BrightLocal has released a new report analyzing 15 years of consumer review behavior data. The findings reveal shifts in how people research and buy from local businesses. Here’s more about the study and what it means for marketers. Historical Trends The report tracks the popularity of online reviews. It notes a rise in local business … Read more
Google is making big moves in 2025, and unsurprisingly, AI is at the heart of it all. In a recent update, Vidhya Srinivasan, Google’s VP and GM of Ads and Commerce, outlined the company’s top priorities for the coming year. From AI-powered ad experiences to deeper integrations with YouTube and Google Shopping, these changes signal … Read more
Recent video marketing statistics show that visual storytelling wins. Video is an increasingly powerful way to communicate your brand story, explain your value proposition, and build relationships with your customers and prospects. I personally like the storytelling, relatability, and brevity of video content. To help you leverage video in your marketing, I’ve gathered new video … Read more
Google Shopping isn’t just about bidding and budget management – it’s about feeding Google the best possible data. Unlike traditional search ads, where keywords dictate targeting, Shopping campaigns rely on your product feed. The quality, accuracy, and completeness of your product data determine how often and where your ads appear. A well-optimized feed improves impressions, … Read more
With the rise in ecommerce, we live in a borderless world. Someone sitting on one side of the world could be shopping with a business on the other. This is cool until businesses encounter language barriers that stunt their growth in global markets. Very few people in China can speak English. So, if your business … Read more
At Buffer, we are always looking for ways to help our team work more effectively and creatively. Our latest investment in productivity is a company-wide AI Tools Stipend of $250 per teammate per year. This initiative reinforces our ongoing commitment to supporting innovation while giving our teammates the autonomy to choose tools that best fit … Read more
Social media has become a key part of the UK’s digital world. Its impact spans the entire business funnel, from customer engagement to strategic planning. Social touches every aspect of how businesses operate and grow. For social media professionals in the UK or targeting its highly engaged user base, staying ahead of the game requires … Read more
Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past week or so (in no particular order): OpenAI unveils GPT-4.5, its largest model yet. OpenAI has released GPT-4.5, a major upgrade designed to enhance pattern recognition and connection-making. The model, available to Pro subscribers and subsequently to Plus users, boasts reduced hallucinations and improved … Read more
Imagine getting a heartfelt email in your inbox from the CEO of a major retailer because they’re closing their stores. It’s meant to tug on your heartstrings and build a relationship. But if you’re part of the 1.3 billion people worldwide—16% of the world’s population—that have some form of disability, then you probably missed out … Read more
Matt Mullenweg, co-creator of WordPress, recently held a question-and-answer session at WordCamp Asia 2025, where he faced several tough questions. Topics included whether he was open to discussing change, the steep learning curve of WordPress, and whether he would reconsider reducing Automattic’s contributions to WordPress core. As tough as those questions were, Matt answered each … Read more
New data confirms that AIO is becoming an increasingly significant source of traffic to YouTube channels. A closer look reveals that complex search queries, which traditional organic search may not adequately answer, create opportunities for optimized YouTube videos but only for certain topics. BrightEdge Data On YouTube And AIO BrightEdge’s data shows that YouTube’s presence … Read more
A newly released page builder plugin called Builderius elicited enthusiastic feedback in a private WordPress Facebook group. A conversation with one of its principals, Elvis Krstulović, underscored how WordPress’s open source flexibility allows developers to rethink site building itself, creating tools that prioritize flexibility, maintainability, and professional development practices. Is Builderius A Page Builder? I … Read more
New data provided to Search Engine Journal shows that the sites Google is ranking in AI Overviews varies by time and industry, offering an explanation of volatility in AIO rankings. The new research shows what industries are most impacted and may provide a clue as to way. AIO Presence Varies Over Time and By Industry. … Read more
A study by the video hosting platform Adilo revealed common factors shared by high-ranking YouTube videos. The research analyzed over 1.6 million videos, focusing on 300 that ranked in the top three for competitive non-local keywords across ten industries. Authored by Chinasa Ferderick and Felix Johnson, the study offers insights for businesses aiming to improve … Read more
YouTube revealed plans to update how mid-roll advertisements function, starting May 12. The update focuses on showing more ads at natural breakpoints in videos while reducing interruptive ad placements that can lead to viewer abandonment. Key Changes to Mid-Roll Ad Placement YouTube will prioritize placing mid-roll ads at natural break points, such as scene transitions … Read more
As a marketing consultant, I work on client accounts and ensure their marketing is working (i.e., making money for the business). To gauge marketing success, I particularly like two benchmarks: the cost per lead benchmark (CPL) and the customer acquisition costs benchmark (CAC). These benchmarks are helpful for everyone in business to know, but especially … Read more
This post was sponsored by Bluehost. The opinions expressed in this article are the sponsor’s own. Is my website ready for 2025’s tech and SEO changes? How can I keep my site fast, secure, and user-friendly? What makes a hosting provider future-proof? In 2025, the extent to which you adapt to emerging technologies, changing user … Read more
We’ve all heard the phrase, “The customer’s always right.” It’s a common mantra in customer service and hospitality – and, I’d argue, should carry over into the world of SEO as well! After all, we SEO pros are in the business of not only pleasing Google but also appealing to the needs and interests of … Read more
