Google’s vast digital ecosystem can sometimes feel intrusive, exceptionally when your business starts receiving relentless calls from Google. The key to dealing with this issue lies in understanding why Google Calls your business might be calling and how you can effectively stop it.
Understanding Why Google Calls To Your Business
In reality, Google does not habitually make unsolicited calls. It even maintains a policy against it. The calls you receive may not originate from Google but from third parties attempting to sell services. However, in rare scenarios, Google may reach out to verify your Google My Business (GMB) listing or provide information about a specific product or service you’re utilizing.
The Imposter Call: Identifying and Tackling
More often than not, those ‘Google’ calls are spurious, usually falling into two categories: robocalls and imposter calls. You can eliminate a significant portion of your unsolicited calls by identifying these false calls. Let’s delve into differentiating actual Google calls from these deceptive ones.
Robocalls: Recognizing the Red Flags
Robocalls are pre-recorded messages designed to deceive you into purchasing services you don’t need. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented measures to fight robocalls, yet they persist. The telltale signs of robocalls include:
- Immediate sales pitches: Google doesn’t directly sell via phone calls.
- Asking for sensitive information: Google will never ask for confidential business or personal details over the phone.
- Callers that can’t be reached: If you can’t get back to the caller, it’s likely a robocall.
Imposter Calls: The Art of Deception
Imposter calls are slightly more challenging to detect as they are executed by real people pretending to represent Google. They may claim to offer improvements to your search rankings or threats to your GMB listing. Critical signs of imposter calls are:
- Immediate threats or ultimatums: Google does not threaten to delist businesses or demand immediate action.
- Paid services for ranking: Google never guarantees improved rankings in exchange for payment.
How to Stop Google (Imposter) Calls: Proven Methods
Knowing how to block these unnecessary calls effectively can give you peace of mind and free up precious time for your business. Here are some proven strategies.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry offers a defense against most unwanted sales calls. While it may not stop all unsolicited calls, including from scammers, it provides control.
Report the Call to the FTC
If you’ve identified the call as a robocall, report it to the FTC. They collect information about these calls and share it with law enforcement.
Protect Your Google My Business Listing
Ensure that your GMB listing is claimed and fully optimized. Regularly review your information and promptly respond to Google verification requests via official channels.
Educate Your Team
Inform your team about these deceptive practices so they can spot and ignore these calls. Remember, knowledge is your best defense.
Boost Your Google My Business Ranking: An Ethical Approach
While dealing with unsolicited calls, let’s not forget the legitimate ways to improve your Google rankings.
- Complete your GMB listing: The more information Google has about your business, the better it can match you with relevant searches.
- Collect customer reviews: Positive reviews signal to Google that your business is trustworthy, boosting your ranking.
- Post regular updates: Active businesses tend to rank better on Google.
Conclusion: Embrace Peace and Prosperity, Ditch the Unwanted Calls
Are you tired of Google calls? The solution is simple. Identify the fakes, take appropriate action, optimize your GMB listing, and focus on providing excellent services that earn positive reviews. Mastering these steps will shield you from unnecessary interruptions and help you climb Google’s search rankings without a single unwanted call. With these strategies in place, let your business bask in the tranquility it deserves and the prosperity it strives for.
FAQs
Does Google call you about your business?
Yes, Google can call you regarding your business. Google occasionally calls to verify and confirm business information for Google My Business listings. This process is typically part of the verification process to ensure that the information provided is accurate and that the person claiming the business listing has the authority to do so.
During the verification call, a representative from Google may ask you to verify details such as your business address, phone number, or other information related to your business. They may also provide you with a verification code to enter into your Google My Business account to complete the verification process.
It’s important to note that Google typically initiates these calls, but scammers may also impersonate Google representatives. To ensure the call’s legitimacy, ensure the caller provides proper identification and follows the expected verification process. Additionally, be cautious about sharing sensitive information over the phone and always verify the call’s authenticity by cross-checking with official Google resources or contacting Google support directly if needed.
How do I set up Google Voice for my business?
To set up Google Voice for your business, follow these steps:
- Create or sign in to your Google Account: If you don’t have a Google Account, create one by visiting the Google Account creation page. If you already have a Google Account, sign in using your credentials.
- Visit the Google Voice website: Go to the Google Voice website at https://voice.google.com.
- Choose a phone number: On the Google Voice homepage, click “For Personal Use” and “For Business.” You’ll be prompted to choose a new phone number for your business. You can search for a specific area code or location if desired.
- Verify your existing phone number: Google Voice will ask you to verify your current phone number. Follow the on-screen instructions to receive a verification code via phone or text message.
- Link your Google Voice number to your Google Account: Once your existing phone number is verified, you’ll be asked to link it to your Google Account. This step ensures that calls to your Google Voice number will be forwarded to your designated phone.
- Set up call forwarding and voicemail: Customize your call forwarding settings by specifying the phone number where you want to receive calls. You can also set up voicemail and customize its greetings and settings.
- Configure additional settings: Explore the various settings within Google Voice to customize features such as call screening, spam filtering, and voicemail transcription.
- Install the Google Voice app (optional): If you prefer to manage your Google Voice calls and messages on your mobile device, you can install the Google Voice app from your device’s app store. This lets you make and receive calls using your Google Voice number directly from your mobile device.
Google Voice provides a range of features for managing business calls, including call forwarding, voicemail, call screening, and more. By setting up Google Voice, you can have a dedicated phone number for your business while maintaining flexibility and control over how you handle incoming calls.
