Google Business Profile is screwing HVAC guys in zone 5, upselling Trane units just got harder

Man, Google's been a crap-show for my HVAC business up here in north jersey, zone 5 winters got us buried in service calls already. I run a small outfit, just me and two helpers, and we specialize in Trane heat pumps, but my Google Business Profile keeps getting dinged for 'fake reviews' even though they're legit from pissed-off customers who waited too long for installs. Last month, I lost a $4,200 upsell on a ductless add-on because some lead gen bot on Google funneled the guy to a big box competitor. Saw a rant in HVAC Techs Network group about this same BS, everyone saying the algorithm favors chains now. Upselling is my bread and butter, like bumping from a basic 3-ton to a variable speed, but with reviews tanking, I'm quoting 20% less just to compete. FML, anyone else dealing with this?

same shit here in the midwest, google's review filter is killing my leads.

get on HVAC Techs Network fb group, tons of guys sharing workarounds for the review algo.

yep, lost two upsells to carrier dealers because my profile shows up lower now.

frustrating as hell, zone 5 means we need those winter service upsells to survive.

claim your profile fully and post weekly updates on trane installs, it boosts visibility without reviews.