Deep Dive into Local Search & SEO

Tip of the WeekWhy You Need A Text Button On Your Website - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/why-you-need-a-text-button-on-your-website/Mike's LinksSERP Alert - Profile on click of Pack on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/serpalerts/status/1661545627707408384?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFAStefan Somborac on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/stefansomborac/status/1660787775644336130?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFAGuidelines for your business showcase video - Google Business Profile Helphttps://support.google.com/business/answer/13568959Google Rich Results Test Tool Gains Brings Back Code Buttonhttps://www.seroundtable.com/google-rich-results-test-tool-adds-edit-code-button-35428.html3 new ways generative AI can help you searchhttps://blog.google/products/search/search-generative-ai-tips/First look at Google Search Generative Experience, SGEhttps://youtu.be/ZxJFJay9uN0How Google's New AI Impacts Local Search - Local Universityhttps://localu.org/how-googles-new-ai-impacts-local-search/Local Landing Pages: A Strategy For Ranking Local Search Termshttps://www.searchenginejournal.com/local-landing-pages/485948/Carrie's LinksGoogle SGE: How Google's New AI Impacts Local Search - Joy Hawkinshttps://localu.org/how-googles-new-ai-impacts-local-search/Culling Tools & Other Expenses: an Easy Solid That SEOs Should Do for Their Clients - Phil Rozekhttps://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2023/05/30/culling-tools-other-expenses-an-easy-solid-that-seos-should-do-for-their-clients/https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-performance-report-delayed-over-60-hours-35467.html - Barry Schwartz - RustyBrick Local SEO Statistics and Trends: a 2022 Report by ReviewTrackers - Shared by Darren Shaw on Twitterhttps://www.reviewtrackers.com/reports/local-search/Farewell to Last Week in Local - we hope to see you again, sometime in the future.  In the mean time be sure to check out local seo news at the Near Memo Podcasthttps://www.nearmedia.co/memo/Support the show

Tip of the WeekWhy You Need A Text Button On Your Website - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/why-you-need-a-text-button-on-your-website/Mike's LinksFTC Announces Refund Claims Process for Fashion Nova Customers Affected by Deceptive Review Practices - https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/05/ftc-announces-refund-claims-process-fashion-nova-customers-affected-deceptive-review-practicesOutbound links - Yoast SEO Features • Yoast - https://yoast.com/features/outbound-links/Rand Fishkin - Is growth of Bing search leading to more zero click searches? on Twitter https://twitter.com/randfish/status/1659467780993740800?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFAGA4 transition Playbook | Analytics, SEO & Marketing Training -  Dana DiTomaso on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kp_playbook/status/1658578151847477248?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFAAllie Margeson GBP Service get higher visibility on Twitter - https://twitter.com/seoallie/status/1658956784650919937?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFAAllie Margeson Using ChatGPT to generate service relevant emoji on Twitter - https://twitter.com/seoallie/status/1658958972961931264?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFABug or Feature: Google Business Profile 'Image Not Approved' - https://www.nearmedia.co/google-business-profile-solving-images-not-approved-problem/Google Business Profiles Expanding Language Assistance Selection - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-expanding-language-assistance-options-35399.htmlGarrett Kite NMX Location Finder from Google on Twitter - https://twitter.com/garrettkite/status/1660039176446951425?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFAElizabeth's Links Neeva Search Engine Shutting Down - Search Engine Land - https://searchengineland.com/neeva-shutting-down-427384Mobile First Indexing Rollout Complete After 6 Years - SERoundtable - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-mobile-first-indexing-batch-35425.htmlGoogle Announces Aerial View API - InfoQ-  https://www.infoq.com/news/2023/05/google-maps-aerial-view-api/Google Will Delete Accounts Inactive For More Than 2 Years- https:/Support the show

Tip of the WeekGoogle I/O Recap & Discussion https://www.youtube.com/live/cNfINi5CNbY?feature=shareMike's LinksBusiness Formation Statistics - Monthly Interactive Visualizationshttps://www.census.gov/econ/bfs/visualizations/interactivegraphs.htmlNew ways AI is making Maps more immersivehttps://blog.google/products/maps/google-maps-updates-io-2023/Darren Shaw & Stefan Somborac - Changing (and spamming?) business names in other languages on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/darrenshaw_/status/1655700805054500865?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFAIssues adding images to a business profile - Google Business Profile Communityhttps://support.google.com/business/thread/215192962/issues-adding-images-to-a-business-profile?hl=enGoogle's Business Messages Rolling Out To Desktophttps://leadferno.com/blog/googles-business-messages-rolling-out-to-desktopNoah Links https://static.googleusercontent.com/media/www.google.com/en//search/howsearchworks/google-about-SGE.pdfhttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/darrenshawwhitespark_major-competitive-advantage-activity-7060274429188059136-m4DLSupport the show

Tip of the Weekhttps://searchengineland.com/google-search-to-become-more-visual-snackable-personal-and-human-411769  - Barry Schwartz - Google Search to become more “visual, snackable, personal, and human”Mike's LinksGoogle Plans to Make Search More ‘Personal' with AI Chat and Video Clipshttps://www.wsj.com/articles/google-search-ai-artificial-intelligence-chatbot-tiktok-67c08870Google "We Have No Moat, And Neither Does OpenAI"https://www.semianalysis.com/p/google-we-have-no-moat-and-neitherLocal Link Love: Securing Backlinks in Your Communityhttps://www.meetup.com/atlanta-seo-for-local-businesses-meetup/events/293201456Spotlight: Beyond the Google Monopolyhttps://www.brightlocal.com/blog/beyond-google-monopoly/Ep 112: Google's Local Knowledge Panel – the CMS you never knew you had; Conversations with Claire Carlillehttps://www.nearmedia.co/ep-112/Luca Bove- Google Local Easter Egg on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/lithops/status/1653050414785339393Google Business Profile Community: My client has a listing including a sensitive word (poverty)https://support.google.com/business/thread/213179339Darren Shaw – Services visible from Desktop Local Finder on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/DarrenShaw_/status/1653902223041253376Google Local Business Panel: Chat With Live Agenthttps://www.seroundtable.com/google-local-business-panel-chat-with-live-agent-35347.htmlErin Links TOTW - https://searchengineland.com/google-search-to-become-more-visual-snackable-personal-and-human-411769  - Barry Schwartz - Google Search to become more “visual, snackable, personal, and human” https://www.seroundtable.com/google-explore-related-visual-search-snippet-35345.html - Barry Schwartz - Google Search Snippet With Visual Explore Featureshttps://www.sterlingsky.ca/breaking-boundaries-of-traditional-google-business-profile-categories-the-power-of-semi-unrelated-categories/ - Colan - Breaking Boundaries of Traditional Google Business Profile Categories: The Power of Semi-Unrelated Categorieshttps://searchengineland.com/local-seo-e-e-a-t-strategy-395449 - Harmony Huskinson - How to build an E-E-A-T strategy for local SEOSupport the show

Tip of The Weekhttps://www.searchenginejournal.com/wordpress-performance/485479/ Mike's LinksMike's LinksNew retail research: Make your marketing work harderhttps://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/intl/en-154/consumer-insights/consumer-journey/retail-marketing-consumer-journey/Yelp unveils 3 new features to transform user experience and boost engagementhttps://searchengineland.com/yelp-unveils-3-new-features-to-transform-user-experience-and-boost-engagement-395939New Research: Dark Social Falsely Attributes Significant Percentages of Web Traffic as "Direct"https://sparktoro.com/blog/new-research-dark-social-falsely-attributes-significant-percentages-of-web-traffic-as-direct/How to Choose the Best Category for Your Google Business Profilehttps://www.sterlingsky.ca/category-google-business-profile/ Pleper Chrome extensionhttps://pleper.com/index.php?do=chrome_extension&ssd=1237Darren Shaw - Impact of Google selected services on rank before, after and before on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/DarrenShaw_/status/1652015709235613696Krystal Taing - Bulk Upload Help doc tips on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/krystal_taing/status/1651953090986414080?s=12&t=o-uoEcZmsD3rULHUqaXUFAChris' Linkshttps://www.searchenginejournal.com/wordpress-vulnerability-hits-1-million-using-header-footer-plugin/485712/  https://www.seroundtable.com/google-texting-validate-google-business-profiles-35294.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/29/business/media/writers-guild-hollywood-ai-chatgpt.htmlSupport the show

Mike's LinksAmazon 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_tBJgR0q7ggQkMuTEjwHer 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-bribingUsing 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 LinksOngoing Report: Google Search Console Not Tracking All Local Pack Clicks - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-local-pack-clicks-34646.htmlMarketing 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_sdYrEtxyRZyFVdjwD6KoagIs 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 LinksAmazon Fresh Stores Have Gone StaleHackers Used Amazon Ring Cameras to Livestream 'Swatting' AttacksThe Voice Assistant Battle! (2023)Google Search In VideoApple Maps vs Google MapsMarco Giordano - 3 Great SEO tools on TwitterDoes Upvoting a Review on Google Keep It at the Top Longer?Does Click-trhough Rate all order of Google reviewsGoogle's New Local Pack Full Design Now Live?Carrie's LinksSpotted: Google Local (GBP) Links in Google Discover feed - Colan Nielsen via TwitterEverything you need to know about the GBP Agency Dashboard - VIDEO - Joy Hawkins, Sterling SkyUsing 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 oneJoy 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 LinksMeta, 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=tldrnewsletterGoogle 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-390343Visual Elements Gallery of Google Search | Google Search Central  |  Documentation  |  Google Developers - https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/visual-elements-galleryGoogle 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-390336DataChazGPT - Using Chat.open.ai to generate schema (on Twitter) - https://twitter.com/datachaz/status/160404816638654873713 Age-based Local Business Review Preferences You Can Serve - https://moz.com/blog/age-based-local-business-review-preferencesDarren Shaw- Whitespark Local competitor analysis on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DarrenShaw_/status/1603785162189598720Joey Abna - GPB Product listing insights coming on Twitter - https://twitter.com/joeyabna/status/1603460715796463618Google 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 LinksLast Week in Local is going live! Starting Jan 9, 2023 - https://twitter.com/localuniv/status/1603864149217251328Elizabeth 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 GoogleSeeing "Trending Searches" when searching on Google. Via Colan Nielsen of SS - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1603743911327006721Seems to be localized depending on your search location. GA4 FINALLY has a landing page report - via Krista Seiden - https://twitter.com/kristaseiden/status/1603461422423240704

Mike's LinksMBlumenthal - Ne Review filter Cliff notes on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1601936203108225025Google'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/1599795782013620224Entity SEO tool for human beings - https://topically.io/Cyrus SEO - Sheets ML for finding underperforming pages on Twitter - https://twitter.com/CyrusShepard/status/1601303833518317569Location 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/1598651076412166149Highway Five - Using ChatGPT for rep mgt in Local on Twitter - https://twitter.com/HighWayFive/status/1600959847532756992?s=20Carrie's LinksA Thread About Google's Local Review Filter - Mike Blumenthal - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1601936203108225025Another Helpful COntent Update - Started on 12/5 - still rolling out.  What does it meannnnnn???  - https://developers.google.com/search/updates/helpful-content-updateHow 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.htmlLocalU 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? A Thread About Google's Loca

Mike's LinksMove 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-XfzNP0QFTC, 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-smartphoneThe 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/1598392086671360009Smart Move, Google - https://garrit.xyz/posts/2022-11-24-smart-move-googleCarrie's LinksReview & 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 DallasGoogle Shows Download Your Google Business Profile Data When You Remove Your Listing - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-remove-local-profile-download-content-34500.htmlGoogle Business Profile Can Notate Previous Location  - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profile-previous-location-34479.htmlTip 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 LinksA 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.htmlDoes the Length of a Google Review Matter? - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/length-google-review-matter/Carrie's LinksBuy 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/1597134729266204672Gary 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.htmlFirst 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 LinksEp 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/1592574701179895809Google Search Console Goes Adds Shopping & Merchant Features - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-shopping-tab-34426.htmlStefan Somborac on Twitter- Google Autogenerates Ads from Point Inventory - https://twitter.com/StefanSomborac/status/1594708876468813824Manage Local Inventory Ads through Pointy - Google Business Profile Help - https://support.google.com/business/answer/11423725Christina LeVasseur (Brodzky) - Hotel Attributes now show % of positive & Negative sentiment - https://twitter.com/cbrodzky/status/1593796024996630528Google 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/1592462558157766657Carrie's LinksAnnouncing: The Impact of Local Business Reviews on Consumer Behavior | SEO Industry Report - Moz & Miriam Ellis - https://moz.com/blog/announcing-local-business-reviews-impact-reportIs 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.htmlYour Google Searches Are Quietly Evolving. Here's What's Next  - https://www.wired.com/story/google-search-shopping-ads-malware-trends/

Mike's LinksGoogle'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-boogeymanAmazon Losing Edge - Mike - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1591790967517941765Colorado 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_OtherAhrefs 10 free keyword tools on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ahrefs/status/1590917250969583616Does Review Recency Matter for Google Rankings - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-review-recency-ranking/Carrie's LinksLocalU on Demand Now Available - https://localu.org/nov2Q&A for GBP now included in NMX - pointed out by Miriam Ellis on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Miriam_Ellis_/status/1590042422201159680Roundup 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.htmlGoogle 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 LinksReviews showing review location in Google – Darren Shaw – https://twitter.com/DarrenShaw_/status/1588964280665534464How to find reviews you haven't responded to yet in the NMX  – Joy & Colan - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1588518928002998272Tanking Local Rankings? How to Turn Them Around If They've Gone Down – Phils preso from LocalU - https://twitter.com/philrozek/status/1588274549057286145LocalU 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 Linksthehustle.co - https://link.thehustle.co/view/5f3c2443c6344e7987022ea6h9fcv.f760/72bf8cbbZero-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-VvrS6Wc7iDQGoogle 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_DJFT7g65GfJdewCarrie's LinksMap Pack and Other Search features Disappeared - Dr. Pete - https://twitter.com/dr_pete/status/1585011516985978880Funny 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 SponsorsZipsprout- https://zipsprout.com/Places Scout - https://placesscout.com/Whitespark - https://whitespark.ca/Sterling Sky - https://sterlingsky.ca/

Matt's LinksRecent 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/1583497806412910592LSAs 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.htmlZocdoc showing on the SERPs via Colan Nielsen on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1582739806206894080Carrie's LinksWhat 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 SponsorsZipsprout - 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-rulesTikTok 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-388714Carrie's LinksEdge 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-profileHearing 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/#closeLatest product review upateFocusing on product review pages, not user generated reviews.Focus on who is writing the reviewshttps://www.seroundtable.com/google-date-timestamps-accurate-in-search-results-34211.htmlBeen "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=evPdIWqBsInMnrKALOtlTgLily 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_KZAQ98ACarrie's LinksGoogle 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/#closeHow 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 ticketsNew LocalU website - thank you so much Chris Ratchford!!

Erin's Links:Changing urls for SEO reasons may affect you negatively - John Mueller - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-url-change-seo-34163.html - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-url-change-seo-34163.htmlConductors 2023 SEO salary guide - https://downloads.digitalmarketingdepot.com/CON_2209_SalryGde23_landingpage_news.html - https://downloads.digitalmarketingdepot.com/CON_2209_SalryGde23_landingpage_news.htmlGBP removes health & safety attributes - Barry Schwartz - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-drop-health-safety-attributes-34180.html - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-drop-health-safety-attributes-34180.htmlCommon mistakes even professional writers make - Ron Lieback - https://searchengineland.com/horrible-mistakes-professional-online-writers-make-388191 - Carrie's Linkshttps://localsearchforum.com/threads/is-search-console-missing-clicks-from-the-3-pack-on-mobile.59445/ - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/uptick-in-suspensions-occurring-not-related-to-reinstatement-response-times.59421/https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-highlights-online-discussions-forums-in-search-results/466392/https://localu.org/nov2

Celina's Links:Google releases September 2022 product reviews update - https://searchengineland.com/google-releases-september-2022-product-reviews-update-387293Why It's Getting Harder to Rank for Some Commercial Keywords (+ What You Can Do About It) - https://moz.com/blog/harder-to-rank-for-commercial-keywordsGoogle On How To Simplify Hreflang Implementation - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-on-how-to-simplify-hreflang-implementation/466061/Google: Word Count Is Not A Sign Of Thin Or Unhelpful Content - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-word-count-34092.htmlA Marketer's Guide To TikTok Analytics - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/marketers-guide-tiktok-analytics/464180/Google Local Search Ranking Bug Fix Rolling Out - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-local-sab-search-ranking-bug-fix-rolling-out-34151.htmlCarrie's LinksGoogle added new content to business guidelines today - via Stefan Somborac - https://twitter.com/StefanSomborac/status/1574460094598844444GBP Suspensions galore - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/uptick-in-suspensions-occurring-not-related-to-reinstatement-response-times.59421/September core update is complete as of 9/26 - https://developers.google.com/search/updates/rankingLocalU Advanced Tickets on Nov 2 - Speakers Announced - Agenda Coming Early Next Week! - https://localu.org/nov2Speakers Announced:Colan Nielsen @colannielsenElizabeth Rule @ownyourserpPhil Rozek @philrozekBrandon Schmidt @brandonschmidtAmanda Jordan @amandatjordanBen Fisher @TheSocialDudeCrystal Horton @imcrystalhorton+ 2 PanelsLocalU Scholarship Application (apply for a scholarship through Sept 30) - https://localu.org/localu-scholarship-application/Dev InterruptedWhat the smartest minds in engineering are thinking about, working on and investing in.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Mike's Links:Ford Just Made a Stunning Announcement. Here's What It Means for Customers — Inc. - https://apple.news/ArPcBDLVqSp6wFK7lKXorDwGoogle hits Astroturf trail & deceives SMB in search of support for their issued - Mike Blumenthal on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1569727101871218688?s=12&t=YV5mYYCY3AHV6U-CcgKqdAiOS 16 elevates search but still fails at local and internet search - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LctX3gbIxQcComments on Adobe's 2022 Emoji Usage Trends Survey - https://blog.ericgoldman.org/archives/2022/09/comments-on-adobes-2022-emoji-usage-trends-survey.htmRanking Drops for Local Service Business - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/ranking-drops-for-service-area-businesses.59362/page-2#postsCarrie's LinksSearch Console Adds Section for Merchant Listing & product listing markup - https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2022/09/merchant-listings?hl=enMordy Oberstein on Diagnosing how/why pages were crawled not indexed - https://twitter.com/MordyOberstein/status/1569671231489597441 Tl:dr - complicated “cute” article titles were a handicap to G understanding what the page/post was about.Add more descriptive subheadingsCarrie is doing SEO Chat - Thurs @ 1pm ET - Helpful Content - How do you know it's helpful? - https://twitter.com/search?q=%23seochat&src=typed_query&f=liveLocalU Advanced Tickets on Nov 2 - Speakers Announced - Agenda Coming Early Next Week! - https://localu.org/nov2Speakers Announced:Colan Nielsen @colannielsenElizabeth Rule @ownyourserpPhil Rozek @philrozekBrandon Schmidt @brandonschmidtAmanda Jordan @amandatjordanBen Fisher @TheSocialDudeCrystal Horton @imcrystalhorton+ 2 PanelsLocalU Scholarship Application (apply for a scholarship through Sept 30) - https://localu.org/localu-scholarship-application/The Fren ZoneThe Fren Zone brings you the brightest technical minds in crypto and Web3. Join our...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Mike's Links:FTC Announces Tentative Agenda for September 15 Open Commission Meeting - https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/09/ftc-announces-tentative-agenda-september-15-open-commission-meetingCovid-19 Illnesses Are Keeping at Least 500,000 Workers Out of U.S. Labor Force, Study Says — The Wall Street Journal - Google Search -  https://www.google.com/search?q=Covid-19+Illnesses+Are+Keeping+at+Least+500%2C000+Workers+Out+of+U.S.+Labor+Force%2C+Study+Says+%E2%80%94+The+Wall+Street+Journal&oq=Covid-19+Illnesses+Are+Keeping+at+Least+500%2C000+Workers+Out+of+U.S.+Labor+Force%2C+Study+Says+%E2%80%94+The+Wall+Street+Journal&aqs=chrome..69i57.366j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8The impending demise of the local audiologists with the arrival of over the counter hearing aids - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TFYHb-Gs4QSEO Services | Google Business Profile Management and Local SEO | Whitespark - https://whitespark.ca/seo-services/COVID-19 Google Maps updates - Google Maps Help - https://support.google.com/maps/answer/9795160Recession-Proof Your Brand with Local Marketing - https://www.nearmedia.co/recession-proof-your-brand-with-local-marketing/Google Maps Showing image in pin head - BrightLocal  on Twitter - https://twitter.com/brightlocal/status/1569307687434739712/photo/2 Carrie's LinksProhibited and restricted content - Maps User Contributed Content Policy Help - https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/7400114?hl=en&ref_topic=7422769 Service Area Businesses Losing Visibility - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/ranking-drops-for-service-area-businesses.59362/Helpful Content Update is over - https://developers.google.com/search/updates/rankingSeptember Core Update rolling out starting this morning (9/12) - https://twitter.com/googlesearchc/status/1569346698769571841 

Mike's Links:Gigaverse - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radiolab/id152249110?i=1000577438045A rural Minnesota self-serve grocery store could be a model for other food deserts - https://www.npr.org/2022/07/14/1111577588/a-rural-minnesota-self-serve-grocery-store-could-be-a-model-for-other-food-deserAmazon Warehousing & Distribution is the company's latest foray into logistics - https://www.freightwaves.com/news/amazon-warehousing-distribution-is-coming-in-2023Small Business Summit - https://business.amazon.com/en/events/small-business-summit?ref=b2b_sow_lp_events_sbm22_smt_abtnav_822How to Write Meta Descriptions | Google Search Central  |  Documentation  |  Google Developers - https://developers.google.com/search/docs/advanced/appearance/snippetNew Product Guidelines for Local Businesses - Stefan Somborac on Twitter - https://twitter.com/stefansomborac/status/1564594145137725441?s=12&t=z1bep5MEleYWRyJhe-yhewGuidelines for representing your business on Google - Google Business Profile Help - https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177?hl=enThe helpful content update is going to cause so much confusion - https://www.mariehaynes.com/the-helpful-content-update-is-going-to-cause-so-much-confusion/Google testing Review Attribute Content - Colan Nielsen on Twitter - https://twitter.com/colannielsen/status/1563650137846603781PSA: Google Posts Rejections - Mike Blumenthal on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1564712176903938048Google's Cloud Vision Nanny Bot - Mike Blumenthal on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1566036315531087874Google fixes from names on Messages - Colan Nielsen on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1565764152836104200?s=20&t=j4mChrxt9OBkghuW4w93vACarrie's LinksWondering if your business is eligible for a Google Business Profile? - shared by Stefan Somborac on Twitter - https://support.google.com/contributionpolicy/answer/12473822https://localu.org/nov2   - tickets just $125, scholarships available

Mike's Links:The Uber of ghost kitchens sucks, as Kalanick does it again - https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/23/23317897/ghost-kitchens-cloudkitchens-uber-travis-kalanickExclusive: Yelp to flag listings for crisis pregnancy centers - https://www.axios.com/2022/08/23/yelp-crisis-pregnancy-centers-flagGoogle Search and Maps to label with justification  if facility provides abortions - https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/25/google-search-and-maps-will-now-clearly-label-if-a-healthcare-facility-provides-abortions/Google is testing ability to add captions to uploaded business photos (Twitter Mike B) - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1562030528143958020Google LSA testing ability to exclude certain Zip codes (Twitter Ben Fisher) - https://twitter.com/TheSocialDude/status/1562832067066400769Google adds review alert on Nest Hub (Colan Nielsen on Twitter) - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1562888799264202755Autism Therapy Startup Blames 'Unfortunate Bug' For Misleading Reviews On Its Website - https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiejennings/2022/08/24/autism-therapy-startup-blames-unfortunate-bug-for-misleading-reviews-on-its-website/Google tests “Quick Read” annotation in SERPS -Brodie Clark on Twitter - https://twitter.com/brodieseo/status/1563817076082483201?s=12&t=vsILz5VRNYDCEra-Sfu4QwCarrie's LinksMastering Local Holiday Marketing: Top Strategies for Seasonal Success in 2022 - RioSEO webinar with Elizabeth Rule, Claire Carlile, Ruben Yau, Justin Gianninoto - https://go.rioseo.com/local-holiday-marketing-on-demand-registration-2022.htmlCovid attributes have been removed from Google - Allie Margeson - Whitespark- https://twitter.com/SeoAllie/status/1563176432099962881Sponsorships available for LocalU Advanced Virtual - Nov 2 ,2022 https://localu.org/nov2

Mike's Links:DoorDash is ending its delivery partnership with Walmart - https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/19/doordash-is-reportedly-ending-its-delivery-partnership-with-walmart/Wait, When Did Everyone Start Using Apple Pay? - https://www.wsj.com/articles/apple-pay-iphone-wallet-apps-11660780139How the Find My App Became an Accidental Friendship Fixture - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/20/technology/find-my-app-friends.htmlApple Maps could serve advertising to users in 2023 - https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/08/21/apple-maps-could-serve-advertising-to-users-in-2023A Dad Took Photos of His Naked Toddler for the Doctor. Google Flagged Him as a Criminal - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/21/technology/google-surveillance-toddler-photo.html#Ep 78 Minute 8:00 Google's Review Spam algo nukes many legit reviews - https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-78-yelp-selling-its-business-data-googles-review-spam-algo-nukes-many-legit-reviews-tik-tok-for-brands/New LSA Layout Ben Fisher on Twitter - https://twitter.com/thesocialdude/status/1561126384017088512?s=12&t=HL5JdwN9fnCgzvSH-yjdMACarrie's LinksGoogle's Content Quality & Helpfulness Questions via @aleyda via @brodieseo -https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12-F9Z4NzDADOFRQtOiN-CtjY2aaqj-R5CcrJNCuTha4/edit#gid=0 Google's 'Helpful Content Update' to Devalue 'Search-Engine First' Content and Elevate Authentic, Expert Voices in Search - Amsive Digital - form Lily Ray - https://www.amsivedigital.com/insights/seo/googles-helpful-content-update-to-devalue-search-engine-first-content-and-elevate-authentic-expert-voices-in-search/New Google Helpful Content Update To Change SEO Much Like Panda Did Helpful content update - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-helpful-content-update-33949.htmlGoogle Maps: Your Review Isn't Posted Email via @seroundtable via @bubblesup (Amy Toman) - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-maps-your-review-isnt-posted-33959.htmlCore Web Vitals report - Search Console Help via Google Search Console Blog - https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9205520Url level infoClarifying explainers/text to make it clearerNew Academy Course: How to Optimize Location Pages - BrightLocal & Claire Carlile - https://www.brightlocal.com/blog/new-academy-course-how-to-optimize-location-pages/

Mike's Links:Amazon files first-ever lawsuit over company allegedly selling fake reviews — Axioshttps://apple.news/AkWjbqTUGT2ixtNcHbsGhzwLocal SEO Conference Tips: LocalU in Denverhttps://searchlabdigital.com/blog/local-seo-conference-tips-localu-in-denver/Stefan Somborac - Google now transcribing web menus to GBP menu editor https://twitter.com/StefanSomborac/status/1557779970046525441?s=20&t=cTYeSrHE_vONDc22_I2e8wAbout the menu editor - Google Business Profile Helphttps://support.google.com/business/answer/9455840Opt out of display on Google Local and other Google properties - Search Console Helphttps://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/3035947?hl=enHack to Get Back to Original GBP (GMB) Dashboardhttps://onlineownership.com/hack-to-get-back-to-original-gbp-gmb-dashboard/ -Carrie's LinksLocalU Advanced Virtual - Nov 2, 2022https://localu.org/upcoming-events/nov2/Wanna Speak? Pitch LocalU Advanced Here https://localu.org/speaking-pitches/LocalU Scholarship Applicationhttps://localu.org/localu-scholarship-application/New Google My Business Categories [Updated Monthly] https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-my-business-category-changes/Ads Panel now being displayed in Search & Maps for GBP profile. - Tim Capperhttps://twitter.com/GuideTwit/status/1557298333328326658Google Maps Is Leading Abortion Seekers to Pro-Life Religious Centershttps://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2022-google-search-abortion-clinic-crisis-pregnancy-center/Google Discover With Author Names Instead Of Site Name https://www.seroundtable.com/google-discover-author-names-33923.html

Mike's Links:Get Same-Day Delivery from your favorite retail storeshttps://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/get-same-day-delivery-from-your-favorite-retail-storesLocation Spotlight launches globally, plus more tools for professionalshttps://business.twitter.com/en/blog/location-spotlight-global-launch.htmlHow To Get More Reviews That Include Photoshttps://leadferno.com/blog/how-to-get-more-reviews-that-include-photosLocal Pack Headers: Curious, Overlooked Clues to the Mind of Google​​https://moz.com/blog/local-pack-headersNew Google Search Dashboard Layouthttps://localsearchforum.com/threads/new-google-search-dashboard-layout.59237/Google adding recency stamps to images in Google Maps - Mike Blumenthal on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1555342230407217152?s=12&t=UToJxv2cwSuiPsDvhI_3CwLots of Google Posts removed - Joy Hawkins on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1555578235802501120Google updates Business Profile posts spam policieshttps://searchengineland.com/google-updates-business-profile-posts-spam-policies-387006LSA duplicate problem: AdsLiaison on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/adsliaison/status/1554096974416252929 -Carrie's LinksGoogle Search Is Very Broken Now: Outages, Indexing Issues, Pages Missing & More - via Barry Schwartz at SERoundtablehttps://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-is-broken-outages-indexing-missing-33891.html6 Key Takeaways From LocalU Advanced Denver - via RioSEOhttps://www.rioseo.com/blog/6-key-takeaways-from-localu-advanced-denver/Google's Local Services Ads platform has a problem with spam via Len Raliegh at Search Engine Landhttps://searchengineland.com/googles-local-services-ads-platform-has-a-problem-with-spam-386890#.YulGsmeYwZI.twitter

Mike's Links:​​Who Is Collecting Data from Your Car? - https://themarkup.org/the-breakdown/2022/07/27/who-is-collecting-data-from-your-carTim Hortons offers free coffee to settle mobile app class action lawsuits - https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/07/30/tim-hortons-offers-free-coffee-to-settle-mobile-app-class-action-lawsuitsGoogle Cuts Off Reviews for Reproductive Care Clinics - https://www.nearmedia.co/google-shuts-off-reviews-for-reproductive-clinics/Carrie's LinksGoogle search quality rater guidelines update: What has changed - Lily Ray - https://searchengineland.com/google-search-quality-rater-guidelines-changes-july-2022-386815New Google Business Profile in Search & Maps - Tim Capper - https://onlineownership.com/new-google-business-profile-in-search-maps/How to Craft a Click-Worthy Google Business Profile Post, According to Joy Hawkins, a GBP Expert - Via Buffer (and Joy Hawkins) - https://buffer.com/resources/google-business-profile-posts/The Ultimate Goal: Be A Contact On Your Customer's Phone - New Feature - add your number to your client's contact list. - https://leadferno.com/blog/the-ultimate-goal-be-a-contact-on-your-customers-phone

Mike's Links:OpenAI expands access to DALL-E 2, its powerful image-generating AI system - https://techcrunch.com/2022/07/20/openai-expands-access-to-dall-e-2-its-powerful-image-generating-ai-system/Ep 74: Amazon & Google pander to the FTC, American Privacy Act: Opt-In/Out Battle, Instagram goes local - https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-74/Construction worker wearing a high-vis vest with an ad for a personal injury lawyer - https://twitter.com/benedictevans/status/1551582109852106755Outstanding Local SEO Takeaways from MozCon 2022 - https://moz.com/blog/mozcon-2022-local-seo-insightsLocal Landing Page Checklist - https://ricketyroo.com/blog/local-landing-page-checklist/The Rising Importance Of Images In Google Search - https://ducttapemarketing.com/images-in-google-search/Aircam.ai • AI Powered Photo Checker - https://aircam.ai/google-visionStefan Somborac Messaging FAQ on Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/StefanSomborac/status/1549721775981953024How to read & reply to messages from your Business Profile - iPhone & iPad - Google Business Profile Help - https://support.google.com/business/answer/9114771?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOSGoogle Tests "Reviews Aren't Verified" Label - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-reviews-arent-verified-label-33788.htmlCarrie's LinksSpam in LSAs is rampant - Google doesn't seem to care?  - https://twitter.com/lenraleigh/status/1550557036269780993Tom Waddington shows a serp with 100 5.0 rated LSAs - mostly spam - multiple listings for same biz, etc. - https://twitter.com/tomwaddington8/status/1550855925623300098Google Local Service Ads Seeing A Lot Of Fake Reviews - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-local-service-ads-with-fake-reviews-33810.htmlPAA Back to normal levels - Google has never said why or admitted an issue - https://twitter.com/RangerShay/status/1550058170420166656Visitor update tab seen in the wild - https://twitter.com/CaseyABryan/status/1551265789445283846LocalU Tickets & Sponsors - https://localu.org/den22/#ticketsZipsprout - https://zipsprout.com/TheTransparency CO - https://askfortransparency.com/Whitespark

Erin Links:Google - GMB App Dead - https://support.google.com/business/answer/11402083Twitter Rolls Out Ability to “Unmention” - https://twitter.com/twittersafety/status/1546555047630159872Why Having A User-First Approach To SEO Is Important - Jesse McDonald - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/user-first-seo/456351/Google Indexing Problems - Barry Schwartz - https://searchengineland.com/google-confirmed-indexing-issue-affecting-a-large-number-of-sites-386526Content Consolidation Can Improve SEO - Dan Taylor - https://searchengineland.com/content-consolidation-seo-386518Carrie's LinksGoogle Discover Stories With TikTok, Facebook, YouTube For Destination Queries - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-discover-destinations-stories-33754.htmlGoogle Taking Action On Recent One-Star Review Scams & Blackmail Threats - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-one-star-review-scams-blackmail-33764.htmlRestaurants Face an Extortion Threat: A Bad Rating on Google (paywall) - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/11/dining/google-one-star-review-scam-restaurants.htmlhttps://support.google.com/business/thread/171274322?hl=en - https://support.google.com/business/thread/171274322?hl=enLocalU Tickets & Sponsors - https://localu.org/den22/#sponsorsZipsprout - https://zipsprout.com/TheTransparency CO - https://askfortransparency.com/Whitespark - https://whitespark.ca/Leadferno - https://leadferno.com/SterlingSky - https://sterlingsky.ca/

Elizabeth's Links:Always have this one Google Maps feature enabled to prove your innocence - PhoneArena - https://www.phonearena.com/news/google-maps-keeps-user-from-jail-and-from-paying-a-hefty-fine_id141275Privacy advocates fear Google will be used to prosecute abortion seekers - https://www.npr.org/2022/07/11/1110391316/google-data-abortion-prosecutionsGoogle proposes moving ad business to Alphabet to keep regulators at bay | Ars Technica - https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/07/google-proposes-moving-ad-business-to-alphabet-to-keep-regulators-at-bay/Google removes language in help doc calling hidden Search Console query data 'very rare' - https://searchengineland.com/google-removes-language-in-help-doc-calling-hidden-search-console-query-data-very-rare-386328Google PMax Campaigns add "In Location" targeting option - via Kasim Aslam on Twitter - https://twitter.com/kasimaslam/status/1544788738080854017Scammers are plaguing Chicago restaurants with one-star Google reviews and extortion emails: ‘The reviews just kept coming' - https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-food-restaurant-scams-ever-sochi-google-reviews-20220708-vfacwqadanbvhlls76usgqf45a-story.htmlScammers Are Trying to Extort Bay Area Restaurant Owners With Torrents of One-Star Reviews - https://sf.eater.com/2022/7/7/23198900/google-review-restaurant-scamAnother Scammer Attacking Business - Google Business Profile Community - https://support.google.com/business/thread/170336010/another-scammer-attacking-business?hl=enCarrie's LinksRelated Questions showing in SERPs went from 54% to 27% last week. Isolated to desktop? What does it mean? Via Brodie Clark on Twitter - https://twitter.com/brodieseo/status/1546447344102608896Related to PAA/Related Questions Spotted in Search Suggest Box - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1545150363526897664Major Bug on GBP Manager | Local Search Forum - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/major-bug-on-gbp-manager.59171/Should You Put Keywords in Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Business Name? via Darren Shaw on Twitter. - https://youtu.be/PmROSlxOZmgGoogle local justifications: Everything you need to know - Erin Jones via SELand - https://searchengineland.com/google-local-justifications-everything-you-need-to-know-386307LocalU Tickets &

Mike's Links:76 Fake Charities Shared a Mailbox. The I.R.S. Approved Them All. - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/03/us/politics/irs-fake-charities.htmlA New York Starbucks abruptly closed – was it retaliation for a union drive? - https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jul/04/new-york-starbucks-closed-union-driveGoogle Maps adds new store location feature, Locator Plus, Reserve with Google integration, new analytics and more - https://searchengineland.com/google-maps-adds-new-store-location-feature-locator-plus-reserve-with-google-integration-new-analytics-and-more-386085Google Adds Pros & Cons To Search Result Snippets - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-pros-and-cons-snippets-33661.htmlGoogle Auto-Selects Background Colors For Search Result Snippet Images - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-auto-select-background-colors-images-33674.htmlGoogle Maps Tests New Local Panel With Images At Top & Tabs For Reviews - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-maps-new-local-panel-with-images-tabs-33673.htmlCeleste Gonzalez - Find business by review carousel test - https://twitter.com/celestexlili/status/1542604675521732609?s=12&t=upH6eS2eV1GsAELDvuIDZA21 Local SEO Moves & Situations I Have Never Seen a Business Penalized for - https://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2022/06/29/21-local-seo-moves-situations-i-have-never-seen-a-business-penalized-for/Carrie's LinksFree SEO Keyword Tool - Term Suggest by Joe Hall - https://termsuggest.com/LocalU Permanent Early Bird Pricing - Localu.org/den22 LocalU Launched My Career and Changed My Life - Darren Shaw on LocalU - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEQHrNpAl-U

Mike's Links:Twitter partners with Shopify to bring merchants' products to Twitter Shopping - https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/22/twitter-partners-with-shopify-to-bring-merchants-products-to-twitter-shopping/Oh, My MUM. Or how to think SEO in the era of algorithms based on AI - https://www.iloveseo.net/oh-my-mum-or-how-to-think-seo-in-the-era-of-algorithms-based-on-ai/A Look at Google Local Results without 'Self-Preferencing' - https://www.nearmedia.co/what-might-google-local-pack-look-like-if-there-were-no-self-preferencing/Krystal Taing wins Google Product Expert Education Award - https://twitter.com/joyannehawkins/status/1540448351400902656Carrie's Links​​Optimize Your CTA: Better Alternatives To 'Click Here' - Kim Krause Berg - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/cta-better-alternatives/447419/Almost Half of GSC Clicks Go to Hidden Terms - A Study by Ahrefs - Patrick Stox -https://ahrefs.com/blog/gsc-hidden-terms-study/Keyword Strategy Made Simple: How to Rank Higher and Convert More Searchers | Rio SEO - Carrie Hill, Josef Sperzel, Chad Klingensmith, & Scott McNulty - https://www.rioseo.com/events/keyword-strategy-made-simple-how-to-rank-higher-and-convert-more-searchers/YouTube Shorts guide: How to get noticed - Erin Jones -https://searchengineland.com/youtube-shorts-quick-content-get-noticed-385649Effective zero-volume keyword research and why it's important - BrightonSEO April 2022 - Mark Williams Cook - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPkVG8nPpd0

Mike's Links:Maryland Apple Store first to vote in favor of unionization - https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/06/19/maryland-apple-store-first-to-vote-in-favor-of-employee-unionizationAn 'eat-ertainment' incubator: Why gaming restaurants are betting big on D-FW — The Dallas Morning News - https://apple.news/A1iMgW95CQCe8FWKgRnleVgGoogle Says It's Time for Longtime Small-Business Users to Pay Up - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/20/technology/google-gsuite-small-business-fee.htmlContent-led link building - https://aira.net/state-of-link-building/content-led-link-building/Keywords in the GBP Business Name STILL Increase Local Rankings (June 2022) - https://youtu.be/6S64hoOJJcAGoogle Tests Local Pack Within An Expandable Menu - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-testing-local-pack-within-an-accordion-33600.htmlCarrie's LinksGoogle Search Testing Shopping Filter Button - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-shopping-filter-button-33581.htmlStarting June 30, LSA advertisers will need at least 5 reviews to run ads - https://twitter.com/adsliaison/status/1537921618579554304Deals tab w/ Offer posts more visible in US and Canada - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1539205147586351104Congrats to Elizabeth Rule on promotion to Gold Product Expert for GBP - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1537813513418203137Twitter now allows local businesses to display location, hours and contact info on their profiles | TechCrunch via techcrunch (and glen gabe on Twitter) - https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/15/twitter-now-allows-local-businesses-to-display-location-hours-and-contact-info-on-their-profiles/Congrats – a message button has been added to your Business Profile on Google. | Local Search Forum - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/congrats-a-message-button-has-been-added-to-your-business-profile-on-google.59077/How We Increased Revenue with Speed Optimization [Local SEO Case Study] - Amanda Jordan of RicketyRoo via Moz - https://moz.com/blog/local-seo-speed-optimization-case-study

Elizabeth's Links:Ahrefs creates yep.com Twitter removes nofollow attribute from links in tweets - Chris Silver Smith at Search Engine LandGoogle May 2022 core update is finished rolling out - Search Engine LandDiscussing the early effects of the Google May core update - Marie HaynesProtect the Hours of Operation on Your GBP from Unwanted Google Edits - Moz - Miriam EllisHow AI and imagery build a self-updating map - Google Product Blog37% of Google Maps results for abortion services in trigger states directed people to fake clinics, nonprofit says - Business InsiderCheck air quality indexed right on Google maps (iPhone and android) - Google Product BlogJohn Oliver Last Week Tonight (HBO) - Via iPullRank on TwitterVideo Page Indexing Report Beta In Google Search Console - SERoundtable.comGoogle Ads To Address Concerns Over Third-Party Sales Solicitations & Poor Advice - SERoundtable.comCarrie's LinksDallas taco shop owners to launch ghost kitchen inside Walmart in Plano Missing Reviews/ Reviews Disappearing | Local Search Forum - Joy HawkinsSterling Sky Acquires Classy Brain - SterlingSky BlogLocalU Advanced Denver - July 28, 2022h/t@brightlocal   @si1very@rustybrick @joyannehawkins @ipullrank  @sengineland@miriam_ellis_  @seroundtable  

Mike's Links:Walmart is using its thousands of stores to battle Amazon for e-commerce market share — CNBC - https://apple.news/AwYmylcLTSS-skfS2QStzAwHow One Billionaire With a 300-Year Plan Fueled the Popping Tech Bubble - https://www.vice.com/en/article/4awkjw/how-one-billionaire-with-a-300-year-plan-fueled-the-popping-tech-bubbleGoogle Messages disables RCS ads in India as it attempts to stop abuse - https://9to5google.com/2022/06/01/google-rcs-ads-india-pause/Find Google Duplicates & Analyze ALL Your Google Business Profiles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvmnfHIFGf0Snapchat displays restaurant recommendations in the Snap Map - https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/03/snapchat-restaurant-recommendations-snap-map/Add rates and availability to your Google Business Profile - Hotel Center Help - https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/10684696?hl=enConnect your Google Business Profile via WooCommerce - https://onlineownership.com/connect-your-google-business-profile-via-woocommerce/Google Image Thumbnails for Organic Results: What They Are, How They Work & Will SEO Help? - https://brodieclark.com/google-image-thumbnails/Carrie's LinksWhy EAT Inspires Local Content Creation - BrightLocal - https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/why-e-a-t-inspires-local-content-creation/Google Business Profiles Bug Temporarily Drops Product Management Features For Merchant Center - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-products-merchant-center-33513.html3 Things to Know About Google's Ad Image Extensions - Sterling Sky Inc - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-ad-image-extension/LocalU Tickets - https://localu.org/denver2022/GBP Reviews Missing, Why and What Can You Do About It? - Local University - https://localu.org/gbp-reviews-missing/

Mike's Links:Walmart does drones deliveries ahead of Amazon while gig deliveries are failing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0tgtI-SMFIWalmart to begin drone delivery service to 4 million households - https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2022/may/24/walmart-drone-delivery-4-million-us-householdsGlenn Gabe on Twitter - Apple Search Engine On the Horizon? - https://twitter.com/glenngabe/status/1531256299014524935?s=12&t=hCLeY_4gWqgsK8bPQ_75gwDoes ‘Multisearch Near Me' Signal a Visual Search Future?  - https://streetfightmag.com/2022/05/26/does-multisearch-near-me-signal-a-visual-search-future/Joy Hawkins on Twitter - Justifications on Google Maps Mobile - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1529174985595559936Google releases May 2022 broad core update - https://searchengineland.com/google-releases-may-2022-broad-core-update-385435Aleyda Solis  on Twitter - broad core update recovery flow chart - https://twitter.com/aleyda/status/1530997555424894986?s=12&t=hCLeY_4gWqgsK8bPQ_75gw23 Million Internal Links - A Google SEO Case Study - https://zyppy.com/seo/internal-links/seo-study/Carrie's LinksHow to Strategize Your Local SEO Audit - Our own @ownyourserp along with Ben Fisher and Steve Wiideman - https://resources.duda.co/how-to-strategize-your-local-seo-auditWhen Amazon Drones Crashed, the Company Told the FAA to Go Fly a Kite  - https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-prime-air-faa-regulators-investigation-drone-crashes-2022-5LocalU Advanced Agenda - Denver July 28, 2022 - https://localu.org/den22

Mike's Links:Bill Slawski, mentor & friend, passes away - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FzyJ0Bo85sAmazon tests using Flex drivers to make mall deliveries - https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/20/amazon-tests-using-flex-drivers-to-make-mall-deliveries-.htmlUnion claims Apple broke federal labor law at World Trade Center store - https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/05/19/union-claims-apple-broke-federal-labor-law-at-world-trade-center-storeGoogle Messages RCS is being abused for ads in India - https://9to5google.com/2022/05/17/google-messages-rcs-ads-india/Panic Buying Is The New Backlink - https://www.localseoguide.com/panic-buying-is-the-new-backlink/Carrie's LinksGoogle Posts > Desktop Business Profiles | Local Search Forum - Offer Posts Not Surfacing via Joy Hawkins - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/google-posts-desktop-business-profiles.58986/Local SEO For Ukraine - LIVE - Weds May 25, 2022 - https://www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-for-ukraine/Surprise: ‘Near me' brand names don't rank higher for ‘near me' searches  Chris Silver-Smith - https://searchengineland.com/near-me-searches-local-seo-optimize-or-avoid-385227%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B

Mike's Links:Amazon's surprising new delivery partners: Rural mom-and-pop shops - https://www.vox.com/recode/2022/5/9/23063528/amazon-rural-small-business-delivery-program-hub-partners-uspsDC Restaurants Turn A Profit With No Tips & Higher Salaries - https://stories.zagat.com/posts/dc-restaurants-turn-a-profit-with-no-tips-higher-salariesFour Years Ago, This Chick-Fil-A Started Paying $17 An Hour. It Transformed the Business. — Entrepreneur - https://apple.news/Awuv7X_KWQ2q9POyB89deWwGoogle Throws More Reviews into the Filter Van - https://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2022/05/10/google-throws-more-reviews-into-the-filter-van/ Hotel Place Topics now showing Thumbs Up/Down (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1525876039213367301?s=12&t=96uD9EC0VsBkqx-kxCb0RgCarrie's Links5 Things to Check When Your Google Business Profile Rankings Drop - Sterling Sky Inc  - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-business-profile-ranking-drop/Google I/O 2022: Multisearch to Gain Local Information, Powerful Scene Exploration Feature Teased | Technology News - https://gadgets360.com/internet/news/google-io-2022-search-multisearch-local-results-lens-scene-exploration-feature-2965650Related: Multisearch & Lens + Near Me - https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-64/LocalU advanced tickets at https:/localu.org/den22Pre agenda pricing expires 5/24 at midnight 

Mike's Links:This 'rater' gets paid $10 an hour to teach Google's algorithm — and he's not alone - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/google-raters-paid-to-teach-algorithm-204308901.htmlGoogle "More About" Search Carousel - ​​https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-more-about-33370.htmlTom Waddington: LSA Carousel Test - https://twitter.com/tomwaddington8/status/1523004677331333120Google Adds Guidelines for Delivery-Only Food Businesses - Local University - https://localu.org/google-delivery-only-food-business/  Carrie's LinksGreg Sterling shared https://www.shopify.com/blog/small-business-marketing - Sent out a blog post urging smbs to incentivize reviews, It has since been updated, but it is a signal that sometimes these platforms are NOT marketers, and SMBs are done disservices by thinking they are.Joy noticed late last week that if your Q&A has questions and answers, but only ONE unanswered question - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1519644439760850944Google has added “this biz doesnt exist” as option to the business redressal complaint form. - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-maps-business-redressal-form-business-doesnt-exist-33368.htmlTickets on sale for LocalU Advanced in Denver -pre agenda pricing for the full day is $649 through May 24, 2022 - https://localu.org/upcoming-events/denver2022/Local SEO For Ukraine - LIVE May 25, 2022 - https://www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-for-ukraine/Local SEO Strategy Webinar, June 7, 2022 - 1pm ET - Elizabeth Rule, Steve Wiideman & Ben Fisher - for now you can register w/ the Duda event bot on Facebook - will update when a direct registration link is shared - https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fm.me%2F100848038927591%3Fref%3Deb_share_event--UEdUeXJpTkJ1RUQ5K1hudHNVbVZpZz09%26fbclid%3DIwAR17FQOiYocg7WGi0ttumwKV11tF3wrUginGhy9HDiOBtIVUOayZ0Ey95Zk&h=AT0Dfx7kMPuFHJa5tyMy2Fo0keY7sALmNr6Ou8KE3nqkFQWGNB3MqT0Kuf9rGW6XmVNwwbYX5-QgDvT3gN2zGzmJUvNW1YXnokCEipitH4xlypb2XjBLNHoIlXEbavD57LqRYW4&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3TmYHbr1uJScQl1z8NBObi1ImVmJ6DJmubs6Eu0Gvl_n01WKjcdFmoIXgYK2iB_Zb0irAtUGxvFFqgSWI0HzF6j72MSPHnCIz9SglxXlUMUMFe9saswiIaeTP14zlRgtTa1xnkJHQ1jzDowyCyo5ZoN8ua5ATVU5Fz_FPZrqVYzgvf8biVlLwPciI76JsNoH3gzoSWjWV99w

Mike's Links:Localogy Acquires Localized Marketing News Pioneer Street Fight - https://www.localogy.com/localogy-acquires-localized-marketing-news-pioneer-street-fight/Instacart searches for a direction as its pandemic boom fades - https://www.seattletimes.com/business/instacart-searches-for-a-direction-as-its-pandemic-boom-fades/Ratings vs Review Text - Which is more important for buyer conversions? - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=09jDV4hB3KkWhat Should Be in Your Local SEO Bug-Out Bag? A Checklist - https://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2022/04/30/what-should-be-in-your-local-seo-bug-out-bag-a-checklist/Google Business Profile Manager Is Going Away Early 2022 (Updated: Not Going Away) - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profile-manager-going-away-early-2022-33317.html#:~:text=businesses%20with%20multiple%20profiles%20will%20continue%20to%20have%20access%20to%20Business%20Profile%20ManagerGoogle Reduces Visibility Of Business Edits With Color Changes To Updates - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-reduces-visibility-of-business-edits-33322.htmlCarrie's LinksInfinite Scroll on Page 1-  - https://twitter.com/brodieseo/status/1521090389498757120The politics of Section 230 reform: Learning from FOSTA's mistakes - https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-politics-of-section-230-reform-learning-from-fostas-mistakes/White House didn't tie Section 230 reforms to Musk | AP News - https://apnews.com/article/Fact-Check-Section-230-Musk-Twitter-709111336397JC Penney owners Simon and Brookfield prepared to buy Kohl's for $8.6B, NY Post reports | Retail Dive - https://www.retaildive.com/news/jc-penney-owners-simon-and-brookfield-prepared-to-buy-kohls-for-86b-n/622653/Victoria's Secret and Pink open Amazon storefront to stoke beauty sales | Retail Dive - https://www.retaildive.com/news/victorias-secret-and-pink-open-amazon-storefront-to-stoke-beauty-sales/622936/At Least 66.5% of L

Mike's Links:Amazon targets rival Shopify with a new ‘Buy with Prime' service - https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2022/04/21/amazon-targets-rival-shopify-with-a-new-buy-with-prime-service/Fake reviews to be illegal under new rules - https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61154748Scammers used AI-generated faces to pose as a Boston law firm - https://thenextweb.com/news/scammers-used-ai-generated-faces-to-pose-as-a-boston-law-firmGoogle Site Kit gains ideas to write about section - https://searchengineland.com/google-site-kit-gains-ideas-to-write-about-section-383673The Visual Future of Local Search - Part 3 - https://www.nearmedia.co/google-and-the-visual-future-of-local-search-part-3/Carrie's LinksBeware: Google Business Profile Messaging Spam & Scam Attempts - Barry Schwartz -https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profile-spam-scam-attempts-via-messaging-33288.htmlGoogle Analytics Real Time Reporting Bugs With Universal Analytics Won't Be Fully Fixed - Barry - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-analytics-real-time-reporting-bugs-33291.htmlOffer Posts Appearing in a Deals tab on the GBP on Mobile - Claire Carlile - https://twitter.com/clairecarlile/status/15172430601067970624 Components of Local SEO Strategy - Duda webinar with Elizabeth Rule of Sterling Sky, Anton Schulke, Ben Fisher and Steve Wideman - https://t.co/mi6SFaTybwHow to get reviews for local SEO: The must-do list - Erin Jones - https://t.co/cESJK7EvRM

Mike's Links:As long-running legal feud slogs on, Lampert and Sears Holdings creditors ordered to mediation - https://www.retaildive.com/news/as-long-running-legal-feud-slogs-on-lampert-and-sears-holdings-creditors-o/621813/Greg's SEO Presentation from Brighton SEO - https://searchlabdigital.com/blog/gregs-seo-presentation-from-brightonseo/9 Local SEO Tips From Top Experts - https://www.searchenginejournal.com/9-local-seo-tips-from-top-experts/445229/The Visual Future of Local Search - Part 1 - https://www.nearmedia.co/google-and-the-visual-future-of-local-search-part-1/The Visual Future of Local Search - Part 2 - https://www.nearmedia.co/google-and-the-visual-future-of-local-search-part-2/Carrie's LinksGoogle Screened Local Results At This Business Carousel via Saad Alikhan - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-local-screened-results-at-this-business-carousel-33227.htmlGA3 to GA4 goals import, but read the help docs first - via @rustybrick & @CharlesFarina - https://www.seroundtable.com/universal-analytics-goals-import-google-analytics-33268.htmlGoogle Business Profile with Joy Hawkins | Local Search Clinic - listen to the recording from Joy Hawkins and Claire Carlile - https://www.brightlocal.com/local-search-clinic-april-2022/Upcoming changes to your Brand Accounts | Local Search Forum from the LSF - lots of discussion about what to do with tips from Krystal Taing, Joy, and a few others. - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/upcoming-changes-to-your-brand-accounts.58895/

Mike's Links:Amazon Intends to Appeal Union Victory in New York — The Wall Street Journal - https://apple.news/AVxR8-7XzS1-s2CRDr_dZpAGo beyond the search box: Introducing multisearch - https://blog.google/products/search/multisearch/Google indexing, 80% indexed in 24h, indexed or re-credited - https://indexmenow.com/en/Stefan Somborac on thread on AI Hours Update on Twitter - https://twitter.com/stefansomborac/status/1513110891625074689?s=12&t=nMDNPOry_bn0cuunUngwLAHow AI and imagery build a self-updating map - https://blog.google/products/maps/how-ai-and-imagery-build-self-updating-map/Google Local Finder Becomes a Product Finder - https://www.nearmedia.co/google-local-finder-becomes-a-product-finder/Carrie's Links Onebox preview vs overlay in maps test - spotted by Punit via Twitter - https://twitter.com/punit6008/status/1511992120499789827The State of Spam Fighting: What We Learned From Analyzing 5,306 Listings in 16 Industries - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-maps-spam-study/LSAs add more categories - via Joy Hawkins on Twitter - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1511798810783191057

Mike's Links:How Google and Amazon bankrolled a 'grassroots' activist group of small business owners to lobby against Big Tech oversight - https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/30/how-google-and-amazon-bankrolled-a-grassroots-activist-group-of-small-business-owners-to-lobby-against-big-tech-oversight.htmlLeaked: New Amazon Worker Chat App Would Ban Words Like “Union,” “Restrooms,” “Pay Raise,” and “Plantation” - https://theintercept.com/2022/04/04/amazon-union-living-wage-restrooms-chat-app/Amazon workers in New York City vote to form first U.S. union at retail giant - https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/amazon-union-new-york-city-staten-island-jfk8-first/#Consumer Review Trust Down but Usage Up - https://www.nearmedia.co/consumer-trust-in-reviews/Writing Google reviews about patients is actually a HIPAA violation - https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/1/23006132/google-patient-reviews-hipaa-doctors-yelpDamian Rollison note about GBP page on ranking including products as a ranking factor - Twitter - https://twitter.com/damianrollison/status/1511117722163187713?s=12&t=hrgr1Cjx84rks7G7uFCARAHow to improve your local ranking on Google - Google Business Profile Help - https://support.google.com/business/answer/7091?hl=en8 Q1 Local Search Developments You Need to Know About - https://moz.com/blog/q1-2022-local-search-developmentsGoogle Business Profile review management tool expands support to those with many local listings - https://searchengineland.com/google-business-profile-review-management-tool-expands-support-to-those-with-many-local-listings-383372How to remove reviews from your Business Profile on Google - Android - Google Business Profile Help - https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroidHow to Remove a Permanently Closed Google Business Profile Page from Google Maps for Good - https://www.localvisibilitysystem.com/2022/03/30/how-to-remove-a-permanently-closed-google-business-profile-page-from-google-maps-for-good/Google Maps rolling out toll pricing, more detailed navigation, and new iOS integrations - https://9to5google.com/2022/04/05/google-maps-new-navigation/Carrie's LinksMy Google Business Profile Vanished. What Do I Do? - Sterling Sky Inc - Colan Nielsen https://www.sterlingsky.ca/my-google-business-profile-vanished/New Offer Posts Feature? | Local Search Forum  - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/new-offer-posts-feature.58843/

Mike's Links:How we kept information on Maps reliable in 2021 - https://blog.google/products/maps/how-we-kept-maps-reliable-2021/Details from the FTC's 'HomeAdvisor Cheated SMBs' Complaint - https://www.nearmedia.co/detailed-allegations-from-the-ftc-homeadvisor-complaint/Google Review Growth in Decline - https://www.nearmedia.co/google-review-growth-slowing/GBP Help Center making Chat & Get a Call Support options available again h/t Allie Margeson - https://twitter.com/SeoAllieGoogle Testing Metadesc Links based on H2 headingsAdding goeMidpoint &geoRadius Schema to limit out of market inquiries Google Increasingly Showing Product Images in Local Packs - https://www.nearmedia.co/google-increasingly-merging-merchant-center-images-into-3-pack/Create externally friendly booking pages with appointment scheduling in Google Calendar - https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2022/03/blog-post.htmlCarrie's LinksGoogle Search will soon let you book checkups and other medical appointments - CNBC - https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/24/google-health-care-appointment-bookings-search.htmlGoogle's Web Stories Now Prominently Featured on Mobile in the US - Brodie Clark Consulting  - https://brodieclark.com/visual-stories-unit-web-stories/Google Search Console structured data error reporting gains more contextual information - Barry Schwartz - https://searchengineland.com/google-search-console-structured-data-error-reporting-gains-more-contextual-information-383222Vicinity Update Correction - March 2022 | Local Search Forum Joy Hawkins -https://localsearchforum.com/threads/vicinity-update-correction-march-2022.58846/

Mike's Links:HomeAdvisor Cheated SMBs for Years – FTC - https://www.nearmedia.co/homeadvisors-accused-of-cheating-smb-by-ftc/Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA - https://beta.ada.gov/web-guidance/Prepare for the future with Google Analytics 4 - https://blog.google/products/marketingplatform/analytics/prepare-for-future-with-google-analytics-4/amp/Using Google Analytics for SEO: UA and GA4 - ​​https://seranking.com/blog/how-to-use-google-analytics-for-seo/How to Set Up Google Analytics: Complete Tutorial - https://seranking.com/blog/google-analytics-setup/How to recreate the landing pages report in GA4 - Dana DiTomaso - https://twitter.com/danaditomaso/status/1504864442114215936What is Visual Search? A Primer for Local Businesses- https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/what-is-visual-search-a-primer-for-local-businesses/Microsoft Edge now automatically generates image labels for screen readersGoogle's free hotel booking links arrive on Search and Maps - https://searchengineland.com/googles-free-hotel-booking-links-arrive-on-search-and-maps-382594Google Adds Business Profiles Managers Controls In Web Search - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-manager-controls-in-web-search-33085.htmlSMS Messaging Support Returns To Google Business Profiles? - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-sms-messaging-business-profiles-33098.htmlReviews In Google Local Gone Missing are Found - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-local-reviews-going-missing-33079.htmlCarrie's LinksBusiness Owner Review Responses Appearing on Local Services Ads  - Tom Waddington - https://tomwaddington.com/business-owner-review-responses-local-services-ads/How to recreate the landing pages report in GA4 - Dana DiTomaso - https://twitter.com/danaditomaso/status/1504864442114215936Taking Action Against Fake Customer Feedback and Reviews | Meta - https://about.fb.com/news/2022/03/taking-action-against-fake-customer-feedback-and-reviews/Thanks to our LocalU Advanced Sponsors for our 4/5/22 Event:Zipsprout - https://zipsprout.com/Places Scout - https://www.placesscout.com/

Mike's Links:‘Insidious and seductive': Uber funds lobbying group campaigning to stop gig workers unionising - https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/mar/11/uber-funds-new-lobbying-group-to-deny-rights-for-gig-workers?CMP=Share_iOSApp_OtherHoward Lerman on LinkedIn: Tens of Millions of Accurate Listings - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/howardlerman_tens-of-millions-of-accurate-listings-1403500-activity-6907073739486564352-qouo1,403,500 emails (mostly unread | 72 comments) - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/howardlerman_tens-of-millions-of-accurate-listings-1403500-activity-6907073739486564352-qouoYelp's Hidden Headwinds: Declining User Traffic and Aging Reviews - https://www.nearmedia.co/yelp-2021-financials-headwinds/Vicinity Update & GBP Name Spam: What Was the Real Impact? - https://www.brightlocal.com/research/vicinity-gbp-spam-impact/ Carrie's LinksA Beginner's Guide to Local SEO - Greg Gifford for BrightLocal - https://academy.brightlocal.com/course/complete-guide-to-local-seoGoogle Local Q&A Related To Your Search Feature - Barry Schwartz - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-local-q-a-related-to-your-search-31661.html The Most Expensive Keywords For 2022 -  Mike Schrobo - https://www.ppchero.com/the-most-expensive-keywords-for-2022/Version 100 of Chrome, Firefox & Edge May Break Websites - Mark Porter - https://www.screamingfrog.co.uk/version-100-of-chrome-firefox-edge/How To Debug Missing Pages In A Crawl - Screaming Frog - https://www.screamingfrog.co.uk/how-to-debug-missing-pages-in-a-crawl/

Mike's Links:Target's new hourly wage will soon be as much as $24 - https://www.retaildive.com/news/targets-new-hourly-wage-will-soon-be-as-much-as-24/619512/Amazon Ends Bookstores, Review Trust Down, CX a Google Ranking Factor - https://www.nearmedia.co/amazon-ends-bookstores-review-trust-down-cx-a-google-ranking-factor/Here Comes the Full Amazonification of Whole Foods - https://www-nytimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/technology/whole-foods-amazon-automation.amp.html?usqp=mq331AQGsAEggAID#Toxic links: Here's why you can often ignore them - https://www.mariehaynes.com/disavow-blacklist-tool/Tripadvisor, Google Maps Suspend Reviews of Some Russian Listings- https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-03-02/card/tripadvisor-google-maps-suspend-reviews-of-some-russian-listings-vM2no1PgGDmMkL2TSvPZGoogle Business Profiles May Require Additional Verification - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-additional-verification-33006.htmlBen Fisher: GBP offering promo to add Woo Commerce Link to profile - https://twitter.com/TheSocialDude/status/1498828876398489604Google Test "Confirmed by phone call x Weeks ago" label for opening hours in Location Panel - ​​https://tldrmarketing.com/seo/google-test-confirmed-by-phone-call-x-weeks-ago-label-for-opening-hours-in-location-panel/Claire Carlile: Post Insights now available to GPB search interface - https://twitter.com/clairecarlile/status/1499728197499379720?s=12Franchise Owners Should be Managing Franchisee Business Listings & Expectations - https://onlineownership.com/franchise-owners-should-be-managing-franchisee-business-listings-expectations/Carrie's LinksWalmart moves further into Livestream shopping | Retail Dive - https://www.retaildive.com/news/walmart-moves-further-into-livestream-shopping/619558/2022 Local SEO Blackbelt Quiz - Sterling Sky Inc - Colan Nielsen - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/2022-local-seo-blackbelt-quiz/New Recorded Video Verification for Google Business Profiles - Yan Gilbert - https://localu.org/recorded-video-verification/Happy 5 year birthday, Sterling Sky (in April) - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1500539149392228356

Mike's Links:Core Web Vitals Impact on Google Business Profile Landing Pages - https://whitespark.ca/blog/core-web-vitals-local-search-study/Core Web Vitals: No impact on Local ranking: Why is that? -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK7_60qmvh4Mike Blumenthal: Appointment link in GBP is back with a new modal l on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1496519712984997902Stefan Somborac: New Order Metric from GMB Insights - https://twitter.com/stefansomborac/status/1497324093221314569?s=12Changes to your Insights data - Google Business Profile Help - https://support.google.com/business/answer/10018786?hl=enCarrie's LinksWhy Are My Google Business Profile Posts Getting Rejected? - Sterling Sky Inc - Joy Hawkins - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/rejected-google-posts/Local Pack Update Allows Searchers to Interact with the Featured Map - Whitespark - Allie Margeson - https://whitespark.ca/blog/interactive-local-pack-map/LocalU Advanced April 5 - $99 tix - https://localu.org/apr5 

Mike's Links:Amazon's sprawling grocery business has become an 'expensive hobby' with a cloudy future - https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/19/amazons-sprawling-grocery-business-has-become-an-expensive-hobby.htmlBredin Report: What Content Works Best for SMB Consideration? - https://bredin.com/blog/2022/02/bredin-report-what-content-works-best-for-smb-consideration/10 Ways to Beat Google Title Rewrites, Backed by Data - https://zyppy.com/seo/title-tags/beat-google-title-rewritesDr. Marie Haynes - Google Workspace Docs now provides document summary automatically  -Marie Haynes- https://twitter.com/marie_haynes/status/1493970225456369669?s=21Ep 52 Near Memo: David Mihm discusses whether the Doc summary feature provides an SEO tool -David Mihm- https://www.nearmedia.co/will-google-make-seo-superfluous-is-android-sandbox-real-or-pr-wixs-q4-s-how-big-is-the-smb-market/Favi-gone: 5 Reasons Why Your Favicon Disappeared From The Google Search Results [Case Studies] -Glenn Gabe- https://www.gsqi.com/marketing-blog/favicon-problems-google-search/GBP Appointment Link is Gone?! - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/gbp-appointment-link-is-gone.58705/How to beat the GBP Q&A bug and answer a question as the business -Greg Gifford- https://searchlabdigital.com/blog/how-to-beat-the-gbp-qa-bug-and-answer-a-question-as-the-business/Yelp Elites and Others Paid for Fake Reviews in Plain Sight -Jason Brown- https://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/consumer/yelp-elites-and-others-paid-for-fake-reviews-in-plain-sight/2816914/ Carrie's Links1-Star Reviews Have Increased on Yelp for 4 Years in a Row -Joy Hawkins- https://localu.org/yelp-rating-distribution-trends/Offer on Google Maps -Joy Hawkins- https://localu.org/google-just-deprecated-the-follow-button-and-welcome-offer-on-google-maps/Thinking about setting up a second Google Business Profile for your service area business? Read this before you do to make sure you don't fall into Google's naughty list. -Colan Nielsen- https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1494770066935750659LocalU Advanced April 5, 2022 - Great speakers, unique content -OnDemand Included- just $99 -https://localu.org/apr5