Google has rolled out an important update that affects every business using a Google Business Profile (GBP). The links you add to your profile. whether it’s your website, social media, or direct action links – now have to meet stricter rules.
For many businesses, the GBP is the first thing customers see when searching online. That means your links are more than just clickable extras — they’re powerful trust signals that influence both your rankings on Google Maps and how customers engage with your business.
1. Use the Correct Website Link
Your GBP website link should connect directly to your business landing page — not a homepage that doesn’t match your location or a generic corporate site. If you have multiple locations, each profile must link to the correct local landing page.
2. Make Sure Your Site Is Crawlable
Google is doubling down on crawlability. Your website must be accessible for Google’s bots to verify its accuracy and gather business information. The more complete and clear your site is, the stronger your local search presence.
3. Direct Action Links Must Work Properly
If you’re adding links for orders, appointments, or reservations, they need to do exactly what they say. Sending customers to a social media inbox or a messaging link won’t cut it anymore. Google wants action-oriented links to lead to actual actions.
Your website and social media links aren’t just supporting details they’re core parts of your local SEO ecosystem. When your GBP, website, and social platforms are connected with consistent, accurate links, you build trust with both Google and your customers.
Google rewards this alignment with higher visibility in Maps and local search results.
Customers reward it with higher engagement and conversions, because every click leads them exactly where they expect to go.
Neglect these rules, and you risk losing credibility and visibility. Follow them, and your digital presence runs like a well-oiled machine — driving traffic, leads, and sales.
At MapKings, we specialize in helping businesses dominate the Google Maps 3-Pack. These new link rules are a perfect example of why local SEO can’t be set-and-forget – it’s a constantly evolving game where one misstep can cost you rankings.
Here’s how we take you to the next level:
GBP Optimization: We ensure your links, categories, and listings meet Google’s latest standards.
Location-Specific Landing Pages: For multi-location businesses, we create SEO-rich pages tailored to each profile.
Trust Signals Everywhere: From consistent social media links to optimized websites, we align every piece of your online presence to signal credibility to Google.
Rapid Results: With our proven strategies, many of our clients see measurable improvements in rankings and calls within 90 days.
Google may keep updating the rules, but with MapKings in your corner, you don’t just keep up you stay ahead.
These new GBP link rules are not a small update. They’re Google’s way of reinforcing that your online presence must be accurate, consistent, and user-focused.
If you want your business to thrive in 2025 and beyond, now is the time to fix broken links, update old landing pages, and align your digital footprint.
Map Kings makes it simple. We help you dominate local SEO, secure your spot in the Google Maps 3-Pack, and turn clicks into customers.
Ready to see how Map Kings can transform your business visibility? Contact us today and let’s get you to the top.
At Map Kings, we take a revolutionized approach to local SEO, using data-driven strategies and advanced optimization techniques.
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