A cautionary tale about domain changes, Google listings, and why brand signals matter more than ever.
Why do some businesses lose Google rankings even after following SEO best practices?
Often, it’s not a technical issue—it’s a branding issue. Without strong brand signals like verified listings, consistent citations, and an active presence beyond your website, Google may not see your business as credible enough to recommend.
In today’s digital landscape, your online brand presence is no longer optional—it’s essential. And with AI rapidly evolving how search engines interpret trust and relevance, businesses that don’t invest in brand-building are putting their visibility at risk.
A trusted colleague recently shared a story that highlights this perfectly. A company switched from a .agency domain to a .com. They did everything “by the book”—redirects, sitemap updates, Change of Address in Google Search Console. But shortly after the switch, their rankings vanished, even for their own brand name.
Technically, everything checked out. So what was the issue?
They hadn’t invested enough in building a recognizable brand online.
Here’s what they were missing:
- No verified or optimized Google Business Profile
- Inconsistent or missing local citations
- Social media pages that weren’t active or linked
- No branded search presence outside their website
In the eyes of AI-powered search algorithms, this company wasn’t credible or established enough to earn visibility—even though they had a real, functioning business.
Here’s What You Can Do Right Now:
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
- Build consistent citations across trusted directories
- Keep your social media active and connected to your site
- Create content that reinforces your brand’s expertise and trustworthiness
Making an online presence is essential, especially for local businesses.
“62% of consumers look elsewhere if they can’t find a business online.”
— Liam Ridings
Remember:
- Google’s AI-driven algorithms reward trusted, recognizable brands.
- Technical SEO alone isn’t enough—brand presence fuels visibility.
- Verified Google Business Profiles and consistent local citations are critical.
- Active social media and linked platforms strengthen credibility.
- Branded search presence builds long-term trust and protects rankings.
If Google doesn’t recognize you as a legitimate brand, it won’t recommend you to searchers—no matter how great your website is.
At VanDenBerg Web + Creative, we help local businesses stand out with smart websites and strategic digital visibility.
Need help getting your brand positioned for long-term results?
Why does branding matter for SEO in 2025?
Because Google’s AI-driven algorithms prioritize trust and credibility. Strong brand signals—like an optimized Google Business Profile, consistent citations, and social presence—help prove your business is established and worth ranking.
We always give clear timelines at the begining of a project but you should plan on 6-8 weeks at absolute mimimum. And more if your site is larger.
Can I rely on technical SEO alone to rank well?
No. Technical SEO is important, but it’s only part of the equation. Without brand recognition and trust signals, even perfectly optimized websites risk losing visibility.
What are the key “brand signals” Google looks for?
Verified Google Business Profile, consistent local citations, active social media accounts, and branded content that demonstrates expertise and authority.
How do I know if my business has a strong branded search presence?
Search for your company name online. Do you appear across Google Business, directories, social platforms, and relevant content—not just your website? If not, you may need to strengthen your brand footprint.
How can VanDenBerg Web + Creative help with brand-driven SEO?
We design smart websites and create effective marketing strategies that build brand visibility. From Google Business optimization to consistent content and digital presence, we help local businesses achieve long-term SEO success.