's your 24/7 digital concierge, ready to answer all the burning questions your potential customers have. Kai and Aileen break down how to make the most of your Q&A section—turning question-askers into loyal customers. We’re talking actionable tips to make this part of your Google Business Profile a shining star in your local SEO strategy. From answering FAQs like a pro to encouraging your community to pitch in, managing your Q&A section is one of the simplest (and most effective) ways to boost your SEO and win more customers. Want to know how to make your business seem more active, engaged, and helpful than your competitors? Tune in as we guide you through creating a Q&A section that works for you. Takeaways: - Be prompt with your responses—answer questions before they’re even asked. - Seed your FAQ section with common questions to save time and boost trust. - Encourage your happy customers to chip in with their own answers. - Always respond to community answers with appreciation to keep the vibe positive and engaging. - Manage your Q&A section regularly—it's an SEO power move that can skyrocket your rankings! And remember—when you manage your Q&A, you’re not just helping customers. You’re driving SEO growth and building trust that makes Google (and your customers) take notice. Listen in to discover how posting regularly on your Google Business Profile can help you stand out, engage with your audience, and drive more traffic to your business. With expert tips on creating clear, compelling posts, leveraging reviews, and staying active with updates, this episode is packed with strategies to help you boost your visibility, foster customer trust, and improve your ranking on Google. Tune in to learn how to make the most of your GBP and keep your business top-of-mind for potential customers! Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to leave us a review! Listen to all the GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.

Rise and Rank with RankPast local SEO Podcast: GBP Edition - Episode 6: Reviews

In this episode of Rise and Rank with RankPast, we’re diving deep into the world of reviews — the digital love letters (or horror stories) that can make or break your business. Imagine two pizza places on Google: one with five stars and glowing reviews, and the other with a lonely two-star review about “cardboard crust” (yikes!). Which one are you choosing? That’s the power of customer reviews. Kai and Aileen guide you through how to harness reviews for local SEO success, from making it stupid easy to collect reviews, to the best practices for responding to them. We also spill the beans on how to use reviews to market your business, boosting trust and visibility without looking desperate. Want to know how to ask for reviews without sounding like you're begging? We’ve got you covered. Plus, learn how to respond to both glowing praise and negative feedback like a pro — no robotic replies allowed! Get ready to see how reviews can skyrocket your Google Business Profile, boost your local SEO, and turn satisfied customers into loyal fans. If you’re not leveraging reviews yet, what are you waiting for? Tune in for all the tips, tricks, and a bit of humour as we help you make reviews your biggest superpower. Key Takeaways: - Make leaving reviews easy and accessible for your customers. - Respond to reviews in a way that builds relationships, not drama. - Use reviews in your marketing to showcase your business’ awesomeness. - Automate the process with tools so you don’t lose your sanity! Listen now, and don’t forget to leave a review (yes, we’re practicing what we preach)! Listen to all GBP Edition local SEO podcast episodes that are live.