The Near Memo
Exploring the big stories for the week at the intersection of local business & marketing across the spectrum of search, social and commerce. With Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal & David Mihm.
The Near Memo
EU Targets Google, Listings Get Suspended, and AI Heats Up: Search is Changing Fast
In this episode, Greg and Mike discuss the recent EU findings regarding Google's non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the implications of algorithm changes leading to increased suspensions and verifications, and the evolving landscape of AI competition, particularly focusing on Google's strategies to retain users amidst rising AI technologies. They also explore the future of local SEO and its unique position in the market.
takeaways
- Google's violation of the DMA highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
- Suspensions and verifications are increasing, indicating algorithmic changes.
- AI mode may be sufficient for many users, keeping them within Google's ecosystem.
- Local SEO is less impacted by AI than generic publishers.
- Conversions should be the focus for local businesses, not just traffic.
00:00 EU's Preliminary Findings on Google and Apple
08:51 Suspension Verification Algorithm Issues
16:08 AI Competition and Market Dynamics
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