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
Consumer feedback is an essential gift to local businesses, helping them continuously improve customer satisfaction, but it can be both effectively given and gratefully received with a little extra care for civility on both sides. Source link
Google has clarified that a business’s proximity to a searcher isn’t a primary factor in how Local Services Ads are ranked. This change reflects Google’s evolving understanding of what’s relevant to users searching for local service providers. Chris Barnard, a Local SEO Analyst at Sterling Sky, started the discussion by pointing out an update to … Read more
Discover eight essential steps to elevate your local business client meetings from mundane to meaningful. With the right preparation, consultations can be opportunities for living and learning well! Source link
If you own a local business, it’s quickly becoming imperative to understand Google’s new Search Generative Experience (SGE) and how to adjust your local SEO strategies to maintain and even enhance your presence for optimal visibility, traffic, and revenue. The good news is if your business has been employing local SEO and content marketing best … Read more
Review neglect can erode your local business’ reputation, but fear of reviews is valid. Miriam Ellis walks you through acknowledging, reframing, and diminishing fears you or your clients may have. Source link
When I moved to Chicago two years ago, I knew very little about the city and my new neighborhood. As I got comfortable and established myself as a new Wrigleyville resident, I made a very important friend in Google. Google helped me find the businesses, vendors, and specialists I needed in a new city — … Read more
From new European local SERPs and the GBP site shutdown to a grab bag of Google developments, Miriam Ellis recaps Q1 2024 local SEO news so you won’t miss a thing! Source link
Being in the middle of a competitive business market, dealing with small businesses requires local SEO strategies to implement. It can be a cost-effective solution to hinder the risks of small businesses. From increasing business visibility to attracting more customers, you will always need to find out the best ideas and opportunities in the market, … Read more
Miriam relays an old local business tale, with more than a dozen inspiring examples of love, loyalty, and friendship between local businesses and their customers. She ends with tips for removing barriers to form lasting business relationships. Source link
The popularity of digital video content is undeniable. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, all of which are heavily video-based, are at the top of the social media ladder. For many younger audiences, these platforms, along with a plethora of streaming services, have usurped all others as their primary source of entertainment and/or information. Some are … 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
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
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
Nothing could be worse for a business than existing customers thinking you no longer exist. With millions of Google Business Profile websites being shut down, Miriam Ellis outlines your options for a free/cheap replacement site, with tons of tips for making a strong 1-page presence. Source link
Today’s ask an SEO question comes from Mark: “How can a small company that only ranks in its local markets begin to rank in another market? What would you do to help the small company rank in a new area?” Great question, Mark! The good news is that the answer is fairly easy and can … Read more
Be intentional when crafting your local business FAQ pages. A little more love for FAQs is worth the time, and the effort it takes to provide valuable insights for your team. Source link
Google is looking into concerning reports that some businesses are sabotaging competitors’ Google Business Pages (GBPs) by creating fake Local Service Ads (LSAs) linked to their profiles. Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin acknowledged the tactic on X (formerly Twitter) after Ben Fisher alerted her to a thread on Google’s support forum detailing the destructive scheme. … Read more
