Google Just Changed the Rules for Local Businesses in Colorado

The new year is upon us - and Happy New Year to you all! That means goals and strategy for 2026!

If your leads come from Google — and in Colorado, they almost certainly do — you can’t afford to ignore what just happened. In December, Google rolled out a core update that fundamentally changed how local businesses are surfaced, especially through Maps, Gemini, and AI-driven answers.

In this issue of The Blueprint to Business Colorado, we break down what changed, why your Google Business Profile matters more than ever, and how smart content now fuels both Google and AI visibility.

And yes—there’s still time to book a free strategy call with Amber at The FS Agency to pressure-test your strategy and get clarity for the coming year.

👉 Book your 2026 marketing planning call for next week here.

~ Brought to you by Amber & Eric Hoffman of Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder and The FS Agency, this newsletter is your go-to resource for scaling and thriving as a Colorado home services business owner. We help you drive more leads.

The biggest shift from the December update is this: Google is no longer treating your Google Business Profile as “supporting info.” It’s now a primary data source for local answers, especially inside Gemini and Maps snippets. That means outdated hours, thin service descriptions, or inconsistent categories can quietly push your business out of AI-powered results — even if your website looks fine.

For Colorado home services businesses, this is especially critical. When homeowners ask Gemini who to hire near them, Google pulls directly from GBP signals like services, reviews, photos, and proximity. If your profile isn’t actively maintained, you’re invisible in the places buyers are now searching.

Why Corporate Blogs Still Matter (Even More Than Before)

There’s a misconception floating around that blogs are “dead” because of AI. That’s flat-out wrong. Blogs didn’t lose value — lazy blogs did. What Google, Gemini, and other AI systems need is structured, authoritative content that explains what you do, who you serve, and how problems get solved.

Your blog is no longer just for SEO rankings. It feeds:

• AI-generated search answers

• Featured snippets

• Local relevance signals tied back to your GBP

When done right, a corporate blog acts like a knowledge base that AI systems trust. When done poorly (or not at all), you leave that authority to your competitors.

Want To Drive More Leads in 2026?

If you want to know how your business stacks up after Google’s latest changes — and what to fix first — book a strategy call with Amber at The FS Agency. Amber and Eric bring real-world experience from building Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder alongside advising Colorado home services owners on visibility, lead flow, and AI readiness.

👉 Book a call and get clarity for 2026 before your competitors do.