u/Disastrous_Duty_802

My Google Business Profile review count is actively dropping right now. Just 3 hours ago, my shop had 106 reviews, and now it has dropped down to 94.
What makes it frustrating is that other competitor shops in my local niche still have all their reviews intact, but my profile is taking a major hit. All of these were genuine reviews from real clients who came to my shop.
Is Google running a new spam filter update or sweep right now? Has anyone seen a sudden drop like this restored automatically, or do I need to file an official appeal?

I’m new to SEO and I’m doing everything myself, so I’d really appreciate some advice.

I own a bespoke suit shop in Bangkok. My customers are a mix of locals and international tourists. I’m trying to improve my Google rankings for keywords related to custom suits and bespoke tailoring in Bangkok.

I’m looking for white-hat backlink strategies that actually work for a local business like mine.

I’ve noticed that many of my competitors seem to be paying for placements on travel and lifestyle magazines and other publications.

The ones I’ve looked at typically charge around $300–$1,000 per feature, which is a significant investment for a small business like mine.

A few questions:

What types of websites should I be targeting?

Are travel blogs, fashion blogs, or local business directories worth the effort?

How do you approach bloggers or journalists without sounding spammy?

Is guest posting still effective in 2026?

If you were starting from scratch with no backlink profile, what would you focus on first?

I’m not looking to buy spammy links or use PBNs. I want to build authority the right way, even if it takes longer.

Any advice, examples, or resources would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!