Could Your Google Business Profile Be Scaring Off Leads? + Industry News and Insights
Field Tips is a biweekly email series bringing you the latest marketing trends and topics directly to your inbox. Covering everything from digital marketing and social media to content strategy and more, we curate the industry’s top stories and present them as easily digestible insights. The content contained within this post comes directly from our April 2, 2025 issue. If you’d like to receive Field Tips, subscribe to our email or on LinkedIn.
Most marketers think they’ve “checked the box” when it comes to their Google Business Profile. But here’s the problem — many of those profiles are quietly losing leads every day.
Why? Because key details are missing, outdated or flat-out wrong. The good news? It’s an easy fix.
Here are 3 simple ways to stop losing leads and start driving more traffic:
- Keep it Fresh: Outdated hours, old photos, or missing services can tank trust. Regularly update your profile with fresh content.
- Optimize for Local SEO: Use keywords in your description, services and Q&A section. Google prioritizes relevance.
- Max Out GBP Features: Use Google Posts, FAQs and even the messaging tool to engage customers directly from search.
When fully optimized, your Google Business Profile becomes a 24/7 lead generator — no ad spend required. If you’d like more pointers or help whipping your GBP into shape, contact us to get the conversation started.
X Sold to xAI
WHAT’S HAPPENING. In a true “Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man” moment, Elon Musk has sold his controversial social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to his own startup, xAI, through an all-stock deal. The merger pegs xAI’s valuation at $80 billion and X at $33 billion, including $12 billion in debt. Musk aims to seamlessly integrate xAI’s technology into X, promising a smarter, more AI-driven user experience. However, the move also reignites concerns about the platform’s trajectory, especially given Musk’s unpredictable leadership and a string of polarizing decisions since acquiring Twitter.
WHY IT MATTERS. At this point, it kind of feels like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Yes, AI-driven features could boost engagement and targeting, but Musk’s unpredictable management style, past platform chaos and lax personal morals pose serious risks. Brands may need to tread carefully as trust, brand safety, data integrity, IP protection and platform stability are far from guaranteed under this new setup.
Reddit Emerges As a Hub for Women’s Health Discussions
WHAT’S HAPPENING. Reddit has become a pivotal platform for women’s health discussions, with a 37% increase in related conversations between 2023 and 2024. Topics like perimenopause saw a 188% rise, and menopause discussions grew by 82%. This trend underscores Reddit’s role as a valuable space for individuals seeking information, support and shared experiences related to women’s health.
WHY IT MATTERS. This surge shows that Reddit has become an important space for women looking for health information and support. Because users can stay anonymous, the platform encourages honest and open conversations. In fact, 89% of women say they can connect with others and learn from their experiences, and 81% feel less alone on their health journeys. Brands that join these conversations in a genuine way have an opportunity to build trust and become a valued part of the women’s health community.
Instagram Now Lets Brands Sponsor Comments
WHAT’S HAPPENING. Instagram just launched Testimonials, a new feature that lets brands pay creators to leave sponsored comments on posts. Since 40% of people already rely on creator recommendations when shopping on Instagram, this update is a smart way to make ads blend in with everyday conversations. It’s also a more affordable option for both brands and creators since it doesn’t require polished videos or big productions. That said, there’s a risk — if these comments come off as too fake or forced, users might ignore them or even get frustrated.
WHY IT MATTERS. For marketers, this is an exciting new tool — but it comes with a catch. Sponsored comments can help brands join the conversation without spending a fortune, and creators get a simple way to earn without having to make full-on ads. The key is keeping it real. These comments need to feel natural, or they risk coming across as spammy and doing more harm than good.
More To Explore
The Weirdest Brand Stunts of April Fools’ Day 2025
From fake product launches to playful pranks, brands went all out this year to grab attention and spark laughs—proof that creativity still rules in marketing. Check out the highlights on Adweek!
The Role Of E-E-A-T In AI Narratives
E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) is now key for marketers using AI, helping brands build authority and stand out in cluttered content spaces. Learn how to boost your AI strategy on Search Engine Journal.
ChatGPT’s New Image Generator Is Melting GPUs and Redefining Creativity
OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4o now lets marketers create images directly, opening up fresh ways to boost engagement and make content pop without extra design tools. See how you can use it on Marketing AI Institute!
The State of AI: How Organizations are Rewiring to Capture Value
AI adoption is booming, but marketers still face challenges with trust, data quality and scaling — making human-AI collaboration more important than ever. Dive deeper into the findings from McKinsey!
Healthcare Marketers Trend Report 2025
With budget cuts, policy shifts, and AI disruption, healthcare marketers are focusing on adaptability, data, and patient-centric storytelling to thrive in 2025. Get the full scoop on MM+M!
About the Author
A prominent marketing strategist and nationally recognized thought leader, Grant A. Johnson is president and CEO of Responsory. He is a sought-after public speaker, direct marketing trainer, copywriter, award-winning author and the creator of Direct Branding℠, Responsory’s method for producing sure-fire measurable results.
