Google Maps Gold Review: (Updated 2025): Good Way To Generate Leads?

TLDR – Google Maps Course To Generate Leads

So you’re thinking “Just get on with it already!”

Ok, here you go: This program is decent and Chad is most likely not a scammer.

The program packs a punch with its Google Maps optimization training and has an active community for support and interaction.

There are success stories floating around, suggesting that for some, this program has been a game-changer in helping them make money online.

It might not have made everyone the next Jeff Bezos but you can say they’re doin’ alright for themselves.

The best thing, I’d say, is that Chad is a down-to-earth guy and most likely upfront with everything he says. That’s a rare gem to come by in today’s day and age of online courses.

Now, you might be saying “Alright, so you DO recommend it?“.

Well, not really.

While the program offers some great advice, the exact cost-to-value ratio doesn’t seem fair to everyone. Some user reviews also hint at a lack of personalization and mentorship depth.

One user has apparently been verbally abused during the scheduled “breakthrough call” by one of the coaches. I hope the coach saw the other side of the door soon after.

These, and a couple of other factors make Google Maps Gold a bit of a mixed bag.

Yes, you could learn a few tricks, but will it result in a booming business and catapult you to the next level?

That’s not guaranteed.

Now, if you’re really keen on doing lead gen and boosting your online presence, I recommend you check out Digital Leasing.

It’s a fresh take on generating leads for local businesses which doesn’t rely on third-party rules that can set you back months.

It’s also replicable, doesn’t require a hefty investment, and you could start seeing passive income within 2-3 months! Hop on and earn passive income for yourself!

Who Benefit’s From The Program & Who Doesn’t

Let’s break it down in simple terms: Who’s likely to get value off of Chad Kimball’s Google Maps Gold program, and who might want to pass on it?

This program is great for you if:

1. You already own a business and are looking to boost your sales with the methods taught by Chad Kimball.
2. You know that lead generation is one of the best business models and you want to jump in but don’t know anything about it.
3. You’re itching to launch an online business but don’t want to enter high-risk ventures like dropshipping or affiliate marketing.

But, it might not be your cup of tea if:

1. You find it scary being at Google’s mercy and wondering whether what works now will work tomorrow. Google is notorious for pulling the plug on projects and cutting down services.
2. You’d rather learn a whole skillset in digital marketing rather than one specific aspect of it.
3. You want to earn money selling products.

A 1,000 Ft View: Is Google Maps Gold Legit Lead-Gen?

Now we’re going into the most in-depth part of this review.

I’ll show you every aspect of this program, including how it works as a business, who’s leading it, the cost, and whether it’s a trustworthy opportunity or just smoke and mirrors.

Well get into:

• Who is Chad Kimball?
• What’s Local Lead Generation
• Google Maps Gold Cost: How Much For The Program?
• Refund Policy: What If You Change Your Mind?

Let’s dive in:

Who is Chad Kimball?

Chad Kimball is a digital marketing expert without a doubt.

He started his journey back in 1999, leaving behind a 9-5 job he hated.

Chad discovered the potential of generating leads online and by 2001, he had already earned a remarkable $2 million helping local businesses.

This is not something to be frowned upon. He’s been exploring the lead generation business model long before most of us ever thought about an online business.

Fast forward to today, he’s the brain behind the Google Maps Gold program, also known as Google Maps Elite or The Arbor Academy.

A lot of names, I know.

Changing names for online courses isn’t super rare. Sometimes, it serves as a trick to escape the bad reputation the program has gotten over time.

But, I don’t believe that’s what’s happening with Chad’s course here.

He’s well-respected among online entrepreneurs, and his program generally has a good reputation.

The course teaches folks how to make money online by creating and ranking Google My Business listings.

What’s interesting is that Chad has been consistently successful in this niche for over two decades!

In 2008, he even sold part of his business for $21,000 to help his brother Seth get started.

By June 2020, Chad was making an average of $80,000 per month.

Why then sell courses you ask? Well, that’s a good question.

Maybe he is genuinely trying to help people have better lives.

Sometimes gurus start selling courses only when what they teach stops filling up their bank accounts.

Do I think that’s the case with Chad? I don’t, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Local Lead Generation: What’s that?

Imagine you’re strolling down a bustling street in your hometown, lined with local shops and services.

Each of these businesses, whether it’s the cozy café on the corner or the family-run plumbing service, has something unique to offer.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter how good of a plumber uncle Bobby is if no one knows he exists.

For a business to make a dime, leads are essential.

Lead generation means just that. Generating leads.

Your job is to find leads and help local companies get noticed by people who are looking for what they offer.

What kind of leads?

Well, as long as they are targeted towards a specific business they should be good.

If your client is the local donut place, sending a bunch of diabetics to them might not be a good idea.

But sending those same leads to a pharmacy that sells insulin shots 50% off, on the other hand, sounds about right.

This shows how flexible the lead generation business model is. If you have quality leads they most likely fit a niche and can be used in the corresponding business.

With this in mind now you understand it’s not just about putting a business out there; it’s about making sure it gets seen by the right people. That’s what lead generation does.

Google Maps Gold Cost: How Much For The Program?

Stepping into the world of Google Maps Gold by Chad Kimball isn’t just a step, it’s more like a leap, especially when it comes to the price tag.

Initially, you might feel relieved with the entry fee of only $9.97, which seems like a steal. But you’ll soon find out that that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Once you’re in, you’ll quickly find that this initial cost is like a key that opens the door to a series of higher-priced upsells.

The main course, called Google Maps Elite, hits your wallet with a solid $997. This is where you get the meat of the program – the advanced training and access to the coveted private Facebook community.

“But wait, there’s more!”

If you’re really looking to dive deep, there are additional offers that can push your total investment way up. We’re talking about a potential grand total that can reach up to $6,800.

For a program that focuses solely on “Google My Business”, I find Google Maps Gold pricey.

Refund Policy: What If You Change Your Mind?

Chad offers a refund for the initial $9.97, but things get a bit murkier with the upsells.

Information on refunds for the higher-cost elements of the program isn’t as clear-cut, which is something you might want to consider seriously before diving in.

Generally speaking, when it comes to online courses that cost about a grand, keep a close eye on the refund policy.

Don’t expect to always get a full refund. Often, they might offer just part of your money back, or they’ll refund you only if you hit certain milestones in the program.

Knowing the ins and outs of these refund rules is super important. It’s not just about getting your money back if things go south. It’s also about knowing you can trust what you’re getting into.

My Personal Opinion: Google Maps Gold Scam or Worth Joining?

To give you my two cents, I think that Google Maps Gold scam allegations are BS.

Chad seems like a pretty genuine guy. He doesn’t come off as flashy or fake, which is kinda cool in a world where a lot of online courses feel like they’re just after your money. He’s got this friendly vibe with his white beard and all, making you feel like he’s one of “our guys”.

But even though Chad seems like a good dude, his course has gotten mixed feelings from people.

Some students really dig the course. They say it’s real learning, not just some quick way to make a buck. They like how the course gets straight to the point, and the Facebook group for the course is a big help too.

On the flip side, not everyone is so happy. There are talks about hard-selling tactics and say the course is pretty pricey. Some people on Reddit shared their stories about not-so-great experiences, which make you think twice.

The thing is, Chad’s course mainly teaches you about making cash through Google My Business. But remember, it’s just one way to do things in the big scope of digital marketing, and being a one-trick pony will make you miss a lot of opportunities.

If you’re okay with just focusing on Google My Business, then great! Who am I to stop you?

But keep in mind, there’s a lot more out there. This course will need your time and some cash, and it’s not exactly cheap so, you gotta decide if you’re up for building a business that’s standing on a single fragile leg.

Now, if what you’ve heard so far about lead generation sounds cool to you but you’re not sure about Chad there’s another way.

It’s called digital leasing. Same deal — making money online BUT with less cash to start and the chance to make some good profit.

Plus, there’s a bunch of people doing it, so you won’t be going it alone.

So, Chad’s course? It might be good for some. But if you’re looking for something with less risk and a community vibe, you might want to check out digital leasing.

What’s Inside The Google Maps Elite Program?

In Chad Kimball’s “Google Maps Gold” program, you’re getting a complete guide on how to use Google Maps to help local businesses get noticed.

Let’s break down what you’ll learn in the program:

Basics of Google Maps for Business:

This introductory module covers the fundamentals of Google Maps and its significance for local businesses. It’s where you learn the basics of how Google Maps can help local shops and services get seen by more people. You’ll see why being on Google Maps is a big deal for businesses in your neighborhood.

Business Visibility on Google Maps:

This section dives into the techniques for claiming and optimizing Google Maps listings for businesses. You’ll learn how to claim a spot on Google Maps for a business and fill it with all the good stuff that makes people want to visit.

Local Customer Attraction Strategies:

Focusing on local SEO, this module teaches you how to identify key search terms relevant to local businesses and ensure that these businesses appear in search results when these terms are used. The goal is to make sure a business stands out in the local search crowd.

Lead Generation and Management:

This is where you learn to fish and use ‘fish’ – which are potential customers. You’ll figure out how to find people interested in a business and then show the business owner how valuable these ‘fish’ can be, turning them into regular customers.

Adapting to Google’s Algorithm Changes:

Google often changes the way it decides who gets to be the top dog in search results. This part of the program aims to equip you with the knowledge to anticipate and adapt to the frequent changes in Google’s algorithm, making sure that the businesses you’re helping don’t lose their online visibility.

Advanced Strategies and Tools:

This module is an arsenal of advanced techniques and tools for boosting a business’s online presence. It includes using customer reviews, creating backlinks, and various other tactics to enhance a business’s online reputation and visibility.

Bonuses:

Besides the main lessons, you get some cool bonuses. This could be anything from extra tips, real-life success stories, or special tools that help you check how well a business is doing on Google Maps.

“Google Maps Gold” is pretty thorough. It’s a solid program for anyone new to digital marketing or those who already know a bit but want to get better at promoting local businesses.

Conclusion: Google Maps Gold Yay or Nay?

So, after breaking down the program, the big question remains: is Google Maps Gold legit?

Considering what we’ve covered so far, it’s clear that the program offers some good strategies for using Google Maps in local business marketing. The course breaks down the complex world of online marketing into digestible pieces, making it accessible even to those new to digital marketing.

However, the course isn’t perfect.

While a few may shout from the rooftops about its wonders, there’s a fair share of grumbles too. It’s a sobering sign that banking on this single-track approach to lead generation via Google Maps might not always lead to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Google Maps Gold, with its narrow focus on GMB, might be a solid start for some. But if you’re hunting for a method that’s adaptable, diverse, and future-proof, Digital Leasing is worth a look. It’s like choosing a swiss army knife over a single-blade pocket knife. More tools, more opportunities.

Want to explore the diverse world of digital marketing and lead generation? Dive into Digital Leasing. You get more skills, more strategies, and a sturdier path to success in the dynamic online arena. What’s there not to like about it?

What Is My Top Recommendation In Making Money Online In 2025?

Our review team has spent years researching, reviewing, and vetting dozens of business models and thousands of programs.

While there may be no “perfect business”, the research IS conclusive:

Digital Leasing is the #1 online business model for those just starting out.

Whether you’ve never made a dollar online, or you’ve been in this space for a while but never really “made it,” Digital Leasing is for you.

Why?

1) It’s Flexible: got an hour a day? You can do this. Ready to drop everything else and dive in full time? You can do this. Yes, the more time you put in, the faster you see results. But even with a little time each day, you can move the needle in a Digital Leasing business.

And because this system is so flexible, you don’t have to constantly be working to make more money. It’s called PASSIVE INCOME because if you stop working, the money doesn’t.

Imagine taking 3 months off to just tour around Europe, rent a cabin in the woods to write a book, hike the Appalachian Trail, or live on the beach and surf all day.

This is only possible if you have an income stream that’s not tied to your time.

2) You Own & Control EVERYTHING: Unlike Google Maps Gold where you are at Google’s mercy and risk flushing your whole business down the toilet if the almighty algorithm decides to strike you, Digital Leasing gives you full ownership over every single asset, which means you have all the power and all the control.

3) Little To No Startup Costs: It’s possible to get into Digital Leasing with zero dollars upfront. Because, using the strategies outlined in this program, you can get a client to pay you BEFORE spending a penny out of your own pocket…even before you do any work.

Even without getting paid in advance, you can have your first Digital Rental Property up, running, and generating profits for less than $100.

4) Easy To Duplicate: Ok, here’s the best part: once you have your first Digital Rental Property up and running, you can literally DOUBLE your income with a few clicks, a couple keystrokes, and a single phone call (and you don’t actually need the phone call).

Remember: each Digital Rental Property is worth $500 to $2,000 a month in semi-passive income (over 95% profit). Every time you decide to create another one and increase your income, it gets easier.

Because you have more knowledge, more experience, more results, and more momentum.

When we look at something like Google Maps Gold, it’s a bit different. See, making one Google My Business listing work is cool, but doing it again and again isn’t just copy-paste easy. Each time you start a new listing, it’s almost like starting from scratch. You’ve got to customize each one and really dig into the local details for each business. That’s A LOT more work every time you add a new listing.

5) Make Money Helping Real People: This part is what makes it all worth it. With Digital Leasing, you’re actually helping people by solving your clients’ biggest problem:

Small, local businesses need more customers, and with Digital Leasing, you are unleashing a flood of happy, paying customers for these businesses.

You make money by helping them make money.

Not a big, faceless corporation either…a small business owner who’s using that money to put food on the table for their family, start a college fund for their kids, or take care of a sick parent.

Once you see how Digital Leasing makes a real impact in the lives of real people, you’ll sleep like a baby with a big smile on your face.

Now, the choice is yours.

You could continue browsing, looking at opportunities like Google Maps Gold (Elite or whatever) which could one day make you money.

You could continue researching, never making a decision.

OR, you could take a look inside, consider what you really want, and join a program that makes your dreams a reality. At the same time, joining a community of over 2,000 successful students that are living life on their own terms thanks to Digital Leasing.

A consistent, reliable, semi-passive stream of income that doesn’t depend on you or your time to keep producing profits.

All while genuinely helping real people who are grateful and happy to pay for it.

If this sounds more like what you want out of life (or if you just want some nice side income), click here to learn more about Digital Leasing.