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
One of the best local SEO strategies that any eligible local business can use to rank higher on Google and get local clients is to claim and optimize their Google Business Profile. However, claiming your Google Business Profile (GBP) is just the first step – you must optimize, frequently check, and update your GBP with … Read more
Google is introducing an experimental feature in Google Maps that uses AI to help users discover local businesses that meet specific needs. AI-Powered Discovery The new feature utilizes large language models to analyze Google Maps’ database of over 250 million places, photos, ratings, reviews, and more. After entering a conversational search query, Google Maps will … Read more
Join us as we look at how your online reputation and local marketing strategies can drive revenue for your business, while avoiding pitfalls along the way. With guest Raj Nijjer of Edge, we’ll dive into the revenue impacts that your online reputation can have, and why this reputation building should be crucial in your planning. … Read more
Initially, the Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) experiment in Labs was expected to “end” in December 2023. But with the latest redesign of the Google Labs website, many have noticed that the end date for SGE has disappeared. What does this mean for Google SGE and the future of generative AI in search? Here’s what … Read more
Recent findings by SEO professionals suggest that Google has recalibrated its local search algorithm, placing more emphasis on a business’s listed hours of operation as a key ranking signal. According to Joy Hawkins of Sterling Sky, the trend became noticeable after the November 2023 core update, leading to businesses that appear as closed being significantly … Read more
In a move to increase user privacy, Google Maps launched updates to give users more control over location data storage and recent activity. With these updates, users will be able to manage their Location History with greater precision. The changes could, however, affect analytics data marketers utilize for location targeting. Timeline Storage On Local Device … Read more
OpenAI, the company that launched ChatGPT a little over a year ago, has recently taken to social media to address concerns regarding the “lazy” performance of GPT-4 on social media and Google Reviews. Screenshot from X, December 2023 This move comes after growing user feedback online, which even includes a one-star Google Review on the … Read more
If you’ve been involved in any sort of marketing over the past 20 to 30 years, you’ve no doubt heard the phrase “Content is King.” This may very well be true, as content in its many forms underpins all interactions between businesses and their target audience. However, if “Content is King,” then data is an … Read more
A recent feature on The Verge highlighted businesses that try to get an edge in local search rankings with clever names like Thai Food Near Me. So, I set out to discover if this strategy could impact local rankings and, more importantly, if other local businesses could replicate it. Before I get started, I should … Read more
Google has announced several new AI-powered updates coming soon to Google Maps that aim to help users plan trips, navigate unfamiliar areas, find electric vehicle charging stations, and discover new places and activities. Immersive View The most visually advanced new feature is Immersive View for routes, providing users with a detailed preview of their journey … Read more
Google has introduced the ability for businesses to add social media profile links directly in their Google Business Profile. This new option enables companies to showcase their social media presence alongside other information in Google Search and Maps. By having social media links accessible on their Google Business Profile, businesses can provide customers with more … Read more
Content marketing, particularly of the digital variety, has become an increasingly popular item in modern marketers’ toolboxes. While many larger organizations have been quick to embrace content marketing strategies, smaller local businesses often underestimate its potential or remain unsure about its relevance to their operations. This is particularly true considering the level of effort and … Read more
A localized marketing approach can unlock significant growth potential for your business – but it can also be highly competitive. So, what will it take to raise the bar and outperform your competition? How can you avoid missed revenue opportunities and maximize your brand’s visibility? On May 31, I moderated a webinar from SOCi’s Monica … Read more
Google Search Advocate, John Mueller, has turned to Twitter seeking advice on what to consider when hiring an SEO consultant. He posed the question on behalf of someone running an animal park, indicating the need for a local SEO consultant to enhance their online presence. “Does anyone have recommendations in terms of people/companies & things … Read more
Location landing pages don’t get enough respect. You set them up with your name, address, phone number & hours. Maybe you embed a Google Map for driving directions. Perhaps you write some copy that no one will read, and if you have multiple locations, you repeat the same copy on each page and just change … Read more
