Google has updated its Business Profile rules for service-area businesses that sell age-restricted products. Now, businesses selling alcohol, cannabis, weapons, and similar items must have a physical storefront to maintain their Google Business Profile. We were alerted to this update by Stefan Somborac on X: Google actually uses the phrase “Businesses associated with…” not “Businesses … Read more
Google has updated Maps to include product-specific search capabilities, just in time for the holiday shopping season. This feature allows consumers to search for specific items and find nearby stores with available inventory. Key Features The update lets you search for products directly within Google Maps and find real-time inventory availability at nearby stores. Shoppers … Read more
Want to get rid of that sinking feeling of looking with envy at the high review volumes and star ratings of your top local competitors? You already know that both review count and ratings are contributing to these brands’ dominance in Google’s Packs and Maps. Today, I’ll share some good news that could help the … Read more
Google Business Profiles (GBP) are one of the best ways for a local merchant to get online exposure. But before your GBP becomes visible to the public, you must verify it by clicking on the Get Verified link. Screenshot from Google Business Profile, June 2024 When a business sets up a Google Business Profile, Google … Read more
Google Business Profiles (GBP) are one of the best ways for a local merchant to get online exposure. But before your GBP becomes visible to the public, you must verify it by clicking on the Get Verified link. Screenshot from Google Business Profile, June 2024 When a business sets up a Google Business Profile, Google … Read more
Small businesses face the ongoing challenge of standing out in crowded marketplaces, both online and off. One strategy that has gained significant traction in recent years is leveraging prominent, trusted local influencers to help boost online authority and visibility and grow the business. This approach enables businesses to tap into established community voices, build trust, … Read more
This post was sponsored by SOCi. The opinions expressed in this article are the sponsor’s own. As a marketer, you may feel like the ground is shifting under your feet with so many changes in the world of search. From Google’s recent announcement to release AI Overviews to all U.S. users to OpenAI revealing GPT-4o, … Read more
Google has announced that it will discontinue the chat feature in Google Business Profiles. The wind-down process will start on July 15, and the functionality will complete on July 31. The news was emailed to businesses, acknowledging the potential difficulty of the decision and emphasizing Google’s commitment to remaining a helpful partner in business management. … Read more
Google announced that it plans to reduce access to California news websites for a portion of users in the state. The decision comes as Google prepares for the potential passage of the California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA), a bill requiring online platforms like Google to pay news publishers for linking to their content. What Is … Read more
As a business owner or digital marketer, understanding your local search ranking on Google is crucial for attracting nearby customers and increasing your online visibility. With so many consumers using search engines to find local products and services, optimizing for local search has become a key component of any successful SEO strategy. In this article, … Read more
For most small businesses, Google Business Profile (GBP) is their marketing lifeblood. Because it’s free, many local businesses rely solely on their Google Business Profile to generate traffic and calls, as well as to bring customers to their business. Marketers know it’s risky to put all your marketing eggs in one basket. But for a local business that has … Read more
The elusive five-star review used to be something you could only flaunt in a rotating reviews section on your website. But today, Google has pulled these stars out of the shadows and features them front and center across branded SERPs and beyond. Star ratings can help businesses earn trust from potential customers, improve local search … Read more
It’s hard to overstate the value of maximizing your organic visibility for location-based searches. A well-executed local SEO strategy lets you reach far more local customers, which can deliver a massive boost to your in-store and online traffic and sales. But if you don’t run a brick-and-mortar business, can you still take advantage of local … Read more
For most small businesses, Google Business Profile (GBP) is their marketing lifeblood. Because it’s free, many local businesses rely solely on their Google Business Profile to generate traffic and calls, as well as to bring customers to their business. Marketers know it’s risky to put all your marketing eggs in one basket. But for a local business that has … Read more
The elusive five-star review used to be something you could only flaunt in a rotating reviews section on your website. But today, Google has pulled these stars out of the shadows and features them front and center across branded SERPs and beyond. Star ratings can help businesses earn trust from potential customers, improve local search … Read more
Google depends on volunteers called Local Guides to keep Search and Maps updated with information about local businesses and attractions. These volunteers contribute reviews, photos, and videos that help you make decisions when visiting a new place. Though they do it to benefit searchers, Local Guides get virtual rewards from Google’s program, which incentivizes people … Read more
Do you have a website created through Google Business Profiles for your local business? If so, you must find an alternative website solution as Google plans to shut down websites created with Google Business Profiles in March. Websites Created With Google Business Profiles Will Redirect Until June 10, 2024 A redirect will be put in … Read more
Google depends on volunteers called Local Guides to keep Search and Maps updated with information about local businesses and attractions. These volunteers contribute reviews, photos, and videos that help you make decisions when visiting a new place. Though they do it to benefit searchers, Local Guides get virtual rewards from Google’s program, which incentivizes people … Read more
