Tip of the Week
Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors 2023 – Get better local search rankings
https://whitespark.ca/local-search-ranking-factors/

Chris’s Links
"Florida Man Indicted for Far-Reaching Mail Fraud Scheme":
https://www.reddit.com/r/webhosting/comments/11xsukh/did_you_ever_get_a_fake_invoice_in_the_mail_for/
"Multiple DC Homes Listed as Fake Weed Dispensaries on Google Maps":
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/multiple-dc-homes-listed-as-fake-weed-dispensaries-on-google-maps/3280306/
"The Australian woman who took on Google twice – and won both times":
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-australian-woman-who-took-on-google-twice-and-won-both-times-20230205-p5chy4.html

Mike’s Links
Local Search Ranking Factors Summary for 2023
https://www.nearmedia.co/local-search-ranking-factors-23/
📈 Video: 2023 Local SEO Ranking Factors - How to Rank in Local Search Results
https://youtu.be/wktxx-ayyuY
Try Bard and share your feedback
https://blog.google/technology/ai/try-bard/
ChatGPT Prompt Generator for the  SEO Consultant
https://hallanalysis.com/chatgpt-prompt-generator/
Does Optimizing Content for "Near Me" Work for Local SEO? Sterling Sky Blog
https://www.sterlingsky.ca/near-me-optimization/
Jason Parks - New Google Pack Test showing only 1 review staron Twitter
https://twitter.com/Jason_Parks1/status/1637585236702777345
Online-conversion Local Ads (OLA)
https://gmbapi.com/news/online-conversion-local-ads-ola/
About Online Local Ads - Google Ads Help
https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/12015729?hl=en
Business Profile third party complaint: Report a violation - Google Business Profile Help
https://support.google.com/business/contact/gmb_3p_complaints?hl=en
Stefan Somborac - Google Updates Business Profile form on Twitter
https://twitter.com/stefansomborac/status/1639313800825389080?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFA

Tip of the Week

• How to Create Unique and Helpful Service Area Pages for Local Businesses - Elizabeth Rule - Sterling Sky Inc - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/how-to-create-unique-and-helpful-service-area-pages-for-local-businesses/

Erin’s Links

• Google Business Profile Services Displays Incorrect Pricing (Sometimes Free)
  •  - Barry Schwartz via Sukh & Carrie @ Sterling Sky - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profile-services-incorrect-pricing-35080.html
• Microsoft Bing has added Bing Chat answers in the Bing Search results in place of some of the answer boxes. - https://searchengineland.com/bing-adds-bing-chat-answers-to-search-results-394524
  • We are now seeing Bing Chat answers in the Bing Search results, in place of Bing Search Answers - Barry
• This Day in Search Marketing History - Danny Goodwin - https://searchengineland.com/search-marketing-history-march-18-2-394506
• For $12-$15 a month you can get a blue check on Facebook and Instagram - Nicole Farley - https://searchengineland.com/meta-rolls-out-paid-verification-394469

Carrie’s Links

• Google’s Generative AI Prohibited Use Policy via Marie Haynes & Lily Ray - https://policies.google.com/terms/generative-ai/use-policy
• Uberall Webinar - 2023 Local Search Ranking Factors: What Matters Most - with Krystal Taing, Elizabeth Rule, Darren Shaw & Matt Lacuesta - https://get.uberall.com/local-search-ranking-factors-us/
• Join Claire Carlile for a Local Search Clinic with Elizabeth Rule - Bright - https://www.brightlocal.com/webinars/local-search-clinic-elizabeth-rule/
• Local LocalU Tickets for Dallas - LocalU.org/dfw-23 - Save $50 with promo code “SAVE50”.  See Erin’s session on Location, Location, Location - Sterling Sky Case Studies on Location pages for Real Estate websites

Tip of the Week

• Be sure to pay attention to Chris’ segment on updating favicons, site names, etc so your mobile visibility doesnt suffer: Google rolled out new site names, favicon and sponsored label on desktop search - SearchEngineLand - https://searchengineland.com/google-rolled-out-new-site-names-favicon-and-sponsored-label-on-desktop-search-394084

Chris’ Links

TikTok enters the search ad market, challenging Google and Microsoft - https://searchengineland.com/tiktok-enters-the-search-ad-market-challenging-google-and-microsoft-394121

Elementor WordPress Contact Form Plugin Vulnerability Exposes Up To 200,000 Sites - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/metform-elementor-contact-form-builder-vulnerability/481713/

Yoast SEO Founder: WordPress Admin Interface Is "Simply Bad" - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/wordpress-admin-ui-is-bad/477612/

Carrie’s Links

Using Bing AI Sydney to collect resources for local linkbuilding - via @ndyjsimpson on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ndyjsimpson/status/1633823012523851777

Google Explore Adding Local Results to SERPS - spotted viaKhushal Bherwani & Glen Gabe & reported on SERoundtable - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-explore-in-search-adds-local-listings-35006.html

Why Have My Google Business Profile Views Dropped - Krystal Taing - https://uberall.com/en-us/resources/blog/why-have-my-google-business-profile-views-dropped

Leadferno Releases “Call Request” feature - via Aaron Weiche - https://leadferno.com/blog/call-request-helps-connect-your-business-with-leads

Restaurant Local Results let Users recommend dishes - via Barry Schwartz - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-local-reviews-recommend-dishes-35019.html

Tip of the Week

• Mike Blumenthal’s Twitter Thread on a Step-by-Step Guide to Fighting Fake Google Review Attacks
  https://www.nearmedia.co/how-to-fight-a-fake-google-review-attack/

Mike’s Links

• Step-by-Step Guide to Fighting Fake Google Review Attacks
  https://www.nearmedia.co/how-to-fight-a-fake-google-review-attack/
• Mike Blumenthal on Twitter: Summary of Guide to Fighting Fake reviews
  https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1631390248667062281
• How WIRED Will Use Generative AI Tools
  https://www.wired.com/story/how-wired-will-use-generative-ai-tools/
• Jennifer Slegg on Twitter: Finding ChatGPT generated content
  https://twitter.com/jenstar/status/1631588701783609345
• DOJ pushes ahead with Google Maps antitrust probe
  https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/22/doj-google-maps-antitrust-probe-00084058
• Walmart’s store-fulfilled delivery sales nearly triple in two years
  https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/walmarts-store-fulfilled-delivery-sales-nearly-triple-earnings/643449/
• Google Updates Reviews Guidelines For Personal Information & Fake Engagement
  https://www.seroundtable.com/google-review-guidelines-personal-information-fake-engagement-35002.html
• [Guide] Managing Google Business Profile Department Listings
  https://www.sterlingsky.ca/managing-department-listings/
• Shelfies: Why and Where Local Businesses Should Publish Them
  https://moz.com/blog/local-business-shelfies
• Colan Nielsen on Twitter - Manually entered GPB products now showing in commerce
  https://twitter.com/colannielsen/status/1630693267049160707?s=12&t=2ak9CvvmlgYdQ6DTyA8BdA
• David Mihm on Twitter Yelps’s use of all BOLD business names
  https://twitter.com/davidmihm/status/1630328470705414144?s=12&t=AuTk8xVgh9yoXRw52Thvqw

Carrie’s Links

• Attend LocalU Advanced in Dallas - April 26, 2023 - Tickets just $649
  https://localu.org/dfw-23
• Google asks for business link to BBB in assistive help flow as you sign up a new location/business
  https://twitter.com/TheSocialDude/status/1632529749246644225?s=20
• New Featured Snippet - bigger text, blue highlighting what is important
  https://twitter.com/Marie_Haynes/status/16

Tip of the Week

• When Can Service-Based Businesses Have Multiple Google My Business Listings? Joy Hawkins - Sterling Sky
  https://www.sterlingsky.ca/multiple-google-my-business-listings/

Mike’s Links

• Does adding a list of offered amenities to store location pages improve SEO? - SearchPilot
  https://www.searchpilot.com/resources/case-studies/adding-amenities-to-store-location-pages/
• How to Identify Authentic Calls or Texts from Google for Your Business H/T Claudia Tomina
  https://reputationarm.com/how-to-identify-authentic-calls-or-texts-from-google-for-your-business/
• Help protect against fraudulent calls - Google Business Profile Help
  https://support.google.com/business/answer/6212928
• Impact of Google easing review filter to placate Local Guides
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qElvb0xo7xQ

Carrie’s Links

• Attend LocalU Advanced in Dallas - April 26, 2023
  https://localu.org/dfw-23
• Google Search Console adds daily bulk data exports to BigQuery - Barry Schwartz via Search Engine Land
  https://searchengineland.com/google-search-console-adds-daily-bulk-data-exports-to-bigquery-393380
• A new set of Double Justifications comes to Google Local Finder - Amy Toman via Twitter
  https://twitter.com/BubblesUp/status/1628838278676770822
• Unlocking the Power of Google Tabs to Determine Keyword Intent Colan Nielsen via Sterling Sky 
  https://www.sterlingsky.ca/unlocking-the-power-of-google-tabs-to-determine-keyword-intent/
• Google: Embedding Local Reviews Collected By Third Parties Does Not Help With Web Search Rankings - Barry Schwartz via Search Engine Land 
  https://www.seroundtable.com/google-embedding-local-reviews-seo-34945.html
• Live webinar: What you need to know about GA4 - Crystal Carter, Krista Seiden, Mordy Oberstein
  https://www.wix.com/seo/learn/resource/webinar-what-you-need-to-know-about-ga4
• Gary illyes at Pubcon - Google’s Principles on AI via Jenifer Slegg at Pubcon Austin this AM
  https://twitter.com/jenstar/status/1630218140373196802/photo/1

Tip of the Week

• Do Services in Google Business Profiles Impact Ranking? - Joy Hawkins - Sterling Sky 
  https://www.sterlingsky.ca/services-in-google-business-profile-impact-ranking/

Mike’s Links

• Mutiny on the Bountiful? Proposed settlement challenges review hijacking
  https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2023/02/mutiny-bountiful-proposed-settlement-challenges-review-hijacking
• Why Amazon Will Still 'Go Big' on Grocery
  https://progressivegrocer.com/why-amazon-will-still-go-big-grocery 
• matt newberg: True Cost of last mile delvery on Twitter
  https://twitter.com/thenewb/status/1625296362664497152?s=12&t=huTkM_Bc8CgIcZ1FOHzjSQ
• My class required AI. Here's what I've learned so far.
  https://oneusefulthing.substack.com/p/my-class-required-ai-heres-what-ive
• Matt Casady: New job selection tool in LSA  on Twitter
  https://twitter.com/mattcasady/status/1625284544135049217?s=12&t=huTkM_Bc8CgIcZ1FOHzjSQ
• Darren Shaw: The better way to do Google Posts on Twitter
  https://twitter.com/darrenshaw_/status/1625919372324913152?s=12&t=q2KVN6zBHmAAGo0uhlxu5Q
• SEO Link Best Practices for Google | Google Search Central  |  Documentation  |  Google Developers
  https://developers.google.com/search/docs/crawling-indexing/links-crawlable
• Google Business Profile Profile Strength Widget Now Live & Many Local SEOs Not Happy
  https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profile-profile-strength-status-34928.html
• Mike Blumenthal: New Local 4 (2x2) pack on Twitter
  https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1626917763468910592?s=12&t=2_UEw207PX15OOjSbdGNPw

Carrie’s Links

• Joy Hawkins on The Unscripted SEO Interview series with Mark Preston
  https://www.markapreston.com/joy-hawkins
• Are You Being Excluded From Local Results - Colan Nielsen via LocalSearchForum
  https://twitter.com/SterlingSkyInc/status/1625571948964245505
• Webinar Ondemand: The Need For Leads With Aaron Weiche  - LocalU.org
  https://localu.org/webinar-ondemand-the-need-for-leads-with-aaron-weiche/
• Spam on Google Maps continues to be out of control and can cost legitimate businesses everything - Via Twitter Th

Tip of the Week

• Overlooked and Underrated Tactics for Local SEO Success - BrightLocal https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/overlooked-and-underrated-tactics/
  (photos, reviews, traditional SEO factors, category changes, Q&A, etc.
  • Thanks to @JoyanneHawkins @BubblesUp @clairecarlile @ColanNielsen @GregGifford @imcrystalhorton @Plotboilers (amongst others) for sharing!
• And if you still have a little time - register for this: 
  • Aaron Weiche Webinar – February 15, 2023, at 12 ET – The Need for Leads
    https://bit.ly/3HbqmuE

Mike’s Links

• TikTok is driving an offline lift in sales for some brands
  https://www.modernretail.co/marketing/tiktok-is-driving-an-offline-lift-in-sales-for-some-brands/
• Bright lights and snazzy mannequins: Walmart rolls out sleek new store designs
  https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/28/walmart-new-sleek-store-designs.html
• Ep 100: How digital agencies can use AI: a conversation with Joy Hawkins & Kevin Indig
  https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-100/
• Google Search's guidance about AI-generated content  |  Google Search Central Blog  |  Google Developers
  https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2023/02/google-search-and-ai-content
• The Role of AI Content in SEO
  https://www.amsivedigital.com/insights/seo/the-role-of-ai-content-in-seo/
• Google Local Review Filters Removed Many Legit Reviews, Google Restoring Reviews
  https://www.seroundtable.com/google-local-review-filters-removed-34842.html
• An update on how we moderate Google Maps reviews
  https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/Highlights/An-update-on-how-we-moderate-Google-Maps-reviews/ba-p/3558439
• Breaking News: Any Vehicle Dealer Can Now List Inventory On GBP
  https://searchlabdigital.com/blog/breaking-news-any-vehicle-dealer-can-now-list-inventory-on-gbp/

Carrie’s Links

• Book Now Lead Capture Now Available for Lawyer LSAs - Local University
  https://localu.org/book-now-lawyer-lsa/ 
• Google Paris Event - Meh - ​​Google is still drip-feeding AI into search, Maps, and Translate - The Verge
  https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/8

Tip of the Week - The Importance of Optimizing for Cost Keywords [Case Study] - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/cost-keywords/ 

TL;DR:

• Google LOVES numbers so including them on your site increases your chances of ranking higher.
• Optimizing for cost keywords increases rankings, increases traffic, and brings in conversions.
• Your competitors are likely already doing this and reaping the benefits, so you should too!

Chris’ Links

• Happy 15th birthday to Google Maps, the company's second most important product  (3 yr old article)
  • https://searchengineland.com/happy-15th-birthday-to-google-maps-the-companys-second-most-important-product-328744
• Google is holding an event about search and AI on February 8th - The Verge
  • https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/2/23583701/google-search-ai-event-february-maps 
• How to Block ChatGPT From Using Your Website Content - Roger Monti via SearchEngineJournal.com
  • https://www.searchenginejournal.com/how-to-block-chatgpt-from-using-your-website-content/478384/
• Advanced image SEO: A secret manual - Chris Silver Smith - SearchEngineLand.com 
  • https://searchengineland.com/advanced-image-seo-secret-manual-392632

Carrie’s Links

• Yahoo is making a return to search - SterlingSky.ca 
  • https://searchengineland.com/yahoo-is-making-a-return-to-search-392341 
• What Could AI for Local Search Look Like? - LocalSEO Guide
  • https://www.localseoguide.com/what-could-ai-for-local-search-look-like/
• Moving company tried to block negative reviews with '$2,500 per day' threat: prosecutors | Fox Business 
  • https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/moving-company-tried-to-block-negative-reviews-with-2500-per-day-threat-prosecutors
• BrightLocal: Live Google Business Profile Audit with Colan Nielsen - Watch on: February 14, 2023 at 9:00 am PT / 12:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm GMT
  • https://www.brightlocal.com/webinars/live-gbp-audit-colan-nielsen/ 
• Aaron Weiche Webinar - Feb 15 at 12 ET - The Need for Leads
  • Localu.org/leads
• LocalU - April 26 in Dallas
  • https://localu.org/upcoming-events/dfw-23/ 

Tip of the Week - HOW MULTI-LOCATION BRANDS CAN LEVERAGE APPLE BUSINESS CONNECT (FORMERLY APPLE MAPS CONNECT)

https://localu.org/apple-business-connect-multi-locations/ 

Joy’s Links

• Leaked Yandex Ranking Factors
  https://twitter.com/alex_buraks/status/1619370810959093760
• Apple Business Connect for Multi Location Businesses - Krystal Taing
  https://localu.org/apple-business-connect-multi-locations/
• Post Insights Being Deprecated - Local Search Forum
  https://localsearchforum.com/threads/is-anyone-not-seeing-google-posts-insights-data.59785/
• Adding Videos to Reviews - Sterling Sky
  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oc-Ac1_KvAk

Erin’s Links

• Yandex Leak -Company’s source code leaked, 1922 search ranking factors included (Search Engine Land & SERoundtable have great posts up)
  https://searchengineland.com/yandex-search-ranking-factors-leak-392323
  https://www.seroundtable.com/yandex-search-ranking-factors-leaked-34817.html
• Review text still doesn’t help rankings -Joy Hawkins, Sterling Sky
  https://www.sterlingsky.ca/does-the-text-of-a-google-review-affect-map-pack-rankings/
• Adding Videos to Reviews - Joy/LocalU
  https://localu.org/did-you-know-you-can-post-videos-in-google-reviews/
• Poll: Most SEOs Won't Recommend Using AI To Write Content - Barry Schwartz
  https://www.seroundtable.com/seo-poll-ai-writer-34774.html
  
  However…
• What is ChatGPT and Why SEOs Should Care - Greg Brockman 
  https://searchengineland.com/what-is-chatgpt-and-why-seos-should-care-392165#h-use-cases
• Joe Hall - Teaching ChatGPT 
  https://twitter.com/joehall/status/1619877217605136384
• Unconfirmed Google Product Reviews Update - Barry Schwartz, SERoundtable
  https://www.seroundtable.com/unconfirmed-google-product-reviews-update-on-january-26th-34820.html
• LocalU - April 26 in Dallas
  https://localu.org/upcoming-events/dfw-23/

Twitter handles:

@joehall
@joyannehawkins 
@rustybrick 
@GDB
@tomdemers
@krystal_taing
@sterlingskyinc

Tip of the Week - What’s the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? 

 Are Service Area Pages Duplicate Content?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imj9k37grO8

Mike’s Links

• Amazon's drone delivery unit hit with layoffs just as 10-year-old project finally launches
  https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/20/amazon-drone-unit-hit-with-layoffs-as-long-awaited-program-launches.html
• Failings in Apple Business Connect Agency Model
  https://youtube.com/watch?v=BbzLtZc8txk&feature=share
  • From Carrie:
    • How Multi-Location Brands Can Leverage Apple Business Connect (Formerly Apple Maps Connect) - Krystal Taing, Uberall
      https://localu.org/apple-business-connect-multi-locations/
    • TL;DR - spammers have infiltrated ABC - how will they respond? (ABC already a hot mess) - via Joy Hawkins 
      https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1616530873125404677
• Google Cloud Introduces Shelf Inventory AI Tool for Retailers
  https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-cloud-introduces-shelf-inventory-ai-tool-for-retailers-11673549442
• Google now automatically suggests FAQ - Stefan Sombera Twitter
  https://twitter.com/stefansomborac/status/1615723718717710338?s=46&t=SBMsZOggquR8JXTzHXbzng
• Google Maps now details % of protected bike lanes in bike driving directions Max Schalow on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maxschalow_bike-bondiexperience-infrastructure-activity-7021392755750785024-WsZ_/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
• Why Does Google Require Re-verification of a Recently Verified Business Profile?
  https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-business-profile-reverification/

Carrie’s Links

• Google's DeepMind says it'll launch a more grown-up ChatGPT rival soon | TechRadar
  https://www.techradar.com/news/googles-deepmind-promises-chatgpt-rival-soon-and-it-could-be-better-in-one-key-way
• DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis Urges Caution on AI | TIME
  https://time.com/6246119/demis-hassabis-deepmind-interview/
• Possible Bing search algorithm update on Wednesday, January 18th - Glenn Gabe via Twitter
  https://twitter.com/glenngabe/status/1616820625061847042
• Webinar: The Need for

 Last Week in Local is a look back at the interesting and important articles from the previous week. It covers critical industry trends, interesting local news and tactical insights for anyone interested in Local Search.

Tip of the Week - What’s the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? 

Should You Invest in Apple Business Connect?
https://www.nearmedia.co/should-a-business-put-energy-into-apple-maps/

Mike’s Links

The new Apple Business Center features & implications
https://www.nearmedia.co/why-is-the-new-apple-business-center-so-important/

Introducing Apple Business Connect
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/01/introducing-apple-business-connect/

Rising Stars of Local SEO 2023
https://www.brightlocal.com/blog/rising-stars-of-local-seo/

Your Multi-Location Local SEO Solution | GBP Software
https://gmbapi.com/

How To Make Local Service Pages More Helpful (And Less Mundane)
https://www.sterlingsky.ca/make-local-service-pages-helpful/

How to Repair and Improve Local Business Reputation via Google Star Ratings and Reviews
https://moz.com/blog/how-to-improve-google-business-reputation

Arbitrage in Google's Local Services Ads: What you need to knowCase study: Are indented search results on Google actually hurting your business?
https://searchengineland.com/google-local-services-ads-arbitrage-387645

New reserve with google Feature for Restaurants: Wait Times on Twitter
https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1614987010887880704

Carrie’s Links

How to write an optimized content brief Andy Chadwick - KeywordInsights.ai
https://www.keywordinsights.ai/blog/how-to-write-an-optimised-content-brief/

GBP Posts Insights are Deprecated
https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1614258505090834435

GBP Support is a Bot - I think - also Image Upload for Posts/Update is broken (is it fixed yet?) - Via Tim Capper on Twitter
https://twitter.com/GuideTwit/status/1613562041318490114

How do you get a places label on Google Maps? Joy Hawkins via YouTube
https://t.co/Oo8A1RpqyM

Join us for LocalU Dallas on April 26th, 2023
https://localu.org/dfw23

Last Week in Local is a look back at the interesting and important articles from the previous week. It covers critical industry trends, interesting local news and tactical insights for anyone interested in Local Search.

Mike’s Links

Amazon begins drone deliveries in California and Texas -https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/12/amazon-begins-drone-deliveries-in-california-and-texas/
Grubhub used every trick in the book to manipulate customers in DC and is paying - https://apple.news/A-Bq_tBJgR0q7ggQkMuTEjw
Her Child’s Naked Dance Killed Her Google Account. New Appeals Path Restored It. - https://dnyuz.com/2022/12/30/her-childs-naked-dance-killed-her-google-account-new-appeals-path-restored-it/
AG Ferguson files lawsuit against Seattle-based plastic surgery clinic for bribing, threatening patients to falsely inflate its online ratings | Washington State - https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-seattle-based-plastic-surgery-clinic-bribing
Using YouTube to Pull More Freight for Your Local SEO - https://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2022/12/30/using-youtube-to-pull-more-freight-for-your-local-seo/
ChatGPT for SEO: 20 Ways to Leverage ChatGPT in your SEO Activities - International SEO Consultant, Author & Speaker - https://www.aleydasolis.com/en/search-engine-optimization/chatgpt-for-seo/
Paraphrasing tool to rewrite AI content - https://quillbot.com/
Ep. 94: Barry Schwartz Talks All Things Google - UI, Algorithms and AI Spam - https://www.nearmedia.co/barry-schwartz-talks-all-things-google-ui-algorithms-and-ai-spam/


Carrie’s Links

Ongoing Report: Google Search Console Not Tracking All Local Pack Clicks - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-local-pack-clicks-34646.html
Marketing Tips For A Successful 2023 - Local University - https://localu.org/marketing-tips-successful-2023/
Local Search in 2023: Must-Know and Must-Do Tactics 1/12 1pm ET - Mike, Greg Sterling, Joy & Benu at Milestone - https://milestoneinternet.zoom.us/webinar/register/3016717255376/WN_sdYrEtxyRZyFVdjwD6Koag
Is This Google's Helpful Content Algorithm? - Roger Montti - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/helpful-content-algorithm/475381/


Tip of the week - What’s the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? 

What is the Effect of Leaving Photos with Google Reviews - Joy Hawkins - Sterling Sky

▬ Contents of this podcast ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Intro
0:27 - Show Start
0:51 - Tip of The Week: Image Rejection
3:24 - Research Yelp Business New vs Old Listings
5:32 - Google Content Research
8:00 - AI News: Neva Chatgpt
12:01 - Andrew Shotland: uses for Chatgpt
12:59 - Chatgpt: Idea Enhancement
14:56 - Carrie: Uses for Chatgpt article
16:51 - Carrie’s conversation with AI
17:49 - Google Maps: Business Double Images
19:11 - Joy Hawkins: insight square map
20:13 - Macy’s Store Closings: Impact brick and mortar
22:20 - Joy Hawkins Video: GBP forum help how to
25:05 - Dental Vertical available for service ads - Matt Cassady
27:07 - Localu Dallas Tickets on sale
27:39 - Informal Survey: GA4 Install

Mike’s Links

• Amazon begins drone deliveries in California and Texas -https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/12/amazon-begins-drone-deliveries-in-california-and-texas/
• Grubhub used every trick in the book to manipulate customers in DC and is paying - https://apple.news/A-Bq_tBJgR0q7ggQkMuTEjw
• Her Child’s Naked Dance Killed Her Google Account. New Appeals Path Restored It. - https://dnyuz.com/2022/12/30/her-childs-naked-dance-killed-her-google-account-new-appeals-path-restored-it/
• AG Ferguson files lawsuit against Seattle-based plastic surgery clinic for bribing, threatening patients to falsely inflate its online ratings | Washington State - https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-seattle-based-plastic-surgery-clinic-bribing
• Using YouTube to Pull More Freight for Your Local SEO - https://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2022/12/30/using-youtube-to-pull-more-freight-for-your-local-seo/
• ChatGPT for SEO: 20 Ways to Leverage ChatGPT in your SEO Activities - International SEO Consultant, Author & Speaker - https://www.aleydasolis.com/en/search-engine-optimization/chatgpt-for-seo/
• Paraphrasing tool to rewrite AI content - https://quillbot.com/
• Ep. 94: Barry Schwartz Talks All Things Google - UI, Algorithms and AI Spam - https://www.nearmedia.co/barry-schwartz-talks-all-things-google-ui-algorithms-and-ai-spam/

Carrie’s Links

• Ongoing Report: Google Search Console Not Tracking All Local Pack Clicks - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-local-pack-clicks-34646.html
• Marketing Tips For A Successful 2023 - Local University - https://localu.org/marketing-tips-successful-2023/
• Local Search in 2023: Must-Know and Must-Do Tactics 1/12 1pm ET - Mike, Greg Sterling, Joy & Benu at Milestone - https://milestoneinternet.zoom.us/webinar/register/3016717255376/WN_sdYrEtxyRZyFVdjwD6Koag
• Is This Google's Helpful Content Algorithm? - Roger Montti - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/helpful-content-algorithm/475381/
  
  
  

Tip of the week - What’s the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? 

What is the Effect of Leaving Photos with Google Reviews - Joy Hawkins - Sterling Sky

Mike’s Links

• Amazon Fresh Stores Have Gone Stale
• Hackers Used Amazon Ring Cameras to Livestream 'Swatting' Attacks
• The Voice Assistant Battle! (2023)
• Google Search In Video
• Apple Maps vs Google Maps
• Marco Giordano - 3 Great SEO tools on Twitter
• Does Upvoting a Review on Google Keep It at the Top Longer?
• Does Click-trhough Rate all order of Google reviews
• Google's New Local Pack Full Design Now Live?

Carrie’s Links

• Spotted: Google Local (GBP) Links in Google Discover feed - Colan Nielsen via Twitter
• Everything you need to know about the GBP Agency Dashboard - VIDEO - Joy Hawkins, Sterling Sky
• Using ChatGPT to make your work life easier - Schema - Regex Commands - Meta Descriptions, Directory/Citation Descriptions, bios for websites, etc.
  
  
  

Tip of the week - What’s the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? 

• Several Things Can Get You Filtered in GBP - Reminder: Where your address falls (inside/outside) city limits is one
• Joy Hawkins via LocalSearchForum.com  (another is proximity to another business in same category (~200ft or less)- also matters if keyword is implicit vs explicit

Mike’s Links

• Meta, Microsoft, AWS, and TomTom launch the Overture Maps Foundation to develop interoperable open map data - https://techcrunch.com/2022/12/15/meta-microsoft-aws-and-tomtom-launch-the-overture-maps-foundation-to-develop-interoperable-open-map-data/?utm_source=tldrnewsletter
• Google doubles up on E with updated search quality raters guidelines (E-E-A-T) - https://searchengineland.com/google-doubles-up-at-e-with-updated-search-quality-raters-guidelines-e-e-a-t-390343
• Visual Elements Gallery of Google Search | Google Search Central  |  Documentation  |  Google Developers - https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/visual-elements-gallery
• Google Search Status Dashboard - https://status.search.google.com/
• Google releases December 2022 link spam update - https://searchengineland.com/google-releases-december-2022-link-spam-update-390336
• DataChazGPT - Using Chat.open.ai to generate schema (on Twitter) - https://twitter.com/datachaz/status/1604048166386548737
• 13 Age-based Local Business Review Preferences You Can Serve - https://moz.com/blog/age-based-local-business-review-preferences
• Darren Shaw- Whitespark Local competitor analysis on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DarrenShaw_/status/1603785162189598720
• Joey Abna - GPB Product listing insights coming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/joeyabna/status/1603460715796463618
• Google Adds “Add a Map to Your Website” Feature to Google Business Profiles - Local University - https://localu.org/google-adds-add-a-map-to-your-website-feature-to-google-business-profiles/
• Why You Should Add Videos to Your Google Business Profile - Local University - https://localu.org/videos-google-business-profile/

Carrie’s Links

• Last Week in Local is going live! Starting Jan 9, 2023 - https://twitter.com/localuniv/status/1603864149217251328
• Elizabeth Rule on Suds & Search with SearchLab’s Mark Bealin - https://searchlabdigital.com/blog/suds-search-142-elizabeth-rule/
  • using SEO and PPC strategies, effective content creation, and what to do if a competitor is spamming Google
• Seeing "Trending Searches" when searching on Google. Via Colan Nielsen of SS - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1603743911327006721
  • Seems to be localized depending on your search location. 
• GA4 FINALLY has a landing page report - via Krista Seiden - https://twi

Mike’s Links

• MBlumenthal - Ne Review filter Cliff notes on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1601936203108225025
• Google's New Review Algo: What We Know - https://www.nearmedia.co/a-guide-to-googles-review-filter/
• Google’s cost-cutters come for Waze, will lose status as independent company - https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/12/googles-cost-cutters-come-for-waze-will-lose-status-as-independent-company/
• Alex Topically.io entity mapping tool on Twitter - https://twitter.com/nittolese/status/1599795782013620224
• Entity SEO tool for human beings - https://topically.io/
• Cyrus SEO - Sheets ML for finding underperforming pages on Twitter - https://twitter.com/CyrusShepard/status/1601303833518317569
• Location pages in Google's crosshairs after October spam update - https://searchengineland.com/location-pages-google-october-spam-update-390016?
• MBlumenthal Pleper Local SEO Extension on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1598651076412166149
• Highway Five - Using ChatGPT for rep mgt in Local on Twitter - https://twitter.com/HighWayFive/status/1600959847532756992?s=20

Carrie’s Links

• A Thread About Google's Local Review Filter - Mike Blumenthal - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1601936203108225025
• Another Helpful COntent Update - Started on 12/5 - still rolling out.  What does it meannnnnn???  - https://developers.google.com/search/updates/helpful-content-update
• How to Remove Negative Reviews on Google - Joy Hawkins - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/remove-negative-reviews-google/
• 3 Tips for the New Google Business Profile Manager Dashboard (Now Called New Merchant Experience) Joy Hawkins - https://localu.org/3-tips-for-the-new-google-business-profile-manager-dashboard-now-called-new-merchant-experience/
• Why Are My Google Reviews Not Publishing? - Joy Hawkins - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-reviews-not-publishing/
• Google Maps Displays "Offer Available" Under Business Profile Pins - Found by Joy Hawkins and Amy Toman - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-maps-offer-available-pin-34552.html
• LocalU Advanced Dallas - Tickets; https://localu.org/upcoming-events/dfw-23/  Sponsors: https://localu.org/sponsors/ 

Tip of the week - What’s the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? 

Mike’s Links

• Move from Content Creation to Content Creativity In 2023 - Local University - https://localu.org/move-from-content-creation-to-content-creativity-in-2023/
• Survey Of 755 Link Builders Shows What Works In 2022 - https://www.authorityhacker.com/link-building-survey/
• Cyrus Sheard thread on Link Builder Survey on Twitter - https://twitter.com/cyrusshepard/status/1597669127728295936?s=12&t=D-tkb6_tCMfY7R-XfzNP0Q
• FTC, States Sue Google and iHeartMedia for Deceptive Ads Promoting the Pixel 4 Smartphone - https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/11/ftc-states-sue-google-iheartmedia-deceptive-ads-promoting-pixel-4-smartphone
• The Influence of Reviews on Conversion - https://streetfightmag.com/2022/12/02/influence-of-reviews-on-conversion/
• Mike Blumenthal on new Google Profile Image bug on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1598392086671360009
• Smart Move, Google - https://garrit.xyz/posts/2022-11-24-smart-move-google

Carrie’s Links

• Review & Service Attributes: Do they affect how long a review stays at the top of a listing? - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/review-service-attributes-do-they-affect-how-long-a-review-stays-at-the-top-of-a-listing/
• LocalU Dallas April 26 - tickets on Sale - https://localu.org/dfw-23   Lorenzo Hotel - Downtown Dallas
• Google Shows Download Your Google Business Profile Data When You Remove Your Listing - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-remove-local-profile-download-content-34500.html
• Google Business Profile Can Notate Previous Location  - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profile-previous-location-34479.html

Tip of the week - What’s the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? 

ChatGPT - Understand the pros, cons and possible utilization of this very smart new tool in our arsenal. (https://chat.openai.com/chat)

Mike’s Links

• A Guide: Why Are My Reviews Missing on Google? - https://www.nearmedia.co/a-guide-why-are-my-google-reviews-missing/
• API endpoint update from Google - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/api-endpoint-update-from-google.59655/
• How to Get Zocdoc off Your Google Business Profile - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/how-to-get-zocdoc-off-your-google-business-profile/
• Google Maps Tests New Sidebar Navigation - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-maps-new-sidebar-navigation-34438.html
• Does the Length of a Google Review Matter? - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/length-google-review-matter/

Carrie’s Links

• Buy LocalU Event Videos - Local University - https://localu.org/buy-localu-event-videos/
• Brodie Clark on Twitter: "The past year was a big one for development of tools to help us do a better job at SEO. I tested out a ton of new SEO tools. Here's my top 10 (both free & paid) to use in 2023 - https://twitter.com/brodieseo/status/1597134729266204672
• Gary Llyes - 60% of the internet is duplicate -  Google Search Central Live in Singapore via Barry Schwartz - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-60-percent-of-the-internet-is-duplicate-34469.html
• First time seeing messaging after making edits to a GBP where Google tells you down to the minute how long until your edit is reviewed. - Colan Nielsen - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1597244695096176641  

Tip of the week - What’s the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? 

A Guide: Why Are My Reviews Missing on Google? - Mike Blumenthal - https://www.nearmedia.co/a-guide-why-are-my-google-reviews-missing/

Mike’s Links

• Ep 90: Google Review Bug Saga, Impact of Local Business Reviews, Google’s Misguided Store Finder - https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-90/
• Joy Hawkins on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1592574701179895809
• Google Search Console Goes Adds Shopping & Merchant Features - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-shopping-tab-34426.html
• Stefan Somborac on Twitter- Google Autogenerates Ads from Point Inventory - https://twitter.com/StefanSomborac/status/1594708876468813824
• Manage Local Inventory Ads through Pointy - Google Business Profile Help - https://support.google.com/business/answer/11423725
• Christina LeVasseur (Brodzky) - Hotel Attributes now show % of positive & Negative sentiment - https://twitter.com/cbrodzky/status/1593796024996630528
• Google now lets you search for restaurants by dish as Maps adds ‘fast charge’ EV station filter - https://9to5google.com/2022/11/17/google-search-nearby-dishes/
• Claire Carlile - NMX now allows for Image cropping in Posts - https://twitter.com/clairecarlile/status/1592462558157766657

Carrie’s Links

• Announcing: The Impact of Local Business Reviews on Consumer Behavior | SEO Industry Report - Moz & Miriam Ellis - https://moz.com/blog/announcing-local-business-reviews-impact-report
• Is Google Looking for Diversity in Reviews? [Case Study] - Joy Hawkins - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-reviews-diversity/
• LocalU Black Friday Sale - 25% off All OnDemand Videos back to March of 2020 - through 11/29 - https://localu.org/buy-localu-event-videos/
• Beware Of Fake Ownership Requests From Google Business Profiles - Ben Fisher - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/seeing-an-increase-in-owner-requests.59626/
• Google Business Profiles "Showing The World Cup" Attribute - Barry Schwartz - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-attribute-showing-the-world-cup-34428.html
• Your Google Searches Are Quietly Evolving. Here’s What’s Next  - https://www.wired.com/story/google-search-shopping-ads-malware-trends/

Mike’s Links

• Google's Suggested GBP Updates Nuke Reviews - https://www.nearmedia.co/googles-suggested-gbp-updates-nuke-reviews/
• Author Rick Wartzman on how Walmart stopped being a ‘boogeyman’ - https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2022/11/10/author-rick-wartzman-on-how-walmart-stopped-being-a-boogeyman
• Amazon Losing Edge - Mike - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1591790967517941765
• Colorado gig drivers make an average of just $5.49 an hour, study finds - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/nov/09/gig-drivers-colorado-wages-less-than-minimum-study?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
• Ahrefs 10 free keyword tools on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ahrefs/status/1590917250969583616
• Does Review Recency Matter for Google Rankings - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-review-recency-ranking/

Carrie’s Links

• LocalU on Demand Now Available - https://localu.org/nov2
• Q&A for GBP now included in NMX - pointed out by Miriam Ellis on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Miriam_Ellis_/status/1590042422201159680
• Roundup of GBP NMX changes - Jamie Pitman - https://www.brightlocal.com/blog/in-serp-business-profile-management-frustration/
• Recession is coming - Layoffs at Disney and Wells Fargo - https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/02/wells-fargo-mortgage-staff-brace-for-layoffs-as-us-loan-volumes-collapse.html

Mike’s Links:

• POPABLE AND WALMART JOIN FORCES TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS RETAILERS GET BACK ON THEIR FEET AFTER THE PANDEMIC - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/popable-and-walmart-join-forces-to-help-small-business-retailers-get-back-on-their-feet-after-the-pandemic-301662834.html
• Google is shutting down its dedicated Street View app next year - https://9to5google.com/2022/11/01/google-street-view-app-shutting-down/
• Semantic Photography: Low Hanging Fruit to Increase Google Local Conversions - https://www.nearmedia.co/semantic-photography-the-low-hanging-fruit-to-increase-google-local-conversions/
• Does the Number of Google Reviews Impact Ranking? [Case Study] - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/number-of-reviews-impact-ranking/

Carrie’s Links

• Reviews showing review location in Google – Darren Shaw – https://twitter.com/DarrenShaw_/status/1588964280665534464
• How to find reviews you haven’t responded to yet in the NMX  – Joy & Colan - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1588518928002998272
• Tanking Local Rankings? How to Turn Them Around If They’ve Gone Down – Phils preso from LocalU - https://twitter.com/philrozek/status/1588274549057286145
• LocalU on demand coming this week - https://localu.org/buy-localu-event-videos/
• Level up your online presence with images that convert – Joy Hawkins & Mike Blumenthal - https://www.rioseo.com/events/local-photos-live-event/

Mike’s Links

• thehustle.co - https://link.thehustle.co/view/5f3c2443c6344e7987022ea6h9fcv.f760/72bf8cbb
• Zero-Clicks Study - https://www.semrush.com/blog/zero-clicks-study/
• Webinar: Rankings Are Great, Conversions Are Greater. - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_69s-QR6bTG-VvrS6Wc7iDQ
• Google Maps has removed its COVID-19 layer - https://9to5google.com/2022/10/26/google-maps-covid-19-layer-2/
• GBP Suspension and Reinstatement Chaos - https://www.brightlocal.com/blog/google-business-profile-suspension-reinstatement-bug-chaos/
• Hacks to get back to the Old GBP Dashboard Mike Blumenthal on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1586754087080660992?s=12&t=NaNUY7w_DJFT7g65GfJdew

Carrie’s Links

• Map Pack and Other Search features Disappeared - Dr. Pete - https://twitter.com/dr_pete/status/1585011516985978880
• Funny SEO Horror Stories | Local Search Forum - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/funny-seo-horror-stories.59548/
• Does the Text of a Google Review Affect Map Pack Rankings? - Joy Hawkins - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/does-the-text-of-a-google-review-affect-map-pack-rankings/

Thanks to our LocalU Sponsors

• Zipsprout- https://zipsprout.com/
• Places Scout - https://placesscout.com/
• Whitespark - https://whitespark.ca/
• Sterling Sky - https://sterlingsky.ca/

Matt’s Links

• Recent Google review filtering and different ways to ask for reviews/different options when sending review requests via Joy Hawkins on Twitter - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/missing-reviews-reviews-disappearing.59057/
• GBP suspension bug should be resolved now - Via Joy Hawkins on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1583497806412910592
• LSAs in the local finder - via Barry Schwartz at SERoundtable.com - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-local-pack-tests-refine-query-location-search-box-33170.html
• Zocdoc showing on the SERPs via Colan Nielsen on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1582739806206894080

Carrie’s Links

• What are the Habits of Successful Local SEO Experts? - Colan Nielsen - SterlingSky - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/what-are-the-habits-of-successful-local-seo-experts/
• Suds & Search 135 | Brian Barwig, Local SEO Manager at Sterling Sky - SearchLab Digital - https://searchlabdigital.com/blog/suds-search-135-brian-barwig/

Thanks to our LocalU Sponsors

Zipsprout - https://zipsprout.com/

Places Scout - https://placesscout.com/

Whitespark - https://whitespark.ca/

Sterling Sky - https://sterlingsky.ca/

Join special guest Chris Ratchford and Carrie Hill as they discuss the news from local search in the last week.

Want to read more? Here are all the links!

Chris’ Links:

• What is Express Delivery on DoorDash? Is it Worth it? - Ridesharing Driver - https://www.ridesharingdriver.com/doordash-express-delivery/
• The FTC is readying its war on fake reviews - https://www.protocol.com/newsletters/policy/ftc-fake-reviews-rules
• TikTok vs. Amazon: Social video giant hiring in Seattle and L.A. to build e-commerce network – GeekWire - https://www.geekwire.com/2022/tiktok-vs-amazon-social-video-giant-hiring-in-seattle-and-l-a-to-build-e-commerce-network/
• Google rolling out site names and updated favicon logos in search results - https://searchengineland.com/google-rolling-out-site-names-and-updated-favicon-logos-in-search-results-388714

Carrie’s Links

• Edge of the web radio - episode 534 | Images and Local Search with Mike Blumenthal - https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seo-podcast/images-local-search-mike-blumenthal/
• Beginner's Guide to Google Business Profiles: What Are They, How To Use Them, and Why - Moz - Miriam Ellis - https://moz.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-google-business-profile

Hearing Aids Now Available OTC -  Prices set to plummet - Huffpost - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hearing-aid-prices-plummet-fda-over-the-counter-sales_n_634cbeace4b04cf8f379e438

Elizabeth’s Links:

• https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-clarifies-product-review-best-practices/467398/#close
  • Latest product review upate
  • Focusing on product review pages, not user generated reviews.
  • Focus on who is writing the reviews
• https://www.seroundtable.com/google-date-timestamps-accurate-in-search-results-34211.html
  • Been "working on this" since 2018. Less impactful in the Local SEO space, but for those working on news websites this is a huge pain point.
• https://twitter.com/lilyraynyc/status/1578508310097334276?s=20&t=evPdIWqBsInMnrKALOtlTg
  • Lily Ray retweeted Google Search Liaison about G's partnership with the UN to "ensure accurate information about climate change is prominently displayed on Google". Google claims third party partnerships can NOT affect rankings - but CAN "create new SERP features in addition to regular results"
  • Original Tweet: https://twitter.com/NRO/status/1578284682801717250?s=20&t=NxRMMM-74VtoN7_KZAQ98A

Carrie’s Links

• Google Announces 7 Local Search Updates - at least 2 of the 7 are focused on restaurants - which are notoriously under-marketed (unless they’re a chain w/ a marketing dept) - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-announces-7-local-search-updates/466500/#close
• How To Get Your Client Excited About Local Link-Building | Kick Point - https://kickpoint.ca/how-to-get-your-client-on-board-with-a-local-link-building-strategy/
• Localu.org/nov2 - get tickets
• New LocalU website - thank you so much Chris Ratchford!!