The Local Memo: Recent Episodes
SOCi
SOCi's weekly download of all the news that matters in local search. Take a few minutes to get up to speed and inform your local marketing strategy. Links to all articles in the Local Memo at https://www.meetsoci.com/resources/blog/
In this week’s update, learn about the popularity of generative AI in marketing; the rollout of Google’s Perspectives filter; LinkedIn’s test of generative AI in posts; a guide to images that improve conversion; wild fluctuations in search ranking; and red dots for unread content in the GBP interface.
This week’s update offers a larger-than-usual grab bag of important updates from Google, including local updates to the Search Generative Experience; support for social links in Google Business Profiles; the shutdown of Google Domains; the impact of hidden addresses on ranking; and several more items. Let’s get up to speed with the latest Google news.
In this week’s update, learn about a study showing consumers trust UGC more than influencers; Google’s updates to SGE; a possible cleanup of fake LSA reviews; Google’s new review recovery form for GBP; ten strategies to improve social media effectiveness; and Apple’s first foray into virtual reality.
In this week’s update, learn about Search Engine Land’s new SEO chatbot; Google’s new AI tools for Workspace; personalization of SGE results; Bard’s new location-sharing feature; the death of Post justifications; and how Instagram ranks content.
In this week’s post, learn about the rollout of Google’s new Search Generative Experience (SGE); the impact of SGE on local search; AI and the death of traditional search; a bug preventing GBP users from adding new owners; the influence of reviews on the purchase journey; and using GBP services to boost local ranking.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new popup display for Business Profiles; the imminent release of Meta’s Twitter competitor; ChatGPT as a local search tool; the return of “Image Not Approved” in GBP; expanded GBP options for language assistance; and the popularity of travel recommendations on Reddit.
In this week’s update, learn about all the important announcements from Google I/O; ChatGPT’s new update supporting web browsing and plugins; Meta’s multisensory AI model; Twitter’s new CEO; the launch of related topics in desktop search; and Google’s support for multiple languages in local listings.
In this week’s update, learn about the possibility that open source AI will surpass Google and OpenAI; Google’s plans to make search more “visual, snackable, personal, and human”; Google rolling out Bard to Workspace and Pixel; Bing’s new chat features; Yelp and Nextdoor’s new AI functionality; and the Semrush State of Search report.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s possible announcements at this year’s I/O; the rollout of plugin support for ChatGPT; an Instagram tool to help brands find UGC; the rise of Twitter alternative Bluesky; Google’s clarifications on page experience; and new texts from Google confirming business listing details.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s impact on the U.S. economy; Twitter’s new rules for advertisers; more AI news from Google; how the March Core Update impacted local search; top reasons for GBP suspension; and a new Instagram policy permitting five links in profiles.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new AI-based search engine; more of Google’s AI initiatives including image generation and a Chrome chatbot; Twitter’s launch of paid verification for businesses; Montana’s vote to ban TikTok; Google’s throttling of Local Packs; and the success story of SpamBrain.
In this week’s update, learn about Meta’s generative AI tools; Google’s new Asian-Owned and Latino-Owned attributes; Google’s most recent local interface experiments; asking quality raters to assess chatbot responses; the move toward integration of Bard in search; Bard’s incorporation of PaLM; and the growing popularity of retail apps.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s fight against fake content in local; AI-generated Google reviews; Italy’s ban of ChatGPT; Twitter’s now public ranking algorithm; Google’s restructuring to emphasize Bard development; and generative AI reaching the public in Gmail and Docs.
In this week’s update, learn about Local Search Ranking Factors 2023; mixed reviews for Google’s Bard chatbot; ChatGPT’s launch of plugin support; image generation in Bing Chat; Google’s new restaurant menu options; and a preview of generative AI in Gmail and Google Messages.
In this week’s update, learn about generative AI in Google Workspace; the release of GPT-4; the U.S. launch of Meta Verified; threats to TikTok’s U.S. presence; Google’s “Not Visible” bug; and the rollout of the Google March update.
In this week’s update, learn about the imminent launch of GPT-4; ChatGPT for local SEO; Google Maps’ new content guidelines; reasons Google might reject a photo update; recommended dishes in reviews; Google’s updated desktop interface; 70 new business types in Local Service Ads; GBP products in Google Shopping; and Meta’s Twitter-like project.
In this week’s update, learn about optimizing content for Bing AI; Google’s update to Profile Strength in GBP; a spike in fake review attacks; guidelines for multi-location Google Posts; Meta’s AR/VR and AI initiatives; and why local businesses need “shelfies.”
In this week’s update, learn about research showing more consumers are looking to social for search needs; service attributes as a ranking factor; ChatGPT prompts for SEO; third-party reviews and organic ranking; the share of Google search on Apple devices; the massive cost of Bard AI; the impact of continuous scroll on search traffic; Bing AI’s mobile launch; and Meta’s new paid verification feature.
In this week’s update, learn about Microsoft’s increased API costs; positive reviews for the New Bing; limitations on Bing chatbot usage; strange experiences with the Bing chatbot; GBP’s launch of profile strength and other new icons; Google’s crowdsourced approach to improving its Bard AI; local search trends for 2023; and Roku’s partnership with DoorDash.
In this week’s update, learn about Bing’s new ChatGPT integration; Google’s competitive AI tool, Bard; Google’s updates to Lens, Maps, and Translate; Twitter’s outage and longer tweets for subscribers; Google’s removal of special characters from business names; and Meta’s big investment in the metaverse.
In this week’s update, learn about ChatGPT’s growth and AI integrations from Bing and Google; a milestone in online retail; Yelp’s latest Trust & Safety Report; the imminent switch to Google Analytics 4; the inadvertent removal of Local Guide reviews; and Twitter’s move to shut down free API access.
In this week’s update, learn about Microsoft’s investment in ChatGPT; how AI helps Facebook boost usage; Apple’s search engine; the rise of influencer marketing; Google’s expanded vehicle listings; and a new DOJ lawsuit against Google.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s layoffs and pivot towards AI; Twitter’s “For You” tab and Community Notes expansion; a ruling in India that may force Google to make room for app competitors; Google’s new explanation of UGC restrictions in Maps; a survey showing consumer frustrations with mobile shopping; and the demise of Google Post Insights.
In this week’s update, learn about Apple’s launch of Apple Business Connect; ChatGPT’s lack of local SEO knowledge; changes to GBP product lists; the state of location intelligence; academic research showing the value of online presence; and Google’s stance on automated content.
In this week’s update, learn about search engines utilizing ChatGPT; the impact of AI on SEO; the ranking impact and ordering logic of Google reviews; the slow rollout of Google’s latest updates; a retrospective of 2022’s algorithm updates; and an EU fine against Facebook.
In this week’s post, learn about big tech’s new mapping initiative; Twitter’s ban on links to other social media platforms; Google’s updated E-E-A-T guidelines; a new service-oriented version of the local finder; Google’s Visual Elements Gallery; and a prompt to add videos to Google Maps reviews.
In this week’s update, learn about the merger of the Waze team with Google Maps; the impact of the October spam update on location pages; Google’s disclaimer for third-party links; Twitter’s paid verification relaunch; Mike Blumenthal’s update on Google’s review filter; and continuous scroll on desktop.
In this week’s update, learn about a new Black Friday spending record; SOCi’s study showing the influence of reviews on conversion; Yelp’s survey on reviews and consumer trust; Google’s lawsuit against a business guaranteeing page one rankings; a new GBP feature showing time to edit approval; and the impressive launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new guide to search ranking systems; suggested service areas for SABs; how to deal with missing reviews; Twitter’s feature plans; removing Zocdoc from business profiles; and more experiments with business profile layout.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new multisearch “near me” feature; consumer preferences for national brands during inflation; scammers impersonating business owners on Google; a new survey that finds 96% of consumers read reviews; Google’s updated photo layouts; and Twitter’s continued collapse.
In this week’s update, learn about Meta’s move to lay off 11,000 employees; video previews in Google Business Profiles; a Google bug that deletes reviews; the disappearance of Google photo views; the possibility of bankruptcy at Twitter; and the launch of TomTom’s new mapping platform.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new shopping features for the holidays; more users being pushed to the GBP Search interface; the question of review text as a ranking factor; the diminishing importance of backlinks; semantic photography in search; and a volatile first week for Twitter’s new regime.
In this week’s update, learn about the dramatic first days of Twitter under Elon Musk; the still-frustrating topic of Google Business Profile suspensions; a new survey showing TikTok’s popularity for restaurant recommendations; signs local pack frequency may be decreasing; the shuttering of the Google Maps COVID-19 layer; and a new study from Semrush suggesting zero click is much less common than you thought.
In this week’s update, learn about the impact of inflation on consumer search; local SEO maintenance tasks you shouldn’t neglect; updates on Google suspensions and review removals; new local features in search results; third-party links in healthcare profiles; and the prevalence of Google-owned features in product searches.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new ticket pricing feature in business profiles; an experimental “Hear about this place” feature in local results; an unconfirmed Google algorithm update; the fundamentals of influencer marketing; Twitter’s Link Spotlight feature for Professional Accounts; and the long road to build the metaverse.
In this week’s update, learn about a wave of Google suspensions plaguing business owners; subjective attribute scores in GBP insights; Google’s guidelines on review gating; the removal of health and safety attributes; Walmart’s foray into immersive shopping; and Yelp’s new report on business growth in non-downtown neighborhoods.
In this week’s update, learn about the local highlights (and some others) from Google’s recent Search On event; an academic study on the impact of fake reviews; free Google Fi for Local Guides; the completion of Google’s latest algorithm updates; and an updated look for the Local Finder.
In this week’s update, learn about tips for holiday marketing on Facebook and Instagram; the FTC’s guidance to consumers on fake reviews; Meta’s new tools for creators; Google’s new Product Reviews Update; the impact of the Helpful Content Update; and what happens in one minute on the internet.
In this week’s update, learn about a bug causing service area businesses to disappear from search; Google’s September Core Update; new rules from Google on review incentives; Google testing “beta questions” in reviews; anonymous Google reviewers; and coverage of TikTok as a search engine in the New York Times.
In this week’s update, learn about retailers’ preparations for Black Friday 2022; the end of the Helpful Content Update rollout; Google’s new timestamps in local photos; a virtual conference about Google Search; using Facebook competitions to build engagement; and Instagram’s new topics feature for Reels.
In this week’s update, learn about which kinds of businesses are eligible for Google Business Profiles; the modest impact of the Helpful Content Update; increases in brand app adoption; Facebook’s shuttering of Neighborhoods; surprising stats on Facebook popularity with Gen Z; and the normalization of Local Pack Headers.
In this week’s update, learn about Meta as a destination for shopping; the rollout of Google’s Helpful Content Update; TikTok’s experimental “Nearby” feed; Nextdoor’s 2022 Neighborhood Favorites; photo captions in GBP; and the reach of Instagram Reels.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new helpful content update; the features of local pack headers; the best times to post on social media; the impact of products on local ranking; new Reels features on Instagram and Facebook; and a recent spate of Google Post removals.
In this week’s update, learn about a change to the GBP dashboard for multi-location users; how Instagram selects Recommended Posts; Google’s new ability to auto-populate restaurant menus; the consumer demand for business messaging; a major Google outage; and a new disclaimer on Google reviews.
In this week’s update, learn about Twitter’s listings-like Location Spotlight; Google’s new attribute for Asian-owned businesses; a help doc update regarding Google Posts; the shutdown of Live Shopping on Facebook; a guide to GBP conversion factors; and Yelp’s new discovery-based interface.
In this week’s update, learn about Instagram’s searchable map; another extension for third-party cookies in Chrome; an FAQ option in Google Messages; Google Business Profile changes and updates; new features and experiments in Google Maps; and Google’s decision to shut down reviews for reproductive clinics.
In this week’s update, learn about the popularity of social platforms for search amongst younger users; increased reliance of consumers on trustworthy reviews; Google’s shutdown of the GMB app; multiple user profiles on Facebook; Google Maps routing for electric vehicles; and creating the most engaging social media posts.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new algorithm tracking page; how to become a Yelp Elite reviewer; how to market your business on TikTok; Musk’s attempt to back out of the Twitter deal; a bug causing Google listings to disappear; and a guide to Google justifications.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new review carousels and photo-first profiles; Google’s decision to automatically delete visits to abortion clinics; a guide to Twitter’s ranking factors; identity filters in Google Shopping; how brands can best engage on social issues; and an inflation-based spike in grocery store app usage.
In this week’s update, learn about Local Cards as a potential replacement for the 3-Pack; Google’s new “LGBTQ+ owned” attribute; the Musk team’s request for more Twitter data; the impact of page speed on local search performance; Google’s latest statement on keywords in domains; and consumer sentiment on ad personalization.
In this week’s update, learn about the top 1,000 Google keywords; Meta’s plans to remake the Facebook feed; what The North Face gets right in localized marketing; a new profile strength widget in GBP; local packs are hidden under a new “Locations” tab; and John Oliver’s take on big tech monopolies.
In this week’s update, learn about the growth of social media marketing in 2022; new Apple Maps features; the pandemic impact on social communication; the transformation of brand loyalty; widespread removal of Google reviews; and Snapchat’s new restaurant recommendations.
In this week’s update, learn about the impact of the May 2022 Core Update; the rumor that Apple will announce a search engine; Messenger’s new Calls tab; the uses of Open Graph meta tags; the temporary suspension of product editing in GBP; and the launch of Google’s Topics API test.
In this week’s update, learn about justifications in Google Maps; tips for promoting your local business on Instagram; usage growth in messaging apps; UGC as a ranking factor; the top five Google Business Profile questions; and how to get images in local organic SERPs.
In this week’s update, learn about Meta’s new proactive messaging; Yelp’s new request a call feature; the passing of SEO legend Bill Slawksi; a decline in the effectiveness of “near me” optimization; the key platforms for social listening; and Meta’s efforts to create a safe environment for users and businesses.
In this week’s update, learn about new visual search features announced at Google I/O; Google’s aggressive review filtering and what to do about it; Meta’s push to bring short-form video to news; TikTok’s partnership with Foursquare; Google’s push for inclusive images; and a new feature showcasing questions in Google profiles.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new guidelines for virtual restaurants; Facebook’s removal of location tracking features; a new flag for non-existent businesses; Yelp tactics for sharing positive reviews; Google’s many uses of machine learning in search; and Instagram’s new full-screen home feed.
In this week’s update, learn about Twitter’s change of ownership; the uncertain status of Google Business Profile Manager; Google’s move to sunset Brand Accounts; new explainer videos for editing Business Profiles and ranking in local search; the demographics of online reviews; and the non-business sources of Google listing changes.
In this week’s update, learn about social media trends as revealed in a new billion-post study; images as a conversion factor in local search; getting started with Google product listings; how to build engaged online communities; the lack of correlation between hashtags and Instagram reach; and LinkedIn’s losing battle against web scraping.
In this week’s update, learn about Yelp’s eco-friendly business attributes; Google’s migration tool for GA4; the state of local search in 2022; new product search options in the Local Finder; how Google uses Vision AI in local; and Meta’s ten-year plan for the Metaverse.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s self-updating Maps technology; product listings as a ranking factor; showcased offer posts in business profiles; Google’s new multisearch feature; newly prominent recycling attributes; and TikTok’s colossal growth.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s latest local algorithm update; a study showing consumer trust in reviews has eroded even as usage grows; Meta’s upcoming conference on messaging for businesses; an antitrust investigation targeting Google Maps; Yelp’s new partnership with a health inspection data company; and how to remove a closed business from Google.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s efforts to combat fraudulent user content; new appointment booking options for healthcare providers; EU regulations targeting big tech; tips from Yelp on using reviews to improve your business; Meta’s report on the state of small businesses globally; and product photos in local search results.
In this week’s update, learn about the sunsetting of Universal Analytics; Snapchat’s new Custom Landmarkers; Meta’s lawsuit against a fake reviews company; Google’s Ukraine relief attributes; visual SEO for local businesses; and several other recent Google news items.
In this week’s update, learn about a lawsuit targeting Google’s food ordering tools; attributes in the GBP Search interface; trends shaping social commerce; Yelp’s broad reach in the automotive space; E.A.T. for local businesses; and the new Local SEO Blackbelt Quiz.
In this week’s update, learn about Uber’s new local search feature; Meta’s latest Widely Viewed Content report; more “Confirmed by” flags in Google profiles; the real impact of the Vicinity Update; temporary suspension of reviews for businesses in Russia; and local SEO challenges for franchise businesses.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new interactive map; the return of appointment links; a “confirmed by the business” flag in Google profiles; the impact of Core Web Vitals in local search; keywords optimization in Google profiles; and benchmarks for brand engagement on social platforms.
In this week’s update, learn about the rise of Uber Eats; Google’s new calls API; the removal of appointment links from Google profiles; newly prominent Q&A excerpts in Maps; Meta’s recommendations to advertisers; and the history of review distribution on Yelp.
In this week’s update, read about global social media trends as detailed in a new report; the nuts and bolts of Google’s “Updates from Customers”; Google’s fight against “anti-tech” legislation; a rise in popularity for automated customer support; Apple’s autonomous driving technology; and Yelp’s efforts to combat misinformation.
In this week’s update, learn about Yelp’s new report on consumer sentiment and business recovery; Google’s post explaining its review moderation process; a guide to UTM tagging for multi-location brands; an update on the FTC’s fight against misleading reviews; Facebook’s Valentine’s Day tips for retailers; and a radius-based ranking strategy.
In this week’s update, learn about the FTC’s new penalties and guidelines for misleading reviews; Google’s GMB Facebook page debacle; “Updates from Customers” in Google profiles; Google’s new plan for replacing third-party cookies; Meta’s powerful supercomputer; and the addition of food ordering to GBP Performance metrics.
In this week’s update, learn about a business in El Paso literally called “Dentist Near Me”; the increasing concerns of social media users over privacy; a poll suggesting the Vicinity Update hit multi-location businesses the hardest; Google’s new GBP overlay in Search; and the purchase behavior of social media users.
In this week’s update, learn about the rapid growth of social commerce; new local features on mobile including Local Guide tags and carousels; the role of citations in local ranking; preparing for retail in the metaverse; new restrictions for Google Business Profile owners and managers; and the social media statistics marketers need for 2022.
In this week’s update, learn about Bing’s new Travel Guide; Google’s car inventory in local results; Apple’s embeddable maps; Apple Maps ratings in the wild; and DuckDuckGo’s growth to 100 million daily searches.
In this week’s update, learn about TikTok’s achievement as the most popular domain of 2021; Google’s new “Mark as Special” feature for products; a compendium of local search stats; how to diagnose a drop in local ranking; Facebook’s imminent ad targeting changes; and the continued growth of food delivery apps.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s November local search update; a spike in filtered Google reviews; a new video verification option for Google Business Profiles; TikTok’s restaurant chain concept; a dock button for Google Maps; and a global view of mobile phone usage.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new local pack design on desktop; Google posts enabled at long last for hotels; Yelp’s most popular search filters; Bing’s new local product search capability; location sharing and Area Busyness in Google Maps; and a possible local search algorithm update.
In this week’s update, learn about ranking volatility due to the product reviews update; Twitter’s ban on sharing images of private individuals; new GBP and search features for healthcare; a checklist for Yelp profiles; a roundup of current GBP issues; and a guide to Instagram for local businesses.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new help documentation on reviews; Instagram’s TikTok transition; a medical category bug in Google profiles; mixed awareness of GMB’s new name; business opportunities in the metaverse; and Apple’s new focus on local.
featuring Justina Nguyen, Strategic Partner Manager on Meta's Messaging Developer Partner Team
In this week’s update, learn about consumer trends for the holidays; Facebook’s new data on emerging technology and commerce; several new Google Maps updates; Twitter and Search Engine Land discontinuing AMP; the November 2021 Core Update; and Snapchat’s new Snap Map “Layers.”
In this week’s update, learn about the rollout of the Google My Business name change; how Google will measure local search performance moving forward; the de-emphasis of voice search; Yelp’s photo-centric home feed; Google’s top 100 products for the holidays; and Facebook’s plans to remove thousands of ad targeting options.
In this week’s update, learn about the name changes of Google My Business and Facebook for Business; the desktop version of the Page Experience update; a download milestone for Google Maps; and the pandemic impact on review sites.
In this week’s update, learn about Facebook’s new name; GMB as a source of local leads; the new Deals feed in Google Shopping; AMP’s uncertain future; the mixed impact of Core Web Vitals; and Instagram’s new tools for creators.
In this week’s update, learn about Yelp’s report on post-pandemic recovery; Google’s review carousels for service businesses; Facebook’s new communication tools; how ratings and reviews impact local rankings; Amazon’s version of BOPIS; and a broader rollout of LGTBQ+ and transgender attributes.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new continuous scrolling on mobile; modified GMB identity attributes; message response times in the GMB app; Facebook’s virtual presentations for Advertising Week; Nextdoor’s latest consumer report; and Yelp’s updated features for service professionals.
In this week’s update, learn about the causes and impacts of the Facebook outage; quotes via email with GMB; a 5-pack experiment from Google; Google’s new eco-friendly features; Facebook’s report on diversity in advertising; and consumer preferences for digitized local shopping.
In this week’s update, learn about offer post justifications in local results; eco-certified badges for hotels; Yelp’s new Guest Manager tool and virtual restaurant attribute; a blueprint for local landing pages; the expansion of Google Lens and a new “in stock” filter for retail; and a new autocomplete feature in the Foursquare API.
In this week’s update, learn about the trust consumers place in recommendations from peers; removing fake or malicious Yelp reviews; what you can and can’t edit in Google hotel profiles; new booking links and expanded info for travelers; buying gas with Google Assistant; and visual search with Snapchat’s Scan tool.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new “Latino-owned” attribute; key takeaways from LocalU Advanced; the fundamentals of E-A-T; expanded business profiles on Twitter and WhatsApp; image carousels in Google Maps; and the temporary disappearance of hotel website links.
In this week’s update, learn about a new report on consumer usage of business listings; the demise of GMB site managers; Facebook’s new verification guidelines; how to win the “page speed race”; debunking the geotagged images myth; and the rise of commerce on TikTok.
In this week’s update, learn about the full rollout of the Page Experience update; Facebook’s tools for personalized experiences; how Google and Yelp fight fake reviews; a spike in GMB cleanup actions; a guide to Google’s star ratings; and the rise of “localism” in marketing.
In this week’s update, learn about Apple Maps ratings in the U.S.; Facebook’s widely-viewed content report; recent GMB changes, including the sunsetting of site managers; a successful defamation suit related to online reviews; data loss in Search Console; and Google’s confirmation of a change to title tag handling in SERPs.
In this week’s update, learn about a new guide to local justifications; a spike in Maps alerts for GMB owners; tactics for scoring well on Core Web Vitals standards; SnapChat’s local strategy; Google rewriting title tags in search results; and the non-relationship between review flagging and response.
This week, learn about the response of marketers to consumers’ Delta concerns; Google’s callout of “reviews from independent sites”; an “updated today” justification in local packs; a deep dive into Core Web Vitals; Foursquare’s new rewards app; and changes to Facebook Ads.
This week, learn about the surge in popularity of local results in search; disabled categories for service-area businesses; John Mueller’s clarifications on Page Experience and the June and July Core Updates; new Google Maps features for iOS; variable content in Knowledge Panels; and Yelp’s new vaccination attributes.
In this week’s news, learn about Brandify’s new chapter as we join forces with SOCi; Apple’s updated Places on Maps interface; Snapchat’s My Places; consolidated food ordering options for restaurants on Google; continued support for multi-location GMB Posts; and a broad rollout of sustainability attributes for hotels.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new explanation of search rankings; more detailed restaurant reviews; what really works when using Google Posts (and what doesn’t); how to get the most out of GMB Products and Services; another Local Pack test; and free promotions for merchants in Google Shopping.
In this week’s update, learn about signs of pandemic-based long-term changes in shopping; how the Local Finder differs from Google Maps; more about hiding your GMB phone number; Google numbers in GMB profiles; a mapless Local Pack; new tools for travel marketers; and the demise of Posts … but not in GMB.
In this week’s update, learn about a new antitrust action against Google; the local impact of the June and July Core Updates; a new callout in GMB of Q&A content; identifying messages linked to Google posts; the link between events and GMB profiles; and a study examining the common traits of spam listings.
In this week’s update, learn about Yelp’s report on economic recovery; Instagram’s claim that it is “no longer a photo sharing app”; Google’s July 2021 Core Update; how to respond to Yelp reviews; the hyperlocal potential of Nextdoor; and a guide to branded search optimization.
In this week’s update, learn about the delayed demise of third-party cookies; the strange case of vacation rentals in Google Maps; justifications in local search; getting the most out of Google Posts; new Insights reporting in Google My Business; and new Google filters for reviews and products.
In this week’s update, learn about new GMB management features in Search; the “Seen by shoppers” justification in local packs; some GMB issues currently affecting businesses; directions and website clicks in Performance reports; a change to Google’s featured reviews; and the Page Experience rollout.
In this week’s update, learn about Apple’s new mapping upgrades; the impact of the summer Core Updates; a possible local algorithm update; a primer on Google Analytics for local businesses; the global growth of Google Lens; and an Ohio lawsuit that claims Google is a public utility.
In this week’s update, learn about the demise of short names along with some new Google features for local businesses; the June 2021 Core Update; the prevalence of fake reviews in healthcare; a loophole in Google’s review spam regulations; the localization of image-based product search; and a new guide to practitioner listings.
In this week’s update, learn about the announcements in Google’s Marketing Livestream event; hiding phone numbers in GMB; the benefits of GMB Products; a guide to local service pages; the economy of fake reviews; and the getting the most out of Google Q&A.
This week, learn about personalization in Google Maps; the power of the Shopping Graph; MUM, the newest AI-based advance in search; the return of the local 10-pack; search volatility in May; and the impact of de-emphasizing AMP pages.
In this week’s update, learn about Yelp’s new custom location targeting; more new GMB Performance metrics; how to unfilter Google reviews; SEO sessions at Google I/O; why Google came to dominate local reviews; and a new vaccination search prompt in Google Maps.
In this week’s update, learn about new GMB metrics; the goals behind Google’s new recycling attributes; the impact of GMB keyword stuffing; Facebook’s Nextdoor equivalent; SEO in a cookieless world; and Google’s AI-powered battle against spam.
In this week’s update, learn about the ranking impact of low-quality pages and identity attributes; the persistent myth of domain authority; the controversy around zero-click statistics; how to recover lost Google reviews; GMB Food Ordering for grocery; and the great citation debate.
In this week’s update, learn about a food ordering upgrade in GMB; the delay of the Page Experience update; new Apple Maps features; service attributes in GMB sourced from the business website; reviews showing when the user visited the business; and new GMB recycling attributes.
In this week’s update, learn about new features in Google Assistant including restaurant ordering; a court finding on one-star reviews; the impact of the product reviews update; a new feature calling attention to recent Google Posts; local store availability in product results; and updated GMB editing features in Search.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s report on the digital side of local; Yelp’s new Asian-owned business attribute; Google’s updated guidelines on phone numbers in Posts; a search update boosting product reviews; this year’s Google I/O conference; and the “Kansas Bug” impacting some service-area businesses.
In this week’s update, learn about new features in Google Maps; a new format for local results on mobile; the relationships between ranking factors; detailed info on GMB suspensions; the benefits of GMB photos; and a “New” flag for reviews.
In this week’s update, learn about the growth of zero-click search; the risks of GMB messaging; a new helpfulness rating in reviews; the impact of COVID-19 on search and SEO; an address verification bug; and Google’s new hotel ads offering.
In this week’s update, learn about the updated Foursquare Places; Google’s new review management tool; a bug affecting featured snippets; regional availability and pricing in Merchant Center; a new guide to Google Maps marketing; and 10 common local SEO myths.
In this week’s update, learn about a major local ranking shakeup; free booking links for hotels; rejection of GMB posts; greater prominence in GMB for native restaurant ordering; photo updates and road editing in Google Maps; and recently retired GMB attributes.
In this week’s update, find out about updates to the GMB Products tab; how to use the GMB “opening date” field; a broader rollout of the device breakdown in GMB performance metrics; BrightLocal’s commentary on the possible February local ranking update; hourly fluctuation i local rankings; and Google’s evolution since 1998.
In this week’s update, learn about Yelp’s new Waitlist tools; Facebook’s new map; the impact of Core Web Vitals; a possible local ranking update; the source of “applicable services” in Google reviews; and three posts on GMB features that convert.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s report on fake and fraudulent local content; a new ranking opportunity for hotels; lead form extensions in Google Ads; Google’s new event series; two new guides to local SEO; and several more Google-related updates.
This week, learn about the launch of GMB messaging for desktop; why E-A-T is important for local SEO; years in business in the local pack; Google’s rollout of passage ranking; SEO tips and tricks for images; and using keyword research across the enterprise.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s plans for migrating Insights to Search and Maps; ratings in Google review summaries; Yelp menus in Apple Maps; Google’s enforcement of price accuracy in Merchant Center; new guidelines for co-working spaces; and GMB listings for appointment-only businesses.
This week, learn about Google Maps search trends in January; new device-specific GMB Insights; a one-year study of Local Finder rankings; split-screen Street View on Android; Google’s cookie replacement; and a guide to local SEO keyword research.
In this week’s update, learn about the removal of the 7-day publication window for Google Posts; new interfaces for review flagging and photo insights in GMB; changes in Google review summaries; why GMB listings get suspended; and Google’s threatened shutdown in Australia.
In this week’s update, learn about Yelp’s new health and safety confidence features; local SEO predictions for 2021; SEO tips for 2021 from a Moz expert; DuckDuckGo’s new search milestone; TikTok outpacing Facebook; and Local Guides settings moving out of Google Maps.
In this week’s update, learn about new performance metrics in Google My Business; a new health and safety overlay for local businesses; the introduction of subtopic ranking; dynamic tabs in GMB listings; third-party booking services for attorneys; and anomalies with GMB Insights data.
Happy New Year! In this week’s update, what to do if Google gets your listing info wrong; the value of Google Maps followers; new service features in local results; the definition of GMB categories; an antitrust action targeting AMP; and a boost in holiday sales according to MasterCard.
In our last update for 2020, learn about the latest GMB API update; a new location service from Amazon; the impact of “People Also Ask” on brand reputation; notes from a former Google quality analyst; listings for mobile food trucks; and the characteristics of top-performing grocery stores.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new video profiles for businesses; Call History in the GMB dashboard; official release of Local Search Ranking Factors 2020; BrightLocal’s updated Local Consumer Review Survey; online ordering with Google from Burger King; and trying on makeup via Google Search.
In this week’s update, learn about Facebook’s new antitrust case; a study looking at local ranking for attorneys; an interview with Google’s Local Ads product manager; Shopify’s Future of Commerce 2021 study; new vaccine search results from Google; and updated landmark icons in Google Maps.
In this week’s update, learn about the new Community Feed in Google Maps; the expansion of Google messaging and insights; the December 2020 Core Update; changes in Google’s “Suggest an edit” feature; a “New” indicator in Google reviews; and a new icon for sites that meet Core Web Vitals standards.
In this week’s update, learn about Google messaging in posts; a new Google app paying microtaskers to take storefront photos; Search Console upgrades; why GMB keyword data doesn’t match Search Console; Google’s consulting service for small businesses; and new Google Maps overlays for hotels.
In this week’s update, learn about holiday updates in Google Maps; new COVID-19 messaging in Apple Maps; a test of new GMB dashboard features; how social media influences consumer purchases; the Google Guaranteed badge appearing in Maps; and issues with publication of Google review responses.
In this week’s update, learn about the launch date of Google’s page experience update; delays in publication of GMB reviews; the rollout of health and safety attributes for hotels; the new relevance of vertical search; the state of voice search; and a new digital-only offering from Chipotle.
In this week’s update, learn about a new study validating Yelp reviews; a spike in hijacked GMB listings; removal of bank reviews from the local pack; brands struggling with consumer loyalty; big ad gains in Q3 from major tech companies; and the top ten GMB changes in 2020.
In this week’s update, learn about Apple’s new search initiative; TripAdvisor products for restaurants and hotels; local search metrics that matter; a video explaining how Google search works; an uptick in GMB suspensions; and the factors that qualify a business for a label in Google Maps.
In this week’s update, learn about the U.S. antitrust lawsuit targeting Google; Foursquare’s new virtual assistant; the role of the GMB “direct edit” interface; GMB features that do (and don’t) impact ranking; Google Shopping enhancements for the holidays; and health and safety attributes for hotels.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new health and safety attributes; new “Place an order” links in GMB profiles; a study of GMB feature adoption; voting info from Google Assistant; wait times and busyness in GMB; using Duplex to improve GMB accuracy; and the expanded role of BERT in Google search results.
In this week’s update, learn about the response of tech companies to a House antitrust report; a new call history feature, virtual appointment options, and a change to video uploads in GMB; Yelp’s new alert about businesses accused of racism; a new local SEO checklist; driving directions on DuckDuckGo; and YouTube’s launch of ecommerce features.
In this week’s update, learn about the rollout of ratings, photos, and COVID-19 safety info in Apple Maps; a new verification prompt in Apple Maps Connect; COVID-19 severity in Google Maps; landmarks in Google Maps Live View; and the global launch of free Google Shopping.
In this week’s update, learn about increased engagement with local businesses on Nextdoor; an Apple Maps pilot in Australia; virtual appointment booking in GMB; new Google Local Ads features; service-area GMB updates; a new GMB video on local ranking; and COVID-19 severity in Google Maps.
In this week’s update, learn about the new Local Search Ranking Factors report; Google Shopping updates emphasizing local availability; Apple’s surprise iOS 14 update; a guide to TikTok for business; delayed photo insights in GMB; and emojis in GMB review attributes.
In this week’s update, learn about GMB’s new health and safety attributes; Verified Calls for Android; a new website that is crowdsourcing business safety information; a GMB bug affecting service-area businesses; how to choose GMB categories; and new tech experiments in the grocery sector.
In this week’s update, learn about Apple’s possible plans to launch a search engine; signs of another shakeup in local rankings; voice search ranking factors from SEMRush; Bing’s removal of Yelp reviews; making GMB profiles more clickable; COVID-19 tracking in Google Maps; predictions for a “Corona Xmas”; and GMB links to virtual meeting providers.
In this week’s update, learn about new rich menus from GMB; ratings and photos in Apple Maps; the characteristics of the average GMB profile; updated GMB guidelines for hours and virtual offerings; new GMB badges for “LGBTQ-friendly” and “Women-led”; and Apple and Google reports on consumer mobility.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s search trends showing a need for connectedness; Foursquare’s new accreditation; a primer in GMB attributes; wildfire boundaries in Google Maps; Snapchat for local businesses; and new GMB metrics in Search.
In this week’s update, learn about an update that lets businesses optimize their GMB listings directly in Search and Maps; a glitch that temporarily disrupted rankings; expanded service features in GMB reviews; contactless gas payments on Waze; and recommendations for voice search and Knowledge Panel optimization.
In this week’s update, learn about the “photo updates” pilot and a new “Call” button in Google My Business; a list of items that are not ranking factors; a survey showing consumers want mask enforcement; another survey showing consumer preference for contactless transactions; and a clarification from John Mueller on the influence of negative reviews on ranking.
In this week’s update, learn about public user profiles in Google Maps; the proportion of Google properties in search results; the impact of primary category on GMB features; a new COVID Alert app in Canada; the GMB “Black-owned” attribute; and John Mueller’s comments on the impact of negative review sites.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new paid feature and online operating hours in GMB; a guide to Core Web Vitals; proximity as a less important ranking factor; and Yelp data showing consumer interest related to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
In this week’s update, learn about ecommerce’s unprecedented growth in 2020; Google’s “Wear a Mask” alert; new GMB notifications for suspended and duplicate listings; Google hours updates showing to the public; Yelp’s COVID-19 page title updates; and the new Web Core Vitals component in the Google search algorithm.
In this week’s update, learn about Uber’s acquisition of Postmates and the growth of online delivery; multiple appointment links in GMB; new delivery management options in GMB for restaurants; the impact of COVID-19 as measured by Google Trends; the launch of Walmart’s subscription service; and telehealth as a new fixture in healthcare.
In this week’s update, learn about Apple’s new navigation features and other iOS14 updates; Google’s expansion of free product listings; changes in GMB hours updates; TripAdvisor’s attributes for health and safety; new “Black-owned” attributes from Google and Yelp; a new carousel display in Google Maps; and the beginning of CCPA enforcement.
In this week’s post, learn about Yelp and TripAdvisor’s new health and safety attributes; a major upgrade for Siri; Google’s updates to Messaging for enterprise; new one-star rich snippet results; Nextdoor’s launch of Business Posts; and a new search engine with a privacy focus.
In this week’s update, learn about new Google Maps features; the online care attribute appearing in search; GMB recommendations for online offerings; how to interpret GMB Insights; new image carousels in the local pack; and e-commerce gains during the pandemic.
In this week’s update, learn about Snapchat’s upgraded map; a new business model from Starbucks; the increased cost of dining out; an outbreak of Google listing spam; new GMB notifications for removed reviews; and the display of services and owner info in mobile search.
In this week’s update, learn about the appearance of Black Lives Matter Plaza in Google Maps; the addition of secondary hours in Google profiles; destination page highlighting for featured snippets; the role of voice tech in retailer reopenings; the value of location data during COVID-19; and signs of waning interest in local reviews.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s support for virtual services; Foursquare’s new Recovery Index; a spike in big box store visits; consumer preferences for returning to stores, according to Salesforce; changes to the GMB COVID-19 help page; and the real deal on May’s local ranking update.
In this week’s update, Brandify’s study reveals pandemic search trends; Google offers guidelines for hotels affected by COVID-19, and adds insurance information to healthcare profiles; Google Maps makes it easier to find wheelchair accessible places; Google review attributes expand to more categories; and a new site lets you check for algorithm updates.
In this week’s update, learn about the restoration of Google reviews; Yelp’s new features in light of COVID-19; Google’s launch of secondary hours; support links in GMB for businesses in need; Facebook’s emails to businesses; and McDonald’s reopening plans.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s May core update; a parallel update in local results; a major reopening for Starbucks; easing of restrictions in some states for restaurants; Yelp’s new virtual services category; Google’s new coronavirus testing SERP; and consumer opinion on the reopening of retail stores.
In this week's update, learn about the gradual easing of restricted business operations in several states; Foursquare’s updated study of foot traffic during the pandemic; new offerings from adapting businesses; older reviews and Q&A reappearing in GMB; Bing’s new help page for COVID-19 updates; and how to showcase your products in GMB.
In this week’s update, learn about free inventory feeds from Google Shopping; newly prominent retail attributes in Google My Business; a new multi-company initiative to help small businesses; Google’s Marketing Kit updates for COVID-19; new Quarantine Insights from MFour; and the persistent problem of fake reviews.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new testing center listings; COVID-19 info links for healthcare providers; updates on new attributes for shopping categories; Infogroup’s crisis response features; the good and the bad for retailers during the pandemic; and plans from Starbucks for a phased reopening.
In this week’s update, learn about Google’s restoral of service for review response and some new reviews; new GMB attributes for healthcare, dining, and shopping; a new GMB help page for retail businesses; addition of temporary closure and COVID-19 posts to the GMB API; Bing’s new COVID-19 announcement; Google’s support for telehealth; and Apple’s guidance for testing facilities.