From
approximately June 8 – 13, 2019 Google Maps had a redirect bug where users who
tried to go to a business website was hit with a challenge response.
The notice read: “The previous page is sending you to [the URL you clicked
on],” and then adds, “If you do not want to visit that page, you can return to
the previous page.”
Because of this issue, some local businesses likely experienced a drop in
website and walk-in traffic. People who clicked on the website link may have
thought that it was unsafe to proceed and simply backed out and went upon their
business elsewhere.
Search Engine Land asked the question: “Is this a feature or bug? The big
question I have: Is this a feature or a bug? Did Google intentionally make this
change or was this change made by mistake? One would have to assume this is a
mistake because it does not work this way with other links within the local
panel or other search results.”
Google fixed the bug without confirming or denying what had happened.
This is one additional reason why its good for SEO’s and Business owners to
visit their Google My Business listing often and test its various components to
assure correct functionality.
Citation
https://searchengineland.com/google-maps-displaying-redirect-notice-alerts-when-users-click-on-business-website-urls-318188
