Auto shop GmB page ranking for 'skate sharpening' due to keyword in review

[WAHamilton]

Hi all, I found this case pretty fascinating and I wanted to share to see if anyone has seen something like this before. This local auto shop is currently ranking in local pack for "skate sharpening", due to a mention of skate sharpening in a user review. I happen to know that the auto shop does have a skate sharpening machine on site, so it was not a random mention.

However, they have no real website, so it's not like this is also being influenced by on-page mentions of skate sharpening. As far as I can tell, they don't have 'Skate Sharpening Service' selected as a category either.

I personally find it crazy that Google's local search algorithm works this way since it opens up the possibility for really manipulating rankings with fake reviews. Also, imagine if that reviewer was making some kind of inside joke when saying 'skate sharpening'?

Curious if anyone has seen crazy examples like this before.

 

[JoyHawkins]

Interesting example. I think review text does impact ranking but not usually this much. I'd say it's probably extreme in this case due to how low the competition is.

 

[mblumenthal]

Here is a recent article that I wrote on the topic

 

[Yan Gilbert]

Might be supported by some citations as well. I found some that mentioned skate sharpening:

Central Auto Supply (Guelph) Ltd Automobile-Tire-Dealers-Retail in Guelph Ontario | GuelphMercury.com

Good's Pro Shop/Central Auto Supply - Guelph, ON - 27 Fountain St E | Canpages

 

[WAHamilton]

Might be supported by some citations as well. I found some that mentioned skate sharpening

That's a good find -- makes a bit more sense if that's the case.