SEO Scams: Fiverr Gigs Offering Google Maps Citations Pins DON’T Work

Do Fiverr gigs offer you several thousands of Google Maps citations and My Maps pins work for Local SEO ranking or they’re just SEO scams? I discuss this in this article.

You may have seen these Fiverr gigs that promise massive amounts of Google Maps citations and My Maps pins with claims that they can improve Google Business Profile (GBP) rankings in the local maps pack on Google Search.

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Before we continue, let me state that this approach is not aligned with Google’s local SEO ranking guidelines and may have little or no impact on your local search ranking.

So let’s dive into why these methods don’t work:

1. Google My Maps Not a Ranking Factor

These Fiverr gigs often create a large number of map citations using Google My Maps, which is a separate service from Google Maps. While My Maps is a tool for creating custom maps, it does not influence local search rankings in Google’s algorithm.

Google Business Profile (GBP) listings, which are crucial for local search, rely on authoritative signals, and Google My Maps is not considered a ranking signal by Google.

2. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

Local Search Ranking Factors rely on three main factors:

• Relevance: How well a local business profile matches what someone is searching for.
• Distance: How close the business is to the searcher or search area.
• Prominence: How well-known and reputable the business is.

Creating tens of thousands of low-quality citations or My Maps pins does not increase your prominence in a meaningful way.

Local search rankings are influenced by quality citations from authoritative sources (such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc.), positive reviews, consistent business information (NAP – Name, Address, Phone), and content relevance on your GBP profile.

3. Driving Directions and Radius Cover

Fiverr gigs that offer “driving directions” or radius cover assume that these features will boost local relevance and proximity. While driving directions can potentially increase activity on your Google Maps profile, they don’t act as a direct ranking signal. What matters more are:

• Google Business Profile Optimization: Clear and accurate business information.
• Location relevance: Ensuring your business is properly categorized and located.
• User engagement: Positive reviews, click-through rates, and actions taken by users on your GBP listing (e.g., directions requests, phone calls).

Flooding a map with directions and pins does not naturally increase user engagement.

4. Low-Quality Backlinks

Fiverr gigs often promise backlinks in combination with My Maps citations. However, if these backlinks come from low-quality or irrelevant sources, they can harm your site’s authority.

Google’s algorithm looks for high-quality backlinks from relevant, authoritative websites. Mass backlinks from non-reputable sources can raise red flags for Google’s spam filters, potentially leading to penalties.

5. NAP Consistency

The consistency of your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) across the web is critical for local SEO. Search engines like Google rely on consistent NAP information to verify the authenticity and authority of a business.

Fiverr gigs offering high numbers of citations typically focus on volume over consistency, which can lead to inaccurate data spread across low-quality directories, confusing search engines and users alike.

6. Spam Risks

Creating thousands of low-quality citations within a short period can appear unnatural and be flagged as spam. Google’s algorithm focuses on organic growth, quality content, and user engagement.

Relying on automated tools or mass-generated citations risks having your GBP profile penalized or suppressed in search results.

How to Rank in Google Local Pack

For businesses aiming to rank well in the Local Pack on Google Search, follow these legitimate and proven strategies:

1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
   Ensure your GBP is claimed, fully verified, and up to date with the correct NAP information.
2. Optimize Your GBP Listing

• Include a detailed business description with relevant keywords.
• Add high-quality images and videos.
• Ensure your business is categorized correctly.
• Keep your hours of operation up to date.

1. Encourage Positive Reviews
   Google reviews are a key ranking factor. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, and respond to all reviews (both positive and negative) to show engagement.
2. Citations from High-Quality Directories
   Focus on high-quality local citations from relevant and reputable directories. Tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal can help with citation building across trusted platforms.
3. Consistent NAP Information Across the Web
   Make sure your business’s NAP details are consistent across all platforms, including your website, social media profiles, and other directories.
4. Create Locally Relevant Content
   Publish content on your website that is relevant to local search queries. This could include blog posts about local events, local guides, or services targeted to your region.
5. Build High-Quality Backlinks
   Acquire backlinks from trusted, authoritative websites that are relevant to your industry. Reach out to local bloggers, news outlets, and partners for natural links.
6. Engage with Users on GBP
   Regularly post updates on your GBP, answer questions, and engage with customer reviews. Activity on your listing shows Google that your business is active and responsive, which helps your ranking.

Local SEO Scams

The Fiverr gigs that promise thousands of Google Maps citations or My Maps pins are unlikely to improve your local SEO performance or Google Maps rankings. Instead, follow Google’s guidelines for local SEO, focusing on relevance, proximity, and prominence.

For business owners seeking real results in local SEO and Google Maps rankings, EnspireFX offers expert SEO services designed to help you rank in the local pack. From Google Business Profile optimization to high-quality citation building and review management, EnspireFX can deliver sustainable, long-term improvements in your online visibility.

If you need expert help to optimize your local search presence, contact EnspireFX for a comprehensive local SEO strategy tailored to your business needs.