Here’s the truth bomb: spam SEO is dead.
If your “strategy” is still buying 5-dollar backlink packages, spinning the same blog post 47 different ways, or jamming “best realtor near me best realtor near me best realtor near me” into your business name, Google just caught you red-handed.
Their August 2025 Spam Update is built to crush the nonsense. Spammy tactics aren’t just outdated—they’re the marketing equivalent of showing up to a listing appointment in parachute pants.
So, what should actually be on your radar?
Reviews, Reviews, Reviews.
Google wants fresh, detailed reviews mentioning your services. Realtors—think “helped us sell in Bayside.” Insurance agents—“explained our policy clearly.” Mortgage pros—“guided us to the best rates.”Full GBP Optimization.
Your Google Business Profile is your storefront. Fill out every detail: services, products, Q&A, attributes. Don’t leave it half-baked.Cross-Channel Visibility.
Google checks if you’re active elsewhere. Post on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube. It’s not just “nice to have”—it’s a trust signal.
The Bottom Line:
Google’s saying: “Stop trying to outsmart us and just run your business like an adult.”
And I get it—juggling all of this while actually running your business? That’s no small task.
👉 That’s why I put together a Free Local Marketing Report—a quick, no-BS way to see how you stack up (and what to fix). Grab it here: ask8.com/free-local-marketing-report.
🔎 FAQs About Google’s August 2025 Spam Update
Q1: What happens if my website used spammy SEO tactics in the past?
Don’t panic—you’re not doomed forever. Google penalizes ongoing spammy tactics. If you clean up your act (disavow bad links, stop keyword stuffing, rebuild with quality content), you can recover.
Q2: Do Google reviews really impact SEO?
Yes—big time. Google prioritizes fresh, authentic reviews in the last 90 days. Consistency beats a flood. Think of it like watering a plant weekly instead of dumping a bucket once a year.
Q3: I’m a realtor/insurance agent/mortgage pro. Do I really need social media for SEO?
Yes. Google uses your activity across platforms as a trust signal. Posting on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube shows your business is alive and engaging with the community.
🛠 Action Plan: 4 Things You Should Do This Week
Request 2–3 fresh Google reviews from happy clients. Make it easy with a direct review link.
Audit your Google Business Profile. Make sure every service, product, and Q&A is filled in.
Post on social media at least once this week—repurpose the post across 2–3 platforms.
Run your Free Local Marketing Report. This will show you exactly where you stand and what to fix first.
📚 Resources to Help You Do SEO Right
✅ Free Local Marketing Report – see how your business is actually performing online.
✅ Blog Post: Check out our archive of articles; we have a ton about Google Business Profile and local SEO
✅ Quick Checklist: 5 Local SEO Moves Realtors, Insurance Agents & Mortgage Pros Need in 2025
Why Subscribe?
Let’s cut to the chase. This newsletter is designed to make your life easier, your marketing more effective, and your business more profitable. I’m not just giving you tips from a distance. I’m living it—as a realtor, marketing expert, and consultant. I feel your pain because I’ve been in your shoes. And now I’m here to help you win.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for Ask8 Strategies, Ask Auggie Smarts and let’s turn those leads into clients, simplify your marketing, and give your business the boost it deserves. Plus, I promise I’ll keep it fun. No boring corporate stuff—just real talk, real strategies, and maybe even a dad joke or two.
Lastly, you will always see me sign off with the same statement, which is at the core of who I am.
All The Best To Your Success.
