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Google’s AI Search Results Are Here, and They Don’t Like Your Website

Last Updated: July 3, 2025

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Why Showing Up in Google Search Isn’t Enough Anymore, and What to Do Before You Disappear

If your website traffic is down but your SEO rankings haven’t changed, you’re not imagining things. Google’s new AI-powered search results are changing how local businesses get found online.

Your site might still rank on page one, but fewer people are clicking. Instead, they’re getting answers directly from Google’s new AI Overviews, which appear at the top of the search results before any website links.

This is what’s called a zero-click search. If your content isn’t being pulled into those AI-generated summaries, your business is effectively invisible.

What’s Really Happening

Google’s AI Overviews use artificial intelligence to gather and summarize information from across the web. Users see concise answers at the top of the page, often without needing to click through to any websites.

That means your content might be getting used to answer a question, but you don’t get the traffic, credit, or the lead.

Worse, Google might be pulling content from a competitor who is better optimized for this new system.

Why This Hurts Small Businesses

You’re not just losing site visitors. You’re losing potential customers, and it’s happening quietly.

AI Overviews primarily rely on:

  • Pages with short, clear answers
  • Pages that use structured data like FAQ or How-To schema
  • Sites with strong trust signals like reviews, updated listings, and user engagement

If your content is outdated or poorly structured, it’s not being chosen to answer searchers’ questions.

What You Can Do

You don’t need to rebuild your site from scratch, but you do need to make it easier for AI to understand and pull content from.

Add an FAQ Section to Key Pages

AI Overviews prefer clear questions and direct answers. Add a short FAQ section to your main service pages. Address common questions such as:

  • Do you offer emergency services?
  • What areas do you serve?
  • How long does [specific service] take?

Even a few well-written Q&As can improve your visibility.

If you’re not sure where to start or how to format it properly, we can help. Our Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) service includes done-for-you FAQ sections, schema markup, and other behind-the-scenes enhancements designed specifically to help small businesses get featured in AI Overviews.

Use Schema Markup

Schema is behind-the-scenes code that helps AI understand your content. Without it, Google has to guess, and that’s rarely in your favor.

Be Direct and Clear

Make sure the first paragraph of your landing pages gives a direct, useful answer to the visitor’s main question. Skip the filler and go straight to what you do and how you can help.

Focus on Engagement

Google tracks what people do after they land on your site. If visitors bounce quickly or don’t interact, that sends a signal that your content isn’t helpful. Keep your pages clear, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.

The New SEO: Be the Answer

Search engines are no longer just showing links. They’re giving users direct answers. If your business isn’t showing up in those answers, someone else is.

Now is the time to adapt. If you want to make sure your site is showing up in AI results, not just traditional rankings, our AEO service can help.

Let us know if you’d like a review of your current pages or a quick consultation. This change isn’t coming someday… it’s already here.

Google AI Overviews & Answer Engine Optimization FAQs


Google AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search results, providing concise answers to user queries without requiring clicks to external websites.


AI Overviews can reduce website traffic by providing direct answers in search results, leading to fewer clicks on traditional website links.


Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of structuring website content to be easily understood and utilized by AI tools, increasing the likelihood of being featured in AI-generated summaries.


To optimize for AI Overviews, add clear FAQ sections, use structured data like schema markup, ensure content is concise and direct, and enhance user engagement through mobile-friendly design and interactive elements.


Structured data helps AI tools understand and categorize content accurately, increasing the chances of your website being selected for AI-generated summaries.


AEO enhances visibility in AI-driven search results, drives targeted traffic, and improves user engagement by providing direct, relevant answers to queries.

Why Were My Google Reviews Removed?!

Last Updated: February 11, 2025

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If you’ve recently noticed that your Google Business Profile (GBP) reviews are disappearing, you’re not alone. The internet has been ablaze for the last week or so as business owners are trying to figure out why they’ve been seeing their hard-earned reviews disappearing from their GBPs. Some have seen their review count drop by dozens, while others have fluctuated wildly, gaining and losing reviews seemingly at random.

So, what’s going on?

A Known Bug (But No Immediate Fix)

Google has acknowledged that this is a known issue with the review counts and claims to be working on a fix. In many cases, the reviews themselves haven’t actually been deleted, it’s just the displayed number that’s inaccurate. On Reddit and other forums, business owners are reporting major drops in their review count overnight.

We’ve seen this firsthand with our own clients:

  • Appliance repair company – started with 1,001 reviews, dropped to 970, then dropped to 926
  • Plumber – started with 200 reviews, dropped to 195
  • Piano instruction business – started with 45 reviews, dropped to 40

Some businesses have seen their review count bounce back temporarily, only to lose them again. One of our plumber clients saw their count drop from 198 to 18, only to return to 198 later.

Another Factor: Inactive Google Accounts Getting Deleted

As we’ve mentioned before, Google announced that it will be deleting accounts that remain inactive for two years. In its support article on the topic, Google states that “all of its content and data can be deleted.” Most experts interpret this to mean that any reviews left by those accounts will also be removed.

However, a smaller group speculates that Google may simply disassociate the reviews from the original account and display them under a generic “Google User” label instead.

If the majority opinion proves correct, this will only add to the chaos because not only will review counts be inaccurate, but actual reviews may also start disappearing permanently.

What Can You Do?

Unfortunately, there’s no magic fix for this situation. But the best thing you can do is keep getting more reviews.

We know, it’s frustrating to hear the same advice over and over, but the only way to combat disappearing reviews is to keep earning new ones. If you’re not actively requesting reviews, now’s the time to make it part of your daily routine. For ideas on how to do this, check out this article from a while back where we put together a guide on getting more reviews: Reviews: Why You Must Get Them (And Tips for Getting More)

If you’re not using our ReviewStream service, you might consider it. It’s an easy, hands-off way to get reviews every month. You just feed it your list of client emails and it will ask them to leave a review each month.

Final Thoughts

Losing reviews is frustrating, but this isn’t the first time Google has had a glitch like this, and it probably won’t be the last. The best way to protect your online reputation is to keep your review count growing so that even if you lose a few, you’re still ahead.

 

ScamWatch: Scammers Threatening to De-List GBP Unless They Get a Ransom

Last Updated: January 15, 2025

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Remember the old “I will sell you one of the top 3 positions in Google” con? It lingered, for years, in one form or another but now it’s evil cousin is back. The new version of this old scam is now about removal of your listing, rather than placing it at the top. What’s terrible about this is that it leverages the much more powerful fear-of-loss frame work rather than the weaker want-of-gain. And that’s why people are falling for it.

One of our clients, a tax resolution specialist, recently became the target of this scam. They were threatening him with removal of his Google Business Profile (GBP) from Google Maps unless he paid them.

How the Scam Works

Here’s how these scammers operate:

  1. They contact business owners, often through phone calls or emails, with urgent and threatening messages.
  2. They claim they have control over your Google Business Profile and that they’ll delete it or make it invisible unless you pay them a fee.
  3. Some even offer “services” to boost your GBP ranking for a price—an offer that sounds enticing, but is pure fiction.

The goal? To scare you into forking over your hard-earned cash.

Why This Has An Air Of Truth

Most people know that it’s Google who controls the presence (or lack thereof) of the GBPs in both Google Maps and their search results. Many people also realize that it’s possible to community-edit content on there. In fact, there’s still quite a bit of bad behavior related to this, especially between competitors. The ability to affect a change to someone else’s listing is exactly why this scam sounds like it could be believable.

How to Protect Yourself

Stay ahead of the scammers by following these tips:

  1. Verify Claims: If someone contacts you about your Google Business Profile, do not take their word for it. Log into your GBP account to check its status.
  2. Trust Only Known Companies: You should either reach out to Google directly, or to your trusted marketing partner (if you have one). Don’t even trust someone claiming to be Google if THEY initiated the call to you. That is another common scam tactic.
  3. Stay Calm: Scammers thrive on urgency. Take a breath and evaluate the situation before responding to any threats or demands.

The Bottom Line

Scammers are always finding new ways to exploit small business owners, but with a little knowledge and vigilance, you can stay one step ahead. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, or if someone is pressuring you with threats, it’s likely a scam. When it comes to your Google Business Profile, trust only Google—no one else has the keys to that kingdom.

Stay safe, stay informed, and as always, keep an eye on ScamWatch for updates!

Reviews: Why you MUST get them and tips for getting more of them

Last Updated: December 3, 2024

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Let’s cut to the chase: reviews aren’t just nice to have anymore. They’re a massive piece of the Google rankings game, and potential customers expect to see reviews before committing to a purchase. Getting those reviews can be challenging, but don’t worry—we’ve got some tips to help.

Why Reviews Are Critical for Online Success

Google’s ranking algorithm is heavily influenced by reviews. High ratings combined with a solid number of reviews tell Google—and potential customers—that your business is legitimate, reliable, and relevant. So, what’s the “right” number of reviews? The answer is simple: “at least one more than your next-highest competitor.” Of course, this assumes a similar star rating. And as we all know, “simple” doesn’t always mean “easy.”

Whatever you do, don’t fake it. Buying reviews or posting fake ones might seem like a quick fix, but Google can spot this behavior from a mile away. The result? Your listing gets suspended. It’s just not worth the risk.

Why Reviews Matter to Your Customers

It’s not just about algorithms. Reviews are crucial for earning the trust of potential customers. Think about your own habits—when was the last time you booked a service or bought a product without checking the reviews first? In today’s world, where we trust strangers on the internet to guide us in choosing products and services, reviews are a lifeline.

Reviews provide customers with proof of your expertise, reliability, and customer service. They’re a critical part of the decision-making process. While no one is likely to read every single review, they will skim a few—and they’ll definitely consider your star rating. After all, would you eat at a restaurant with a 1-star rating? Would you hire someone to work on your home if they had a 2.3-star rating, and 6 out of their 10 most recent reviews were detailed, angry rants? Probably not.

The Biggest Mistake Business Owners Make

Too often, business owners only start focusing on reviews after receiving a 1-star review. This usually leads to a frantic scramble to gather a few good reviews to “fix” the problem. This reactive approach can tempt you to cut corners—like buying reviews—which, as mentioned, is a terrible idea.

Instead, make reviews part of your everyday process. By consistently gathering positive reviews, you’ll build a cushion of trust. This way, when you inevitably encounter a completely unreasonable customer trying to tank your star rating, it won’t have nearly as much impact.

How to Get Those Sweet, Sweet Reviews

Here are some proven ways to consistently collect reviews:

1. Ask Every Customer, Every Time

After finishing a job, casually ask the customer for a review. Something as simple as, “If you were happy with our work today, we’d really appreciate a quick review!” can work wonders.

Want to sweeten the deal? Offer a small discount if they leave a review on the spot. Customers are far more likely to leave a review while their experience is fresh than if you follow up days later.

2. Make It Easy with a Short Link

Follow up after every job with a direct link to your Google Business Profile review page. Simplify things even further by using a shortened link from a service like bitly.com or tiny.cc. When leaving a review is easy, people are more likely to follow through.

3. Automate with Tools

Services like ReviewStream make the process effortless. Simply upload your customer list, and the tool sends friendly, automated reminders to leave a review. Pro tip: If you sign up for ReviewStream in December 2024, you’ll save 50%! (Yes, that’s a shameless plug, but who doesn’t love a good deal?) Whether you use our service or a similar one, the key is automation—it works for you every day without any extra effort.

4. Don’t Forget Vendors

You don’t have to rely solely on customers for reviews. Vendors and partners you work with can also leave reviews. They may not have purchased your product or service, but they’ve interacted with your business and can validly share their experience. Since they also understand the importance of reviews, they’re often happy to return the favor.

Final Thoughts

Reviews are the backbone of your online reputation. They’re not just about pleasing Google—they’re about building trust with potential customers. By making review collection part of your daily operations, you’ll set your business up for long-term success.

And when that one-star review eventually shows up, you’ll be ready. A strong base of positive reviews will ensure that one unhappy customer doesn’t define your reputation. Keep building those reviews, and watch your business thrive!

How to Undercut Google’s Pay-to-Play Model and Advertise on a Budget

Last Updated: October 26, 2020

It’s genuinely depressing to think about the totality of words we’ve wasted whining about Google’s pay-to-play model.

Not because we regret the time spent educating our readers, but because we wish this weren’t the reality of digital marketing in 2020. Especially during a crippling pandemic.

And we know this situation is just as depressing for all of the small, local service providers out there who feel like they don’t have a fighting chance.

But we’re done with despair. It won’t do anything to combat Google’s nefarious greed.

That’s why, today, we’re showing all you small business owners how to fight back.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled some of our best tips to market yourself online without handing all of your hard-earned money to Google’s coffers.

READ MORE: How Google’s Greed Is Slashing Your Website Traffic

Use Social Media Ads

Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Yelp, or Twitter, your audience’s favorite social platform is the perfect place to advertise your business.

In fact, designing a quick ad and paying for clicks or impressions on one of these platforms will be much cheaper and potentially more cost-effective than Google Ads in terms of ROI. Just a small investment in time and money could pay off big.

After all, the endless social media scroll is how most people are exercising their thumbs these days. Might as well take advantage of it!

Use Word of Mouth

We know, we know: Nobody likes talking in person anymore!

Thing is, that’s not entirely true. Sure, people consistently prefer texting over calling on the phone, but that doesn’t mean everything takes place virtually. People talk!

Especially people who are close friends and family. In casual conversation, they’re likely to recommend contractors and service providers whom they had a good experience with. So, there’s no harm in giving your customers a little nudge to spread the word!

However, there is such a thing as virtual word-of-mouth, too. For example, you can use platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and NextDoor to join local groups, stay up to date on community events, and even network with other small business owners.

There are so many ways to get your name out there organically. Think outside the box!

Use Offline Materials

This might sound odd coming from a digital marketing team in 2020, but we’re big proponents of including offline materials in your overall marketing strategy. Such materials include:

  • Flyers
  • Brochures
  • Business cards
  • Direct mail
  • Branded calendars, pens, coasters, tote bags, etc.

With memorable marketing materials, unique branding (including logos and signage), personal referrals, and face-to-face networking in your community, you can supplement your online efforts and really stamp out a place for your business on the local scene.

Keep Fighting!

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you realize how much the Google game is rigged–but, frankly, that’s not productive. Instead, stay in the ring and keep swinging. There are so many other avenues you can take to market yourself that don’t involve draining your bank account straight into Google’s gullet.

And if you need any assistance with creating a Facebook ad or designing a business logo, don’t hesitate to contact us! There’s nothing Prospect Genius loves more than helping small businesses stick it to the big guy.

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