Google Maps is one of the most valuable digital marketing tools available to your business, particularly if you're using the Google Local Pack. The Google Local Pack displays top-ranked business listings in a user's local area. So, when searching for "hairstylists near me" or "Italian food in my area," a user sees their local best-ranked and reviewed listings for salons or Italian restaurants at the very top of the search results page, along with a map.
Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Google confirmed testing AI-generated snippets but the missing AI label is a bug. Bing is testing an animated Copilot response. Google Business Profiles tests a Get Google QR code button. Google Business Profiles also tests related to your search section. Google local listings for hotels has track price changes by email. And I posted the weekly SEO video recap.
Google is testing showing a "Get Google QR" code button when you search for your business in Google Search. This button is with the Edit Profile, reviews, photos, posts, performance, and other buttons you see to manage your Google Business Profile. Google has pushed QR codes for reviews in many different locations in the Google Business Profile area but I don't think I've seen it in this list of options before.
This was spotted by Matt Smith who wrote on X, "did you see that Google is now featuring individual Google reviews directly in AIO? Checked a few Doctors and seeing it consistently. For the most part they are just featuring their own reviews. Keyword: Robert adelson md reviews." I was able to replicate this and here is Matt's screenshot: As Andy Simpson replied, he said this is "most definitely yes." He shared the reviews from this Doctor's Google Business listing:
Business links crawlability policy To ensure business information on Google is accurate and trustworthy, we verify the links you provide on your Business Profile. Our automated crawlers will visit these links daily at most to confirm they lead to a valid and relevant webpage. If a link cannot be accessed by our crawlers, we cannot verify it, which may lead to the removal of the link. This policy explains how to ensure your links are accessible to our systems for verification purposes.
Starting on 07/11/2025, your customer reviews will be fully managed from Google Business Profile, not your Local Services Ads account. All existing reviews will be verified against Google Maps Review Policies.
According to industry estimates, around 2% of small businesses with Google profiles face suspension every month. That translates to approximately 100,000 businesses hit by suspension every month.