The Near Memo

Send us a textIn this thought-provoking episode of the Near Memo podcast, SEO veteran Cindy Krum joins Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal to unpack how Google's evolving use of AI, including MUM (Multitask Unified Model), is reshaping the search landscape. Krum explains how Google is moving from keyword- and entity-based indexing to modeling “journeys” that reflect a user's intent — aligning with Google's long-abandoned concept of “micro-moments” like “I want to know,” “I want to go,” “I want to do,” and “I want to buy.” These journeys are increasingly being monetized across different verticals such as YouTube, Merchant Center, and local results, as Google balances expensive AI integration with ad revenue optimization.The trio also explores the convergence of Google Discover, AI Overviews, and personalized browsing experiences — warning that this personalization could result in unprecedented data tracking and loss of consumer privacy. Krum emphasizes that marketers and SEOs must adapt quickly: diversify traffic sources, optimize across social and non-Google platforms, and consider how Google's motivations (data consolidation and monetization) are shaping an experience that prioritizes corporate interests over user needs. The message is clear — traditional SEO tactics won't survive the AI-driven tide unless they evolve dramatically.TakeawaysCindy Krum discusses the MUM model and its impact on SEO.Google's monetization strategies are evolving with AI integration.Personalization in search is becoming increasingly important.Marketers need to optimize for user intent and MUM journeys.Informational queries represent a significant portion of search traffic.Diversifying traffic sources is crucial for digital marketers.Branding and social media presence are essential for visibility.The search landscape is changing rapidly due to AI advancements.Marketers should be proactive in adapting to these changes.Understanding user journeys will be key to future SEO strategies.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a text00:00 GatherUp's AmpUp Webinar Overview05:56 Yelp Antitrust Case Insights13:32 Google Local Review's AI Overviews and Their Impact26:45 ChatGPT's Shopping Capabilities and Future DirectionsIn this episode, Greg and Mike discuss the upcoming AmpUp 2025 virtual conference with Mel Atia of GatherUp, focusing on local SEO, reputation management, and the impact of AI on digital strategies. They delve into Yelp's antitrust case against Google, exploring the implications for local search and advertising. The conversation also highlights Google's new local AI feature, local brand summaries as well as changing consumer behaviors and the implications of ChatGPT getting into product search. TakeawaysAmpUp 2025 is a free virtual conference focused on local SEO and reputation management.The event will feature sessions on AI's impact on digital agencies and local search strategies.Yelp's antitrust case against Google could reshape the local search landscape.Google's dominance in local search raises questions about competition and consumer choice.AI overviews may simplify search but could misalign with user intent.Younger consumers are diversifying their search habits beyond Google.Businesses must manage their online reputation across multiple platforms.Engagement data is crucial for understanding consumer behavior in search.The future of search may involve more personalized and AI-driven experiences.Understanding audience behavior is essential for effective digital marketing.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textWe discuss the latest developments in Google's antitrust trial and the introduction of new AI features in Google Business Profiles. They explore the implications of these changes for local SEO and user experience, as well as the potential future of search in an AI-driven world. The conversation highlights the challenges Google faces in maintaining its market dominance amidst evolving technologies and user expectations.00:00Exploring Google's New AI Features11:17Antitrust Trial Insights and Google Remedies24:57The Future of Search and AI IntegrationTakeawaysGoogle is introducing AI features to replace the Q & A and People Also Ask.User experience is suffering due to the cluttered interface of Google search results.User experience is suffering due to the cluttered interface of Google search results.The outcome of the antitrust trial could reshape the competitive landscape for Google.AI tools are seen as a threat to Google's traditional search model.The future of search may involve more conversational interfaces.Google's dominance in search is being challenged by emerging technologies.However, Google is the main game in town today but may not be as we transition to new hardware paragigmsThe integration of AI in search plus new hardwardcould lead to a more efficient user experience. However it is likely to be 5 years out. Will Google and Apple keep their dominant positions?Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGreg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal, and Sammy Paget of BrightLocal discuss the evolving landscape of consumer reviews, focusing on how consumer behavior has changed over the years, the importance of businesses responding to reviews, and the impact of AI on review management. They explore the future of reviews, the decline in trust, and Google's policies regarding review authenticity, emphasizing the need for businesses to prioritize customer service and engagement.00:00 Consumer Expectations and Business Responses02:59 The Importance of Customer Engagement06:25 Common Mistakes Businesses Make with Reviews08:24 The Future of Reviews and AI Integration13:50 Trust and Alternative Sources of Information17:42 The Role of AI in Review Management22:43 Google's Trust Report and Review Management27:27 The Impact of Reviews on Education Institutions30:49 Final Thoughts on Reviews and Business PracticesTakeaways•Consumers expect businesses to respond to all types of reviews.•89% of consumers are likely to use businesses that respond to reviews.•Engagement through review responses can boost a business's reputation.•AI is changing how reviews are summarized and presented to consumers.•Trust in online reviews has declined, leading to alternative sources of information.•Businesses should focus on delivering excellent service to encourage positive reviews.•Google's aggressive removal of reviews aims to restore trust in the platform.•The badge of shame for manipulated reviews may not significantly impact consumer behavior.•Review responses should be thoughtful and engaging to signal business engagement.•Businesses need to view reviews as valuable feedback for improvement.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a text01:59 Evolution of Consumer Review Behavior05:03 Trust in Reviews: A Declining Trend08:14 The Impact of Fake Reviews and AI14:18 Alternative Review Platforms and Their Trustworthiness19:30 Key Findings from the 15-Year Review Study22:07 Best Practices for Review Solicitation29:22 Consumer Expectations and Business ResponsesIn this episode, Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal, and guest Sammy Paget from BrightLocal dive deep into 15 years of consumer review research trends. Sammy shares insights from BrightLocal's long-running consumer review survey, highlighting how online reviews have evolved from novelty to necessity in the purchase journey. But as the role of reviews has grown, so has consumer skepticism.The trio discusses the sharp drop in review trust, the increasing sophistication of fake reviews—especially those powered by AI—and the paradox that while people trust reviews less, they still rely on them heavily. They also explore the growing use of alternative platforms like local news, YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit as sources of business recommendations. Plus, they examine generational behavior and cultural differences in review reading habits.Whether you're a local business owner or just fascinated by how we evaluate things online, this segment is packed with context and conversation on how trust and behavior around reviews is shifting—and what that means moving forward.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIn this milestone 200th episode, the NearMemo crew unpacks Google's mounting regulatory woes in Europe, including fresh scrutiny under the Digital Markets Act. Mike breaks down a storm of GBP bugs and business suspensions and ponders the fact that Google is actually admitting to them.. Greg steers the convo into the evolving future of search—where AI, chat interfaces, and user expectations are reshaping everything. From legal battles to UI battles, it's clear: the search landscape is shifting fast.00:00 Celebrating the 200th Episode (sort of)01:23 Europe to Google: Play Fair or Pay Up13:48 Google's GBP Meltdown: Bugs, Delays & Suspensions—Oh My! And They Admit It!21:42 The Future of Search: Bing's Chance, Google's Dilemma, and the Chat UX RevolutionTakeawaysDavid discusses his recent trip to Europe and the implications of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).The DMA aims to create a fairer digital market, particularly regarding Google's self-preferencing practices.There is a lack of awareness among marketers in Europe about the DMA and its potential impact.AI overviews from Google may fall under the DMA's regulations due to their proprietary nature.The conversation highlights the need for businesses to adapt to changes in search interfaces driven by AI.Google's current challenges with Business Profiles are causing significant issues for businesses.Google, in uncharacteristic fashion actually admitted to these problems. Is this a new, more transparent Google or just a temporary change because so much has gone so wrong in such a short time. The hosts discuss the potential for Bing to innovate and capture market share in the evolving search landscape.Marketers should monitor traffic and visibility in AI platforms like ChatGPT and Copilot.The hype around AI in search is significant, but its impact on traffic is still developing.The conversation emphasizes the need for marketers to stay informed and adapt to rapid changes in the digital marketing environment.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGreg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal discuss the current state of Google suspensions, the impact of AI overviews on local search traffic, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing strategies. They emphasize the importance of businesses becoming less reliant on Google and exploring alternative marketing channels while navigating the challenges posed by AI and changing search dynamics.Takeaways•Google's traffic dynamics are shifting, impacting everyone.•Suspension isues have been fixed but appeals times for reinstatement have increased significantly.•AI overviews are reducing visibility for organic search results.•Businesses should be cautious when making changes to their listings.•The importance of managing Google Business Profiles is highlighted.•Only a small percentage of businesses actively manage their reviews.•Building a brand independent of Google is crucial for success.•Social media is a primary channel for customer engagement amongst SMBS.•AI traffic is not a substitute for traditional search traffic.•Google's strategy is to retain users by integrating AI into search.01:36 Update: Google Suspensions/Reverification Fix and Backlog 05:36 The Rise of AI Overviews in Local Search11:27 Navigating the Future of Google and AI16:56 Marketing Strategies in a Changing LandscapeSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIn this episode, Greg and Mike discuss the recent EU findings regarding Google's non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the implications of algorithm changes leading to increased suspensions and verifications, and the evolving landscape of AI competition, particularly focusing on Google's strategies to retain users amidst rising AI technologies. They also explore the future of local SEO and its unique position in the market.takeawaysGoogle's violation of the DMA highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny.Suspensions and verifications are increasing, indicating algorithmic changes.AI mode may be sufficient for many users, keeping them within Google's ecosystem.Local SEO is less impacted by AI than generic publishers.Conversions should be the focus for local businesses, not just traffic.00:00 EU's Preliminary Findings on Google and Apple08:51 Suspension Verification Algorithm Issues16:08 AI Competition and Market DynamicsSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textBuckle up for another Near Memo packed with search drama, AI experiments, and a high-speed Tesla takedown. Mike and Greg dive into Google's ongoing Business Profile suspensions, unpack the latest AI-driven search changes, and speculate on whether Elon Musk has permanently tanked Tesla's brand. Plus, a peek at Google's antitrust battle and what losing Chrome could mean for search dominance.00:00 The State of Google Business Profile Suspensions09:39 Trump's DOJ to Force Google to Sell Chrome?12:26 AI Mode and Local Search24:59 Tesla's Brand Reputation CrisisThe State of Google Business Profile Suspensions: What's Going On?Google Business Profile suspensions are on the rise, and support is crawling at a snail's pace. Mike breaks down why small businesses should not touch their listings right now (seriously, don't even breathe on them). Is this a bug, a crackdown, or just Google losing control of its own algorithm?Google's Antitrust Battle: Will Chrome Be Sold Off?The DOJ wants Google to offload Chrome as part of its latest antitrust smackdown. Google, of course, thinks that's a terrible idea. But if the judge agrees, this could shake up search in a big way—especially since Chrome feeds Google a ton of juicy user data. The appeal process will be long, but this could be the biggest change to Google's search empire in years.AI Mode and Local Search: A Game Changer or a Mess?AI-powered local search is officially here! Greg takes us on a tour of Google's experimental AI Mode, which is serving up completely different local results than the usual search listings. Businesses, buckle up—this could make optimizing for local search way more unpredictable. Is AI Mode the future, or is it just another search rabbit hole?Tesla's Reputation Crisis: Can the Brand Recover?Tesla's reviews are tanking, and it's not just because of Elon's Twitter antics—customers are furious about service and quality issues. But now that Musk has also alienated half his customer base, things are getting worse. Will Tesla pull a Microsoft-style comeback, or is this the beginning of the end? Mike and Greg break it down.TakeawaysThere has been a dramatic increase in Google Business Profile suspensions since January.Google's support is resource-constrained, leading to delays in addressing suspensions.Businesses should avoid making changes to their Google profiles to prevent further complications.The Department of Justice is pursuing antitrust actions against Google, which could lead to significant changes in the market.AI mode in local search is showing different results compared to traditional search methods.Tesla's brand reputation is suffering due to a combination of service issues and political controversies surrounding Elon Musk.The correlation between Tesla's sales and declining ratings suggests a complex relationship between customer satisfaction and sales performance.Google's algorithm changes may be causing unintended consequences for businesses.The verification process for Google Business Profiles is often seen as irrational and overly rigid.The future of Tesla's brand depends on addressing service issues and the public's perception of Elon Musk.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a text00:00 Overview of Topics01:07 Increase in Business Suspensions - Resinstatements very slow06:27 Google's Search Query Insights - Is Google Cooking the Books?21:03 Google's AI Mode as the Future of SearchWe discuss the recent increase in suspensions and the delay of reinstatements on Google, the implications of Google's five trillion search queries, and the impact of AI on search. They explore the new AI mode being introduced by Google and how it is the shape the future of search experiences.Takeaways ✓ There has been a significant increase in complaints about Google suspensions. ✓ Google's new one appeal and done process limits reinstatement attempts. ✓ The five trillion search queries reported by Google is a notable figure but hacked. ✓ User behavior is shifting away from Google towards alternative search options. ✓ AI mode represents a significant evolution in Google's search capabilities. ✓ Google is actively trying to retain users amidst growing competition from AI. ✓ Gemini, Google's AI, is still developing and improving rapidly but its still not as good as ChatGPT. ✓ The future of search will likely involve more complex user interactions. ✓ Google is experimenting with various user interface elements to enhance search. ✓ User engagement with AI tools is changing the way queries are formed. titlesSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a text00:00 Introduction to Last Mile Retail06:04 Evolution of the Business Model11:35 Market Changes and Competition17:03 Understanding Good Local SEO23:03 Microsite Strategy and Implementation29:47 The Role of AI in Marketing Strategies37:30 Navigating Paid Campaigns and Google Optimization45:55 Enhancing Customer Journey and Content Strategy- Last Mile Retail started by addressing the challenge of local inventory visibility online.- The company has evolved to serve enterprise clients with a comprehensive local marketing platform.- AI is being used for content drafting and categorization, but human oversight remains crucial.- User engagement is significantly improved with rich content and local inventory data.- Local SEO is becoming increasingly important for businesses to remain competitive.- Understanding customer journeys is essential for effective local marketing strategies.- The integration of local inventory data can enhance visibility across multiple platforms.- AI search platforms are emerging as valuable tools for local marketing.- Businesses need to focus on unique, high-quality content rather than generic outputs.- The future of local marketing will require adaptability to new technologies and consumer behaviors.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textThe Near Media team + several Google Product Experts and Brad Wetherall discuss various aspects of Google Business Profiles, including internal mobility at Google, the challenges of maintaining institutional knowledge, and the complexities of review management. They delve into the recent discrepancies in review counts, the importance of communication from Google, and the impact of trust scores on local guides. The discussion also covers creative strategies for enhancing review authenticity, the challenges of video verification, and the implications of operating hours on business rankings. Additionally, they explore the quality of support across different regions and the potential for paid support options, as well as the influence of AI on local listings.00:00 Introduction to Brad Wetherall and His Background04:04 Google Personnel Policies Leading to a Loss of Google Local Institutional Knowledge17:57 Communication Challenges During Review Issues23:41 Trust Scores and Local Guides' Impact on Reviews28:46 Identifying and Reporting Spam Listings32:58 Engagement and Business Verification Challenges36:44 Improving Video Verification Processes41:17 Handling Duplicate Listings44:07 Managing Business Hours Effectively47:30 Differences in Support Quality between Countries48:59 Exploring Paid GBP Support Options53:27 Understanding Google's Data Sources56:34 The Impact of AI on Local Listings57:19 Trust Score and User ManagementtakeawaysGoogle encourages internal mobility to retain talent which might cause a loss of Local institutional knowledge.Documentation is extensive but not always utilized effectively.Algorithm adjustments can lead to review discrepancies.Proactive communication from Google is often lacking.Trust scores influence the acceptance of edits.Creative strategies can enhance review authenticity.Multiple signals are considered when identifying spam listings.Engagement signals impact visibility in search results.Maintaining a corporate email domain is beneficial for trust.AI-generated content is monitored and regulated by Google.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGreg and Mike discuss various topics related to Google's recent changes and features, including issues with review counts on Google Business Profiles, the introduction of the Ask for Me automated calling feature, and the implications for small businesses. They also explore the new Gemini reasoning model and its potential impact on local search and consumer behavior. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by these developments in the context of small business operations and marketing strategies.00:55 Review Count Issues and Google's Response06:29 Exploring Google's 'Ask For Me' Feature18:20 Concerns About Small Businesses and AI Interactions22:20 Gemini's New Reasoning Model for iPhone is the Future of Local SearchSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIn this episode, Greg and Mike discuss the 20th anniversary of Google Maps, highlighting its evolution and new features. They delve into the newest Map Top Lists feature, the implications of recent messaging features for businesses and the ongoing decline in consumer trust in online reviews. The conversation also introduces Google's new 'Ask for Me' AI feature, exploring its potential impact on local businesses and consumer interactions.Takeaways- Google Maps revolutionized navigation with its interactive features.- The new restaurant Map List feature in Google Maps enhances visibility for businesses.- Brand queries are crucial for businesses to appear prominently in Google Maps.- Consumer trust in online reviews is declining significantly.- People are increasingly relying on star ratings over review text.- Google's new messaging features require businesses to respond quickly to inquiries.- The 'Ask for Me' feature aims to streamline appointment bookings for consumers.- Businesses need to build relationships with local media for better visibility.- Trust in online reviews is now lower than personal recommendations.- Google's rollout of new features should raise skepticism among local businesses.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIn this episode, Mike Blumenthal and Greg Sterling continue their discussion with Curtis Boyd, CEO of the Transparency Company, focusing on the pervasive issue of review fraud. They explore the current landscape of consumer trust in online reviews, the implications of new FTC regulations, and the challenges businesses face in maintaining review integrity. Curtis shares his optimistic outlook on potential solutions and emphasizes the importance of transparency in the review process. The conversation also delves into practical strategies for businesses and marketers to combat fake reviews and improve their online reputation.00:00 Introduction to Review Fraud and Transparency Company00:23 Future of Review Integrity08:40 Strategies for Businesses and Marketers17:55 Optimism Amidst ChallengesSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIn this episode, Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal discuss the state of review fraud with Curtis Boyd, CEO of the Transparency Company. They explore the complexities of fake reviews, including the different types and metrics used to identify them. The conversation delves into the role of AI in generating fake reviews and the economic impact of review fraud on consumers and businesses. Curtis shares insights from a recent report estimating the financial damage caused by fake reviews, highlighting the challenges faced by ethical businesses in a marketplace rife with deception.00:10 Introduction to Review Fraud and Transparency Company01:48 Understanding Review Fraud: Types and Metrics04:42 The Landscape of Fake Reviews: Business Practices and Impacts09:11 The Role of AI in Review Fraud18:27 Economic Impact of Review Fraud: Insights from the Report25:32 The Challenge of Review Fraud32:08 Learn about Part 2 of the interviewSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIn this episode, Greg and Mike welcome Brad Wetherall, former Director of Operations for Google Business Profile and now CEO of Bitwise Consulting. They discuss the challenges of fake reviews, Google's approach to detecting and managing them, and best practices for businesses to enhance their online reputation. Brad shares insights on the importance of engagement, the role of AI in review management, and the need for businesses to understand Google's policies regarding reviews. The conversation wraps up with Brad's advice for agencies and local marketers on navigating the complexities of online reviews and maintaining a positive digital presence.Takeaways00:00 Final Thoughts on Reviews and Trust Scores06:45 Understanding Review Deletion and Algorithm Scrutiny08:54 The Role of Review Responses in Business Rankings11:44 Engagement and Its Impact on Reviews14:32 AI's Influence on Review Management17:07 Challenges for New Businesses in Review Acquisition20:15 Best Practices for Managing Reviews23:51 Google's Support Culture and Business Impact26:28 The Future of AI and Local Business Visibility#googlebusinessprofile  #fakereviews #reviewmanagement  #localseo  #reviewfraud #AIinreviews #reviewalgorithms #digitalmarketingSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textEver wonder how GBP twists the dial to approve an edit? Why they use video verification and what a trust score is? In Part 1 of this interview we learn the answers to those many questions and more. 00:15 Introduction to Brad Wetherall and His Journey02:53 Transitioning from Google to Bitwise Consulting05:34 Understanding Google Business Profile Support Structure08:03d Support Strategies and User Journeys11:08 The Evolution of Support Systems at Google13:36 Challenges in Support: Suspensions and Verifications16:45 The Algorithm Behind Suspensions and Reviews19:29 Trust and Reporting Mechanisms in Google Business Profile22:23 Review Fraud: Detection and Challenges25:01 The Balance Between Fraud Detection and User Experience27:46 Video Verification and Its Implications30:41 Final Thoughts on Reviews and Trust ScoresEp 189Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGoogle Leaks & NavBoost: How Engagement & Brands Shape Local SEO Rankings in 2024:  Mike unpacked revelations from Google's algorithm leaks and their likely importance for Local SEO. We dove into "NavBoost," a technique where Google rewards high engagement and brand signals with better rankings. Think clicks, brand searches, and even driving directions contributing to a business's prominence.Greg and David noted how brands dominate the search game. We broke down why engagement—real photos, reviews, and strong brand presence—creates a feedback loop that propels rankings. This led us to the age-old debate: does SEO success mean going beyond Google? Our consensus leaned toward balancing on-platform optimization with off-platform brand-building.ChatGPT: A Game-Changer in Google's AI Playground: We dove into the competitive shake-up in search, sparked by ChatGPT's rise since late 2022. This dynamic newcomer has lit a fire under Google, which has enjoyed dominance for decades. While ChatGPT hasn't toppled Google's traffic, its user base is reshaping behaviors, with 19% reportedly favoring ChatGPT over Google when forced to choose.Competition from ChatGPT has catalyzed innovation at Google, pushing AI tools like Gemini into the spotlight. Discussions about AI in search touched on knowledge graphs, generative AI, and how platforms like Apple are slowly carving their niches.One standout point? ChatGPT's integration into daily life for tasks like local searches and knowledge-based queries is altering habits, making Google more of a secondary option for some. We see these shifts leading to a long-term evolution in how people search—no seismic shifts yet, but wedges are forming in Google's monopoly. As AI-driven tools improve, we're likely witnessing the beginning of a multi-player field in search and beyond.DMA and the Search Transformation of 2024: We unpacked how 2024 is shaping up as a pivotal year for search, driven by regulatory crackdowns and competitive pressures. The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) is taking center stage, with investigations into Google's practices for flights, hotels, and shopping. We noted Google's “malicious compliance” tactics—like reverting to ten blue links—to generate user dissatisfaction and push back against regulators.Amid the antitrust buzz, we reflected on the potential fragmentation of search. ChatGPT and similar AI tools are gaining traction, compelling Google to innovate under pressure. We agreed this regulatory momentum, alongside AI advancements, might dramatically reshape how we search and retrieve information in the coming years.With the possibility of stricter regulations in the U.S. on the horizon, the monopoly grip on search seems less certain. Looking ahead, we're optimistic about the dynamic changes brewing in the industry—there's never been a more exciting time to explore search innovation.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 188Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textStephanie Verilhac of Siinda discusses the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and its impact on search behavior. Siinda's research with Near Media showed Google's dominance persists despite compliance changes, with users favoring its ecosystem. Regional differences in search trends were highlighted, including Irish “near me” preferences, French brand loyalty, and Germans' ad clicks. Photos, reviews, and business websites play key roles in user decisions. Verilhac noted Google's partial adherence to the DMA and challenges for smaller businesses in competing with large aggregators. Future DMA updates and expanded research are expected. In Episode 187 we interview guest Stephanie Verilhac of Siinda. Siinda is an industry association that brings together agencies and technology companies in the local search and “on demand” industry sectors. We explored the application of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and its effects on search behavior. Stephanie highlighted Siinda's role in supporting digital businesses across Europe and its interest in user responses to Google's compliance measures.We focused on joint Siinda/Near Media consumer behavior research, examining Google search results in Ireland, France, and Germany for kitchen remodeling services. While Google implemented changes to align with the DMA's anti-self-preferencing rules, the study revealed that user engagement overwhelmingly favored Google's own ecosystem, including its Local Pack and Maps. The newly introduced "Places Sites" module showed limited visibility and minimal clicks compared to Google's properties.Stephanie emphasized notable regional differences: Irish users prioritized "near me" searches, French users leaned on brand recognition, and Germans showed a higher propensity to click ads. Cultural diversity across the EU proved significant in shaping search behavior. Photos and reviews emerged as key factors influencing decisions, with users frequently clicking through to business websites for final evaluations.The conversation also touched on DMA compliance challenges, with Stephanie noting Google's approach often skirts full adherence. While ads are open to all businesses in theory, financial realities favor large aggregators over smaller players.As the European Commission continues enforcing the DMA under its newly appointed leadership, Stephanie predicted more scrutiny on gatekeepers and potential updates in 2025. Siinda offers resources on their website, cinda.org, and plans to expand research to additional markets.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.EP 187 Near MemoSubscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textAI and Maps: Current Limitations (many) and Future Prospects (good): We explore a recent piece by cartographer Kames Killick on how AI will be shaping the geospatial landscape & mapping, despite the mixed results today. Current tools struggle with complex queries, such as mapping open businesses along a route and broader queries that AI should be able to handle. Despite limitations, innovations like geo-trained AI and object classification suggest potential for enhanced location-based services, professional applications, and augmented reality. Emerging technologies may soon enable smoother interaction with geospatial tools and real-time location insights.Search vs. AI: Consumer Behavior and the Future of Discovery: Insights from a consumer survey shed light on the evolving role of AI in search. While 77% of users find Google easier than three years ago, many are exploring alternatives like ChatGPT for direct answers and conversational capabilities. Trust in AI is growing, with 67% believing it will redefine search within three years. The shift signals a fragmented search ecosystem, where convenience and reliability will shape user behavior.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 186Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textExtended GBP Business Names - Spam or Legitimate Descriptors?We explore Google's growing tolerance for extended taglines & descriptors in business names via the Google Business Center and its impact on local SEO strategies. Examples include businesses embedding descriptors like “best plastic surgeon” or “sexual harassment lawyer” into their names that were escalated to Google but were deemed acceptable. These additions act as taglines and significantly boost search visibility by leveraging Google's algorithm, which treats business names as ranking signals. This shift marks a departure from earlier strict rules, offering businesses a competitive edge when such names are left unchallenged.Google's willingness to accept these extended descriptors, even after they are flagged, suggests a prioritization of scalability over strict enforcement. While businesses may benefit from increased visibility, they must balance this tactic with potential risks, such as temporary suspension or muddling brand identity. The conversation calls for structured testing to understand the limits of Google's tolerance and how businesses can effectively navigate these relaxed guidelines without overstepping.Rand Fishkin Research: Branded Queries Dominate Google: Insights from 300 Million SearchesRand Fishin's analysis of over 300 million Google queries reveals surprising insights into search behavior. A striking 15% of all queries consist of just 150 terms, primarily branded or navigational, underscoring the dominance of well-known names in search behavior. Informational queries represent 53% of the total, while commercial and transactional searches trail significantly, with less than 1% being purely transactional. This data suggests a need for businesses to emphasize brand building to thrive in Google's search ecosystem.The findings underscore the challenge of zero-click searches, where Google resolves queries directly, leaving businesses without traffic. The recommendation? Shift focus from SEO competition to brand building via alternative channels to drive direct searches. Ads, for example, can complement this strategy by enhancing brand awareness, leading to stronger organic performance and bypassing Google's increasingly saturated search landscape.AI vs. Google: The Rise of ChatGPT as a Search AlternativeWe discuss AI's potential as an alternative to search engines, with tools like ChatGPT emerging as viable competitors. A survey reveals that while 77% of frequent search users find Google easier to use than three years ago, AI tools are gaining traction, with ChatGPT ranked second in perceived usefulness. This shift reflects growing consumer trust in AI for specific tasks, such as shopping comparisons, where platforms like Perplexity accelerate decision-making.Despite Google's dominance, dissatisfaction with its cluttered and spam-prone results is evident. Businesses face a dual challenge: leveraging Google for recovery searches while addressing consumers' complex decision-making needs. AI's rise presents an opportunity for businesses to adapt, using diverse platforms to maintain relevance amid evolving consumer habits.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 185Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGoogle Business Profile Suspension Woes (01:32–11:03)The discussion highlights rising frustrations with Google Business Profiles, focusing on increasing suspension rates and difficult reinstatement processes. Businesses face bottlenecks with video verification and unclear policies. Legitimate operations often fall victim, showcasing systemic flaws in Google's automated support and limited pathways for resolution. Siri's AI Search Evolution (11:03–20:35)Siri's transformation with AI and knowledge graphs marks a major leap in user interaction. Enhanced capabilities include text input, contextual responses, and real-time actions like map queries. Apple's integration of personalized data in areas like news, sports, and local searches aims to deliver efficient and reliable information, rivaling traditional search engines.The Slow Fragmentation of Search (20:35–End)The analysis underscored search fragmentation, with Siri, ChatGPT, and social media peeling away queries from Google. Informational searches dominate, while platforms like TikTok and Instagram gain traction among younger users. Local traffic from tools like Apple Maps reveals unmeasured impact, signaling a shift toward more diverse, integrated search ecosystems over the next 2 to 4 years.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 184Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textAI Overview and Google Search Trends:  In a discussion on AI search trends, Mark Traphagen from SEO Clarity shared insights on Google's search generative experience (SGE) and its limited functionality in delivering localized results. His analysis highlighted that SGE results in the U.S. tend to be highly informational (91%) and less transactional, especially for keywords related to products. According to Mark, Google's AI-driven search lacks the capacity to enhance local search results, pointing out that traditional SERP results still perform better. Meanwhile, Google's AI continues to evolve, with recent tweaks aiming to improve ranking relevance in AI responses.ChatGPT Search Growth and Future Projections:Mark noted a recent 10x rise in referrals from ChatGPT, suggesting growing adoption of OpenAI's real-time web search capabilities. He indicated that this growth corresponds with ChatGPT's recent integration of SearchGPT and its compatibility with Apple iOS, predicting further rises. While alternatives like perplexity show gradual increases, OpenAI maintains a stronghold, steadily reclaiming market share. For SEO professionals, Mark advises monitoring these shifts and tracking SearchGPT, Bing's Gen.AI, and other emerging platforms as they shape traffic trends.Google SERP's Dilemma and E-commerce Impact:Mark discussed Google's strategic challenges, balancing ad-driven revenue with user satisfaction in AI integration. He highlighted that Google's “Popular Products” feature increasingly dominates SERP top spots, pushing organic listings down, especially on mobile. This shift affects e-commerce traffic significantly, as traditional organic ranking struggles against the prominent Google product listings. Mark encourages SEO strategies that embrace Google's product features for better reach. Despite the influx of new platforms, he reassures clients that established SEO practices remain essential in the evolving landscape.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 183Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGoogle's Antitrust Battle: Legal and Political Shifts:  As Google's antitrust trial unfolds, recent shifts in U.S. leadership may change the tech giant's outlook. With Trump's election win, the likelihood of drastic regulatory action against Google, such as a breakup, appears to be reduced. The new administration's stance on big tech could soften the Justice Department's approach, shifting from aggressive oversight to a more business-friendly posture. While there's bipartisan support for reigning in big tech, motivations differ: Republicans often cite censorship concerns, while Democrats focus on monopolistic practices. Given these dynamics, Google may emerge with only minor restrictions—like changes to default search agreements—rather than a forced split. Despite some regulatory adjustments, the tech landscape now looks less likely to see major disruptions, leaving room for Google to maintain its market dominance.Apple's Applied Intelligence Transformation: Siri's Leap to Intelligent Search:  We take a look at the iOS 18.1 Siri Beta. Apple's Siri is evolving into a powerful AI assistant, moving beyond simple voice commands to provide advanced, text-based search capabilities and an app-like experience. With new features allowing Siri to pull information directly from trusted sources, users can get sports scores, local recommendations, and entertainment options seamlessly without going to the web. Apple's focus on data privacy and ad-free interaction offers a distinct alternative to Google's ad-driven models, emphasizing a cleaner, user-centered experience. Apple's work on voice isolation is also enhancing Siri's effectiveness, allowing smoother interactions even in noisy environments. Because of the many iPhones in the wild, Siri's expanded abilities across the Apple ecosystem could lead to a shift in user habits, positioning Apple IntelligenceI as a viable alternative to traditional search.ChatGPT Redefining Search:  The new SearchGPT feature might just redefine search by offering a conversational interface that maintains context across multiple queries. This functionality could make ChatGPT a compelling alternative to Google, especially in local search, where its ability to remember and refine previous queries sets it apart. ChatGPT's clean interface and ability to deliver quick, relevant answers directly within the chat could attract users interested in exploring new search options. As Apple prepares to integrate ChatGPT into Siri, this AI-driven trend may drive additional “zero-click” behaviors—where users get instant answers without leaving the app. Search GPT also shows promise in e-commerce and product searches, delivering a streamlined experience that could change how users interact in this space and transform how consumers search.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 182Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textAI in Local SEO: Challenges and Opportunities:  We dive into how AI is reshaping local search. Key insights from Andrew Shotland's analysis reveal that Google's AI overviews appear inconsistently in local searches, mainly showing up for broader queries, while lower funnel searches rely on the local pack. New platforms like Perplexity, with licensing from Yelp, seem to offer promising results for complex local queries, potentially challenging Google's dominance in local search.Apple Siri Finally Gets Local Search: Mike showcases Apple's upgraded Siri new features in iOS 18.1  that demonstrate a largely hidden but significant leap in local search capabilities. By allowing for text input and recognizing contextual cues, Siri can now provide tailored local results from any screen. Apple is taking a calculated approach to search and AI, suggesting it could take one of several directions. Long haul they appear to be banking on AI based search becoming a dominant model. They appear to  be gradually developing a more functional search alternative. For it to be successful Apple needs the new SIRI to be successful and to increase its visibility. Apple, though recognizes that the change to new search modalities might take three to four and they are apparently leaving themselves open for appropriate partnerships if they lose Google's ~$20 billion search payment.ChatGPT's Growing User Base and Implications for Google: ChatGPT's is experiencing escalating popularity as a search tool, with survey data indicating that nearly half of respondents use it weekly. This rising trend hints at a shifting search landscape, though Google's latest earnings suggest minimal immediate impact. Google's has made strategic AI cost reductions and is investing heavily in expanding capabilities, reflecting its response to AI-driven competitors like ChatGPTThe Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 181Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIntroduction and Background (00:01 - 10:30)The conversation opens with Greg Sterling introducing Raj Singh, the founder of Soloist.ai, an AI-powered website builder targeted at small businesses and freelancers. Raj shares his background as a serial entrepreneur, highlighting his previous ventures, such as Pulse, acquired by Mozilla, and his journey through the tech landscape from file-sharing companies to AI-driven website creation. This segment sets the stage by exploring Raj's entrepreneurial journey and interest in simplifying website creation for non-technical users.Soloist.ai's Purpose and Unique Features (10:30 - 39:00)Raj delves into the features and goals of Soloist.ai. Unlike other website builders, Soloist.ai focuses on simplicity, eliminating design paralysis by limiting customization options and streamlining the site creation process. The platform is tailored for solopreneurs and small businesses needing a fast, functional web presence. Raj discusses Mozilla's support and Soloist's AI capabilities, enabling users to build single-page sites quickly. The conversation also touches on Mozilla's broader mission to avoid dark patterns and keep the product free from hidden fees, making it accessible to freelancers and small businesses.Future Directions and Local Marketing Challenges (39:00 - 59:39) As the conversation wraps up, the discussion shifts to the future of Soloist.ai and the challenges of digital marketing for local businesses. Raj explains plans for monetization through Mozilla's ad network and potentially integrating tools like invoicing and CRM into the platform. The team addresses concerns about fraud, site security, and SEO strategies, with Raj considering features for long-term growth while maintaining simplicity. Emphasis is placed on the importance of local SEO and building trusted partnerships, ensuring Soloist's continued utility for small businesses seeking to establish an online presence.This structure highlights key discussion areas, showcasing the potential and challenges faced by Soloist.ai in its goal to support small businesses in a crowded website-building market.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 180Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textApple Expands Business Connect Beyond Brick-and-Mortar: It was announced that Apple Business Connect will now include a broader range of businesses, such as e-commerce, work-from-home, and service-area businesses. Businesses will still undergo the Apple verification process but will benefit from a consistent brand presence across apps like Mail, Apple Pay and ultimately Messages. While non-brick-and-mortar businesses won't appear on Apple Maps, their verified logos will be visible in key Apple services like Siri and Spotlights, enhancing brand trust within the Apple ecosystem. This move strengthens Apple's position as a trusted platform for businesses and customers alike, despite some limitations for smaller agencies and vendors.BrightLocal Study: Which Directories Matter? A recent study by Bright Local revealed that while platforms like Yelp maintain a significant presence in Google search results, the majority of high-ranking directories are vertical-specific, varying by industry. Key directories such as ZocDoc for healthcare and TripAdvisor for hospitality were identified as essential for consumer engagement. The study emphasized the importance for businesses to focus on directories that are relevant to their specific verticals, rather than relying on broader platforms.SEMrush Acquires Search Engine Land & Third Door Media: The acquisition of Third Door Media, parent company of Search Engine Land and Martech World, by SEMrush was announced this week. The move has sparked concerns about the potential loss of independent industry voices, with fears that SEMrush may shift focus toward promotional content. However, some view the acquisition as a strategic decision, allowing SEMrush to capitalize on the domain authority of these platforms. It is expected that the move will enhance SEMrush's reach, particularly among beginner and intermediate SEO users, while maintaining a balance between transactional and informational content. The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 179Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGoogle Tests AI-organized Carousels in Local Search Results for Restaurants & Bars:  Recent test search results for local businesses on Google, particularly restaurants and bars, have been dominated by AI-organized carousels. Searches like “best cocktail bar” now return multiple carousels sequentially down the page, with categories such as rooftop bars, artisanal cocktail bars, and budget-friendly options. These results feature large visuals, ratings, and addresses, allowing users to scroll through various options to view and choose from local listings. Interestingly, the number of carousels varies depending on the location—New York City displayed more than 12, while smaller cities like Rochester and Buffalo showed fewer or none at all, with traditional results like Yelp or Reddit appearing so far down in the search results below the carousels​ that they are largely invisibile. Facebook Tests New Local Tab, Aggregating Content from Reels, Marketplace, and Events:  A new local tab by Facebook has been introduced in several U.S. cities, aggregating content from Reels, Marketplace, and local events. This move consolidates previously dispersed local content, aiming to create a more streamlined and engaging user experience. Cities like Austin, New York, and Los Angeles were selected for the initial rollout. While no new content is being created, Facebook is leveraging its existing local data. The strategy is expected to enhance engagement by making local information easier to find, though questions remain about how successful this product will be in the long run.Google Experiences Significant Decline in Customer Loyalty Rankings Over Past Two Years:Google experienced the largest decline in customer loyalty among top 100 brands, dropping from 9th place in 2022 to 25th in 2023, according to a list compiled by Brand Keys. The annual report assesses nearly 1,500 brands across 140 industries using consumer feedback. While Google's decline was noted, YouTube rose from 21st to 6th place over the same period. Additionally, ChatGPT entered the list at 49th in 2023 and advanced to 40th in 2024. The rankings, based on customer feedback and loyalty metrics, suggest shifting consumer sentiment despite Google's continued market dominance​.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 178Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a text Google's Place Sites: A Compliance Gesture or A True Shift in Search?Google is rolling out a new feature called "Place Sites" in North America, following its initial launch in Europe as part of compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The feature presents a carousel of aggregator search results, such as Yelp and TripAdvisor, prominently placed in top positions for local queries like restaurants. The idea is to redirect traffic to competitors to address accusations of Google self-preferencing. However, our testing shows that user engagement has been very, very low, with people rarely interacting with the carousel despite its visibility.This could be a preemptive move by Google to fend off similar regulatory pressures in North America, where laws against self-preferencing are still in discussion. Or it might be part of a larger strategy to boost Google's new AI-organized search results that keep users within Google's ecosystem. By offering the AI-refined, visually driven search results, Google could be aiming to increase search volume and maintain its dominance in the market. That all being said, the Places Sites feature is seen more as a compliance gesture than a game-changer for user experience.Allure Aesthetics' Review Fraud Highlights Google's Inaction & Continuing Consumer HarmAllure Aesthetics, a plastic surgery clinic in Seattle, has been caught in a major review fraud scandal. After being convicted in 2024 for illegal review practices—such as forcing patients to sign NDAs to prevent negative reviews and having employees post fake ones—Allure was fined $5 million. Despite this, Google has taken little action to remove the fraudulent reviews from its platform. As of now, the clinic still ranks highly in search results with an impressive 4.8 rating based on over 900 reviews, many of which were accumulated during the period of fraudulent activity.Despite plenty of media coverage and efforts to report the fraud, Google has not removed the questionable reviews or penalized the clinic in its local search results. The scandal underscores a larger issue: Google's inconsistent approach to handling cases of review fraud, even when businesses have been legally penalized.FTC Targets AI Tool Rytr for Enabling Fake Review GenerationThe FTC has taken action against Rytr, an AI-powered writing tool, accusing it of facilitating the creation of thousands of fake reviews. With a simple interface that allows users to generate human-sounding testimonials at scale, the tool has enabled some subscribers to produce over 10,000 reviews each. The FTC's complaint argues that the tool's only practical use is to produce deceptive reviews, leading to an enforcement action that requires the company to shut down its review-generating functionality and undergo 20 years of monitoring.The case has sparked debate, with some FTC members arguing that the action is based on hypothetical harm, while others emphasize the risk of AI tools being misused for fraud. The FTC's move raises questions about the broader role of AI in generating content and its potential to facilitate large-scale review abuse, with concerns growing over how much consumers can trust online reviews in the face of increasing fraud.AI Notes: These summaries were written by ChatGPT from transcripts of the recording. They were checked for accuracy and rewritten for tone. But if you disagree with the results, take it up with Open AI.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 177Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textHow Individual Hotels Can Win in EU Search: Our research on hotel searches in Europe, revealed that Booking.com dominated user clicks, especially through ads, while Google's Hotel Finder and Business Profiles saw significantly fewer interactions. One surprising discovery was the prominent role of ads, with over 50% of mobile clicks going to ads, particularly Booking.com.We explore how Google's algorithm and ad strategies favor aggregators like Booking, rather than individual hotel brands, who do however have an ad opportunity with the new(ish) carousel ad and the Google Business Profiles for visibility. While Booking.com often dominates ad spots, the landing pages sometimes confuse users by showing lists of hotels instead of the specific property clicked from within the Google Hotel Finder.Google Updated Spam Guidelines: Helpful or FUD?We discuss Google's recently updated spam guidelines for web search. The new policy defines spam as content designed to deceive users OR manipulate Google's search systems for higher rankings. While the term “deceive users” is clear, the use of “manipulate,” could be interpreted broadly to include legitimate SEO practices aimed at improving visibility.How should businesses and agencies react when dealing with Google spam guidance? Google has a history of FUD. Both groups should be aware of the risks of pushing the limits of SEO. If you're focused on providing real value to users, the risk of penalties remains low, but it's critical to stay aware of evolving rules.When & What are we likely to see in the Yelp antitrust case against Google? The Yelp case accusing Google of unfair business practices, specifically using its dominance in local search to disadvantage competitors like Yelp could provide plenty of insights which may uncover data related to Google's local search algorithms.Yelp argues that Google's local search and local ads operate as separate markets, using a unique algorithm and data set. However, like the Epic Games case against Google, it could take as long as three years for the case to actually go to trial and several more years to explore penalties and file appeals. That being this case could impact future legislation, especially in light of the EU's Digital Markets Act and its approach to regulating tech giants like Google.  The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 176Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGoogle Testing Review Badge of Shame & More  in UK for Review Abuses:Google has rolled out a new review “badge of shame” and a new help document titled "Business Profile Restrictions for Policy Violations," introducing stricter actions for businesses engaging in deceptive review practices. Currently being tested in the UK, the policy includes a tiered system of penalties, such as preventing new reviews, unpublishing existing ones, and displaying a "badge of shame" for businesses caught with fraudulent reviews. This marks a shift in Google's approach, as they historically removed fake reviews without directly accusing businesses of wrongdoing. The penalties, though designed to improve review integrity, raise concerns about fairness, particularly for businesses that may be falsely flagged. Google has implemented an appeals process, offering business owners a chance to contest these restrictions. However, with previous experiences showing delays in review processes, some wonder how effective the system will be. This effort aligns with broader global regulatory pressures, such as the UK's push against fake reviews and potential influences from European legislation like the Digital Services Act (DSA).Google's Antitrust Travails: What's at Stake in the Latest Legal Battle?Google is currently facing its second antitrust trial, focusing on its ad-tech dominance. The trial, now in its second week, follows an earlier case where Google was found to be an illegal monopoly in search and text ads. This new case explores the workings of Google's ad exchange and network, with internal documents revealing questionable practices like taking premium cuts from advertisers. Central to the case is how the market is defined—if Google can argue for a broad market with competitors like Amazon and Facebook, it could escape further liability. However, if the market is viewed more narrowly, Google may face more significant consequences, including potential divestitures of its ad business.Beyond legal outcomes, this case, coupled with Google's aggressive internal strategies, is tarnishing the company's public image. Wall Street has already priced in potential legal losses, showing expectations of a major financial impact from a loss. Additionally, these trials may open the door to more lawsuits, including cases like Yelp's, which could bring greater visibility into Google's local search dominance.Digital Agencies Highlight Disconnect in Local Marketing Priorities:In a recent survey of nearly 300 digital agencies, a mismatch emerged between the services offered and what agencies perceive as client demand. Agencies commonly offer web design, social media marketing, and SEO, but client demand also includes email marketing and brand marketing—services not prioritized by many agencies. This gap raises questions about how well agencies understand their clients' evolving needs, particularly in small business marketing.Small businesses also show a surprising lack of attention to crucial tools like Google Business Profiles (GBP) and review management. Despite the importance of local search and reputation management, only a quarter of businesses actively manage their profiles, a disconnect made more mysterious given that business owners frequently use Google for their own research. The data suggests a broader education gap around how these digital tools influence visibility and growth, with many small businesses over-relying on social media while underestimating the value of search and reputation management.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, aSubscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGoogle and Booking: The Symbiotic Gatekeeper Relationship in European Hotel Search - We dive into our recent  user behavior research findings about hotel searches in Europe. We recruited 100 users each  from Spain, France, and Germany, asking them to find hotels in Paris or Rome, and observed how they interacted with Google's search results.The European hotel market is quite distinct, with behavior in hotel searches differing drastically from other verticals, as well as across countries. This, coupled with Google's persistent self-preferencing, poses challenges for fair competition.EU Court Upholds €2.5 Billion Fine Against Google: Antitrust Ruling Could Shape Future Regulations: In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice upheld a €2.5 billion fine against Google for antitrust violations in its Shopping Search case. This ruling marks a significant win for regulators, setting the stage for broader action against Google's self-preferencing practices across multiple sectors.The case, which dates back over a decade, focused on Google's practice of promoting its own shopping services at the expense of competitors. Despite Google's appeal, the court sided with regulators, reinforcing the original decision. While the fine represents a small fraction of Google's revenue, the ruling sends a strong message about the EU's determination to hold tech giants accountable.The key takeaway? The court highlighted that Google's use of "boxes" in search results, which showcase its own services prominently, was a major factor in the decision. This could have serious implications for other verticals like local and hotel search, where similar self-preferencing behavior is prevalent.Moreover, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) gives the EU further tools to regulate Google's behavior across sectors. Fines under the DMA could reach up to 20% of global revenue for repeat violations, raising the stakes significantly.With this ruling in place, it's clear that European regulators are prepared to push harder on Google's dominance, not just in shopping but across the entire search ecosystem. Leveling the Playing Field: Remedies for Google's Self-Preferencing PracticesIn the ongoing conversation about Google's self-preferencing, the focus turned to potential remedies in light of mounting regulatory pressure. We discussed various solutions that could address the issues raised by Google's dominance, particularly in light of the European Court of Justice ruling.Ultimately, the team concluded that Google's self-preferencing creates an unfair advantage for itself and other monopolistic platforms. Remedies should focus on leveling the playing field, encouraging competition, and limiting Google's ability to monetize every user interaction. As regulation heats up, Google's dominance across industries—especially in search—faces significant challenges in the coming years.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 174 Near MemoSubscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGoogle Review Fraud Landscape (10:04):Estimates that 18% of reviews across various platforms are fake.Home service industries, such as locksmiths, moving companies, and HVAC, are heavily affected.Legal sector is also impacted, with fake reviews prevalent among personal injury, criminal defense, and DUI lawyers.LSA Review Fraud (21:25):Lead generation scammers are stealing business from ethical businesses using fake LSA reviews.They overcharge consumers and use higher ad revenue to improve their bidding strategy within LSA dashboards.Google's LSA program is designed to give consumers confidence in businesses by elevating them above spam and fraud, but it has not been successful.Practical Advice for Business Owners to Cope With Fake Reviews (40:50):Gather evidence of fraudulent activity, such as fake reviews or stolen business licenses, to build a strong case.Report fake reviews to Google through the proper channels, but be aware that Google's response may be slow or ineffective.Consider legal action against fraudulent businesses, as it may be a violation of racketeering laws in certain jurisdictions.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 173 - vault ep 139Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textLSA Increasingly relying on GBP Features: We delve into Google's ongoing “fixes” of LSA features, where reviews and booking tools for LSAs are being integrated from GBP. This move is seen as an attempt to streamline operations and reduce costs, especially in light of Google's recent staffing cuts as well as improve LSA's ineffective review moderation. While operational efficiency might improve, Google's tolerance of abuses in GBP means that the risk of review fraud in LSAs will persist.Google Maps Gets a Makeover: Sleeker Design, but More Ads? Google's latest aesthetic changes to Google Maps, which have rolled out across both mobile and desktop platforms, includes subtler colors and smaller, rounder pins that make the interface resemble Apple Maps. While the changes make the map less cluttered, they also seem to highlight ads and promotional content more prominently. This shift has led to concerns that Google is prioritizing monetization over user experience, as irrelevant ads are now more noticeable on the map.Yelp Takes on Google: Antitrust Showdown Over Local Search DominanceYelp's recent antitrust lawsuit against Google, filed in federal court in Northern California, accuses Google of abusing its market position in local search, echoing similar claims made in the recent DC Circuit case where Google was found liable for antitrust violations. Yelp argues that local search is a unique market, separate from general search, and claims Google unfairly pushed its own products, like the "local pack," at the expense of competitors like Yelp. The lawsuit highlights how Google's dominance in local search reviews and advertising has stifled competition, a move Yelp sees as detrimental to the broader local ecosystem.The discussion also touches on the broader implications of this lawsuit for Google, which is already entangled in multiple antitrust battles globally and Yelp's timing might be strategic, capitalizing on the recent legal momentum against Google. With the case potentially setting a precedent in defining local search as a distinct market, the outcome could have significant repercussions not only in the U.S. but also in Europe, where Google has argued against treating local search separately.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.NearMemo Ep 172Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.Segment 1 Title:  Google's PR Smoke and Mirrors: Old GBP Phone Hacking Problems Persist Despite PromisesSpammers and scammers have been able to hijack business phone numbers on Google listings with alarming ease, despite Google's assurances that such problems were swiftly resolved. We  conducted an experiment, changing a listing's phone number through a fake business listing. The results were shocking—within minutes, the suggested phone number change was accepted, largely due to the high trust Google places in frequent editors, even those located halfway across the world.This raises serious concerns about Google's handling of user-generated edits, especially when considering real-world implications, like the previous hijacking of major airlines' contact numbers. Despite Google's claims of quick fixes, the reality shows a continued vulnerability, with significant consequences for businesses globally. Segment Reference Articles Hacking a Business Phone Number on a Google Listing Is (Still) EasySegment 2: FTC Cracks Down on Fake Reviews with New Readily Enforceable RulesIn a significant move, the FTC has officially banned fake reviews and testimonials with a new rule that allows for fines up to $50,000 per instance of abuse. This rule, unlike previous guidelines, has the force of law, giving the FTC more teeth in combating fraudulent online practices. The rule targets a range of deceptive behaviors, including AI-generated reviews, purchased reviews, and insider testimonials. Despite the tough stance, enforcement is expected to be limited, focusing on the most egregious offenders. Smaller players and offshore review farms might continue to operate with little fear of repercussions. The new rule marks progress, but without stronger regulations on platforms themselves, the battle against fake reviews is far from won.Segment Reference Articles: FTC Announces Final Rule Banning Fake ReviewsFederal Trade Commission Announces Final Rule Banning Fake Reviews and TestimonialsSegment 3 Title: SearchGPT & the Future of SearchSearchGPT, still in its early stages, has shown promise in handling informational queries but lags behind Google in delivering robust local search results. Meanwhile, Apple's strategic moves, such as making Apple Maps available on the web, signal its growing ambition to challenge Google's dominance, possibly partnering with OpenAI to integrate local data into SearchGPT.As Google faces antitrust scrutiny, the future of its lucrative default search deals with Apple hangs in the balance. The potential for divestitures of key assets like Chrome or Android could reshape the industry, but any significant changes are likely years away. With the rapid evolution of AI in search, the next few years could redefine how users interact with these platforms, setting the stage for a new era in digital search.Segment Reference Articles:Competing in SearchLocal Is Key for SearchGPTSubscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.The Role of Brand in Seo:  We speak with guest, Mordy Oberstein on the role of branding in SEO, particularly how it has re-emerged as a significant factor in conversions and SEO. We explore the interaction between brand and user experience, and the introduction of Google's emphasis on brand in its algorithms.Brand Differentiation and Local SEO:  We delve into how brands differentiate themselves in the marketplace, particularly in local SEO contexts. What are the challenges small businesses face in building brand recognition? How do brand elements like reputation and local engagement impact SEO performance?Practical Approaches to Brand Building and the Role of AI in Content Creation:We focus on practical advice for SEO professionals on integrating brand-building strategies into their work. Mordy also explores the role of AI in content creation, highlighting the potential benefits and pitfalls of using AI tools in a strategic and controlled manner.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 170Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.Google's Local Business Service Woes: Persistent Bugs and AI-Driven Layoffs Spark Concern:  There have been ongoing support and technical issues with Google Business Profiles. Major bugs affecting local business profiles have persisted for months and in several cases years, including image misassignments and overzealous suspension algorithms that remove legitimate reviews. Google's support and engineering teams have struggled to resolve these issues, partly due to significant layoffs aimed at funding AI projects. While Google's local business services might not generate significant revenue for Google, they are crucial for the company's differentiation in the market. Is Google killing the goose by milking traditional resources for income and not investing enough to stay ahead of the competition. CNET's Future Under Ziff Davis: Challenges and Google Opportunities/Difficulties Post-Sale:  Red Ventures recently sold CNET to Ziff Davis for around $100 million, a significant loss from the $500 million purchase price. Despite Red Ventures' strong SEO and digital product expertise, CNET struggled due to aggressive content strategies and controversies over AI-generated content. CNET, once a trusted tech review site, saw its reputation and traffic decline. Factors like Google's increased emphasis on shopping ads and affiliate revenue pressures contributed to CNET's struggles. The sale to Ziff Davis is viewed as a positive move, but the site's recovery remains uncertain and tracking whether CNET can recover in the SERPS is worth following to see if a well managed, strong domain with good content can overcome Google's algorithmic whims. Google's Antitrust Remedies: Implications for Apple, Mozilla, and the SEO Landscape:  What will the repercussions of Google's recent antitrust liability be?. The potential remedies, such as breaking up Google, ending exclusive default search deals with Apple, and implementing data-sharing practices, all have limits and issues. The big question will be the impact on Apple and Mozilla if Google's default search deals are prohibited. Apple has the potential to develop a robust search engine, considering its existing search index and AI advancements. Perhaps we are seeing the outline of that via Apple's announced relationship with ChatGPT. Given that the settlement could take 4 years and a similar amount of time for Apple to fully implement generative AI across their full user base, changes to the landscape will be slow in coming.  The long-term effects of these potential regulatory changes could impact Google's market dominance. For now and the immediate future, SEO's need not worry as things will change little and when they do it will be slowly.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 169Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.Segment 1:  OpenAI & MindTrip bring AI to search, will it matter?Last Thursday, OpenAI made waves with an announcement about Search GPT, a prototype aimed at revamping the search experience for ChatGPT users. Promising a two-column format, it aims to ease the search process and challenge traditional search engines like Google. The prototype has the potential to streamline user experience while emphasizing publisher control and cooperation.In related news, a new travel bot, MindTrip, emerged, offering a conversational approach to travel planning. Users can refine searches for hotels, activities, and dining options, echoing the AI-driven trip planning Google showcased at their IO event. Clearly Google has the mindshare, the consumer usage AND the knowledge graph to fend off these new competitors, but Google's increasing contradictions and emphasis on income rather than user experience may hurt them.Segment 2: Google's Search Shenanigans: Boosting Numbers with Tricks?Is Google might be artificially inflating search volumes? One tactic involves generating new URLs for actions like clicking reviews in business profiles, which counts as additional searches. Another strategy is tweaking ad displays to change when users return to the search page, boosting ad inventory without increasing actual searches.This behavior coincides with Google's internal goal of increasing search volumes, potentially to impress Wall Street. However, this approach might be backfiring, frustrating users who have to perform multiple searches to find relevant information. This shift towards prioritizing revenue over user experience raises questions about Google's long-term strategy and the potential need for new leadership to refocus on user satisfaction. How sustainable are these tactics?Segment 3: Can You Boost Google Local Rankings via Engagement?Recent revelations from API leaks and DOJ findings highlight that Google uses click-through rates and on-site engagement as primary metrics to rank sites, contributing up to 30% of a site's ranking factors. This suggests that improving user interaction—like enhancing title tags, adding images, and boosting on-site engagement—can significantly impact search rankings.Does Google use similar engagement metrics to influence local business rankings? Actions like users interacting with business profiles, scrolling through images, and reading reviews might boost local search visibility. While photos play a critical role in attracting user attention, reviews and specific content like menus or price information can drive deeper engagement, do they potentially also elevate rankings?This underscores the importance of comprehensive competitor analysis to identify effective content strategies, ensuring businesses stay ahead in the local search game. As Google prioritizes engagement metrics, businesses must understand and cater to user desires on a category by category basis going forward.Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.SEOs need to reframe how search ranking works - click thru data being the most important factor:  Click data is a cornerstone of Google's ranking algorithm, as highlighted by recent DOJ findings. Google uses its heavy reliance on click data to grasp new trends swiftly as well as to “understand” page quality. Traditional SEO elements like title tags, meta descriptions, scheme, great photos and content provide enduring value but with a new twist. These elements are tools to drive clicks and engagement and thus ultimately drive higher rankings.Google Doubles Down on Tried & True Income Generators: Big changes are happening in the search results whether its AI overviews, Bing's Generative Search, Reddit's exclusive relationship with Google and decision to exclude others and all seem related to the rollout of AI on Google. But Google's has been scaling back AI overviews due to high costs and the need for better monetization. With AI responses being expensive, Google's focus is shifting towards proven money makers like YouTube, Merchant Center and Local results. Krum highlighted Google's continued play on its “micro moments”—know, go, do, buy—each tied to different monetized Google services.Is Voice Search Set for a Comeback? SEOs Should Stay Calm and Test: With the evolving landscape of voice search and AI assistants, improvements in natural language processing and better ML programming could solve past issues, such as background noise interference. While voice commands for simple tasks like turning on lights or adding items to a shopping list have become second nature, using voice in public or work settings still feels socially awkward.Cindy Krum emphasized the expansive nature of what constitutes a "search" in Google's eyes. A simple voice command involves complex data retrieval and context understanding, transforming voice interactions into a broad and intricate type of search. This perspective shift means SEOs might need to rethink their strategies to include optimization for these varied and nuanced queries.While voice won't ever entirely replace screen-based interactions, its role could significantly expand if user experiences improve. Despite past disappointments with voice technology, there's cautious optimism that advancements could lead to broader acceptance and use.Cindy advised SEOs to stay calm amid Google's rapid and sometimes erratic changes. She recommended continuing with proven strategies while experimenting with new platforms and search engines. The consensus was clear: it's a volatile time in SEO, but understanding and adapting to these changes is crucial for future success.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 167Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.In this extended episode of the Near Memo, Greg Sterling , Joy Hawkins, Darren Shaw & Mike Blumenthal explore the role of generative AI and how it has evolved one year after CHat GPT was released.  We cover:Experiences and opinions on the use of AI tools like ChatGPT in SEO and content creation.The effectiveness of AI in different aspects of agency work, including creative tasks and data analysis.The influence of AI on the quality of content and the evolving nature of SEO strategies.Perspectives on the future impact of AI on the SEO industry and the role of agencies.How Local SEO agencies use AI to improve client content:Content Creation Challenges with AI: Contrary to initial expectations, AI has not replaced content writers. While it is used for drafting and repurposing content, AI-generated articles often require extensive human editing, especially for factual accuracy and coherence.Content Refinement and Repurposing: AI excels in transforming existing content into different formats, like converting a list into a blog post or a blog into a script. This minimizes the editing work required.Efficiency in Post Creation: AI has been particularly effective in generating social media or Google posts, reducing the time and mental effort involved in content creation. This includes automating tasks like emoji placement in posts. How Local SEO agencies explain AI to their clients:AI in Client Communication: Both Sterling Sky and Whitesoark  are transparent with clients about their AI usage, addressing concerns about potential negative impacts on SEO performance. AI is presented as a tool for idea generation and preliminary drafting, not as a primary content creator.Client Engagement with AI: Clients are generally receptive and interested in AI's role in content creation. The emphasis is on AI as an assistant that complements human skills, ensuring quality and originality in content.Cost Implications: There have been no significant shifts in pricing structures due to AI efficiencies. The focus is on using AI to maintain or reduce costs rather than altering client fees. Local SEO Agencies & their AI future:AI as a reporting super power: extracting meaningful insights from large data sets for clients.Long-Term Impact on Staffing and Skills: Agencies do not foresee AI replacing human staff. Instead, AI is viewed as a tool that enhances staff capabilities. Concerns about AI causing dependency or de-skilling are noted, but the overall sentiment is optimistic.Future of AI in Local SEO: AI is expected to lead to more efficient workflows and better quality content. Agencies anticipate a growing divide between those heavily reliant on AI and those favoring a balanced, human-centric approach. AI's role in data analysis and automating repetitive tasks is highlighted, enhancing both client service and internal processes.ChatGPT's Review InsightsExperiences and opinions on the use of AI tools like ChatGPT in SEO and content creation.The effectiveness of AI in different aspects of agency work, including creative tasks and data analysis.The influence of AI on the quality of content and the evolving nature of SEO strategies.Perspectives on the future impact of AISubscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.Seattle surgeon pays $5 mil fine for review fraud; What responsibility does Google have?Allure Esthetics and its owner Dr. Java Sagan, were convicted of violating the Consumer Review Fairness Act. They forced 21,000 clients to sign agreements preventing them from leaving honest reviews and engaged in additional deceptive practices like paying for the removal of negative reviews and posting fake ones.Despite a $5 million fine, Allure Esthetics still shows high ratings on Google and Yelp. Google's failure to address these fake reviews, raises questions about the platform's responsibility under Section 230, which currently shields it from liability.This case highlights the need for changes to Section 230 to better protect consumers and maintain trust in online reviews.Local Search increasingly shows Google GBP results & extensively highlight Google self preferencing In a recent AI-driven experiment the local results included numerous horizontally scrolling pack of restaurant types and related local categories, with images and reviews. Most all results in this test took users to further Google searches rather than external sitesIn Europe, current local search results showed significantly more Google self-referencing content, raising questions about regulatory compliance. The variations in local search displays across different European countries, suggests that Google's approach might be influenced by regional regulatory strategies.Despite the heavy Google-centric content, local businesses still benefited from visibility. However, the trend of zero-click searches, where users find all needed information without leaving Google, highlights the increasing prominence of Google's own services in local search outcomes.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 165Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.The big picture of review fraud - who does it and why:  We explore the full range of review fraud from fake positive reviews, black hat negative reviews and review extortion with Curtis Boyd of the Transparency Company. How widespread is it, is it growing, which categories are most likely to participate in it and why. How to deal with fake review attacks and competitors who use fake reviews:  If you are an honest business can you compete in a world rife with review fraud. We discuss how to deal with fake review attacks and how to get fake reviews that your competitors have gotten taken down. The FTC and fake review guidelines and rules:  The FTC has been upping their enforcement game with new Guidelines which set a standard and upcoming Rules which will facilitate their ability to impose fines on buyers and sellers of reviews. The major platforms are largely exempt from any enforcement but their is language in the upcoming FTC rules that makes a business fully responsible for compliance. The Future of Reviews: What will see over the next 24 months in review spam & possible enforcement:  New rules from the FTC and better filters from Google might turn the corner on fake reviews but the lack of FTC resources and the lack of Google's focus may prevent that from happeningThe Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.ep 164 from the vault ep 128Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.Leadferno: a better tools to capture website leads - Leadferno is a conversion platform designed to transform website visitors into leads through seamless communication tools. Unlike traditional chatbots, Leadferno leverages SMS to facilitate human conversations, which studies show is the preferred communication channel for most people. It's floating CTAs (Call-to-Actions) on websites encourage visitors to start conversations via text messaging. This approach helps businesses engage more effectively with potential customers by providing a more responsive and preferred communication method.Leadferno offers various tools, including an embeddable contact form that initiates SMS conversations, request call-back options, and links to other lead forms and scheduling tools. It attempts to make businesses easier to work with by enhancing their ability to convert website visitors into valuable leads through better communication options. Google nuking GBP & Business Messaging costs small developers: Google's recent decision to axe its business messaging tools—Google Business Profile Chat and Business Messenger— hits particularly hard for niche players like Leadferno, a company that had heavily invested in integrating these tools. The discontinuation forces smaller firms to reconsider future integrations with Google, given the considerable time and financial resources wasted—six months and approximately $100K, in Leadferno's case.While it looks like Google will potentially integrate with WhatsApp or SMS, which could partially mitigate the blow for some businesses. However, for many, the sudden shift means lost opportunities and the need to reallocate development efforts. The most affected were businesses with significant Google Business Profile visibility and multi-location operations, which benefited from centralized messaging and automated replies. These features allowed for quicker customer interactions, a critical factor in Google's ranking algorithms.Google's decision, like so many similar ones it has made in the past, leaves smaller, innovative companies grappling with the fallout, forcing them to navigate the challenging landscape of constantly shifting tech ecosystems.Leadferno Research: Small Business Contact Form Failures - Leadferno documented the startling inefficiencies of small businesses in responding to online contact forms, a crucial channel for new customer acquisition. The research, encompassing 225 businesses across home services, professional services, and medical sectors, highlights a significant gap between customer inquiries and business responses.Leadferno's Aaron Weiche and his team "mystery shopped" these businesses, submitting highly detailed and strong buying inquiries via their contact forms. The findings are staggering: almost 5% of forms were broken, failing to deliver customer messages entirely. More shockingly, only 15.6% of forms sent an auto-reply, a basic feature that acknowledges receipt and sets customer expectations.The average response time to these contact form submissions was a lethargic 17 hours and 49 minutes, with professional services responding slightly faster than average, and healthcare lagging behind at over 19 hours. Yet, the most alarming statistic was that 42% of these forms received no response at all.While small businesses consistently rank new customer acquisition as their top challenge, they are neglecting warm, ready-to-buy leads that land directly in their inboxes. This neglect is even more baffling given the simplicity of the solution: prompt and efficient responses to online inquiriesSubscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.Google Expanding Local Results in the SERPS to the Exclusion of Organic:  While many SEOs have been focused on AI answers and how they are disrupting search, the story in Local search is different. AI Answers have yet to have any impact in Local but Google, over the past several years has dramatically increased their control & domination of the Local SERPS with Local Entity data and in doing so seem to be in the process of banishing organic results…. this is particularly true in Near Me searches and the EU results, which should be treated as the canary in the coal mine. Agencies and businesses need to double down on real world activities that get reflected on line to succeed in these increasingly entity driven search results. Cluttered Google Results Decrease Traditional Organic Traffic - How to Cope?We have often mentioned the increasingly cluttered nature of Google's search engine results pages (SERPs). There has been a significant rise in various elements such as product listing ads (PLAs), image carousels, and video results, which diminish the visibility of organic search results. In a recent client analysis, David found that cluttered SERPs for that client, filled with multiple search features and reduced organic presence, were identified as a likely cause for their declining organic traffic. In a world where Google's shift towards a more modular, AI-driven organization of search results leads to a disjointed user experience, prompting multiple searches to find relevant information, businesses need to adopt a multimodal approach, optimizing their digital assets across various SERP features. This includes using high-quality images with descriptive alt text, leveraging Google Merchant Center feeds for PLAs, and considering broader online channels to build brand visibility.Google's AI Overviews Make Search Worse - A Lot Worse:  SE Ranking conducted a study of Google's AI Overview frequency, finding them present in only 8% of searches, a significant drop from earlier & much higher percentages. This decline is attributed to numerous errors and inaccuracies, causing Google to reduce their usage drastically.Jess Peck's article, "How and Why Google Made Its Own Product Worse," critiques Google's implementation of AI, highlighted inherent flaws in large language models (LLMs) and their unsuitability for delivering factual search results. Google's rushed deployment of AI overviews, driven by competitive pressure rather than product improvement, has led to a compromised search experience. Google should either refine the use of AI in a controlled manner or reconsider its placement within search results to mitigate the negative impact on its brand and user trust.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 162Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.In this week's podcast we discussed the evolution of zero-click search and Rand's upcoming study with Spark Toro's clickstream data provider, Datos, to explore the impact of AI overviews and changes in zero-click searches across different regions. Rand argued for more stringent antitrust measures, drawing parallels between Google's practices and historical monopolies that unfairly leveraged their market power to move into new markets. His call for breaking up Google's core services—search, YouTube, and maps—into separate entities could spur innovation and competition.He advised businesses that the best way to succeed at SEO was to adapt by focusing on diverse marketing strategies that go beyond traditional SEO. By creating content that gains traction on social media, earns media attention, and resonates locally, businesses can thrive even in a zero-click dominated landscape.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 161Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.GBP Chat is Dead, Long Live WhatsApp:  Google nuked both Google Business Profile Chat AND Google Business Messaging last week in a typical show of disregard for the product and the businesses supporting it. This decision comes amid concerns over increasing spam within the GBP chat service, which initially launched in 2017 with high hopes. Despite a significant initial investment, Google's inconsistent product strategy led to its downfall.Interestingly, Google is now introducing WhatsApp and SMS messaging integration to GBP profiles, suggesting an attempt to fill the void left by the discontinued services. This move highlights Google's long-standing struggle with a coherent messaging strategy, characterized by the launch and subsequent abandonment of numerous messaging apps over the years.The discussion underscores the broader issue of Google's top-down management style, which often leaves innovative projects without sustained support. Smaller SAAS businesses that invested heavily in integrating with Google's messaging API, like Switchbird and Leadferno, faced significant difficulties in adopting the Business Messaging API and expended considerable resources in doing so. Google's structural inefficiencies hinder its ability to dominate key markets but also damage the greater ecosystem that attempts to integrate with their products. Scorpion Survey Highlights Growing Frustrations with Google Search:  In a recent survey by marketing firm Scorpion, consumers have voiced increasing frustrations with Google search results. The survey revealed that users are spending more time sifting through results than five years ago. Top complaints include the need to refine queries repeatedly, excessive scrolling, and visiting multiple websites to find desired information. This aligns with ongoing industry discussions about the declining quality of Google's search experience. 3 Local Takeaways from the Google API Leak: A recently leaked GitHub repository revealed extensive insights into Google's algorithm, highlighting 14,000 attributes and numerous modules that influence search results. This leak, analyzed by Rand Fishkin and Mike King, suggests that Google tracks a wide array of data points from websites, Google Maps features, and YouTube videos to entities.The significance of 'nav boost' and the 'CRaPS' click-through algorithm, which impact page rankings based on user interactions. Additionally, Google tracks location relevance at a page level, encouraging businesses to create localized content silos for better search performance.The leak underscores the importance of linking high-traffic pages to target pages and creating localized versions of national content to improve site architecture. It also suggests that local mentions in reputable publications can boost a business's online presence.Listen in for actionable insights for businesses aiming to optimize their local SEO efforts.A Tribute to John Heaston. R.I.P. to a great human being:John Heaston, the founder, publisher, and visionary leader of The Reader and El Perico, died on May 31, 2024. He was a prince among humans and an early advocate for inclusive watchdog journalism and ethical digital marketing.  John, you will be missed. Segment Reference Articles:Remembering John Heaston: A Champion of Inclusive Journalism and Community MediaThe Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.Rand helps us explore the implications of the Google Web Search leak and how it impacts our understanding of how the search ranking aglo actually worksThis week we interviewed Rand Fishkin of SparkToro on the details and importance of the Google Search API leak. In discussing the “biggest leak of the last 25 years” we look at how it provides SEO practitioners with menu of possible experiments to explorethe role of Chrome as a source for click through data and what it means for link buildersHow this click through data seems to be one of the most important ranking factorsWhy links on low performing pages have absolutely no value and thus why many citations no longer do eitherwhether Ad clicks might in fact influence rankHow should we think about “web references” aka mentions vs Links The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 159Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.New SAB Local Ranking Factor:  Service area businesses have long been a problem on Google Maps. Spam, privacy, suspension AND ranking issues have plagued them since the beginning. Now it appears that there may be hope on the ranking issue. Historically they were ranked around the location from which they were claimed regardless of the service area. Darren Shaw of Whitespark has uncovered some indications that this is starting to change and the ranking signals are more around the service area chosen. Stay tuned. Interpreting Google AI Tea leaves & What it Says About Google's Product Development: Lots of questions swirled around Google's AI Overviews: Would their effect be apocalyptic on publishers? What did Pichai mean when he talked about an increase in web visits? Was Google going to surface the data in Search Console?The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 158Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message.ChatGPT 4o Makes an Impression:  OpenAI, not so subtly, introduced improvements to ChatGPT 4.0 just before I/O Google's event. The presentation was crisp and focused highlighting OpenAI's ChatGPT 4o enhanced speech capabilities and creative functionalities, such as summarizing audio streams shows and organizing the resultant notes into coherent outlines. Despite some features demoed on Monday being API-exclusive, the potential for ChatGPT to rival Google's search, at least on informational queries, is becoming more clear. Speculation about a potential integration with Apple's iOS adds to this potential, as this could significantly boost ChatGPT's reach, access to training data and even possibly local search capabilities.The Chaos that was Google I/O, is Google: The recent Google I/O event,  from the DJ to the presentations, felt chaotic much like the increasing complexity and seemingly disjointed nature of Google's product strategies. The showcase included a range of multimodal search results and demonstrations, such as trip planning and dining recommendations, which, while technically impressive, seemed to add to the cognitive load rather than streamline the user experience.The event highlighted Google's shift from its original, simpler search interface to a more cluttered and multifaceted array of services and features, spreading functionality across various platforms without clear integration. In contrast, competitors like OpenAI are offering more straightforward, user-friendly interfaces, claiming a position Google once held. Discussions also touched on Google's potential in workspace solutions, which could transform into valuable tools for small businesses, though the realization of these potentials remains uncertain amid concerns about which products were real and which were vaporware.  How Will Users & SEOs Adapt to the New Google AI Features:  At Google I/O's announced the launch of AI overviews (SGE) in the U.S., theoretically aiming to improve user engagement by highlighting lesser-known sites. Users are already searching for ways to disable this feature, with over 2,000 downloads for a Chrome extension designed to do just that. Google's introduction of dynamically organized search result pages for categories like restaurants and recipes is another significant change. These pages adapt based on user queries, a move seen as both innovative and potentially disruptive for SEO.Meanwhile, Google's strategic vision appears unclear. As users habituate to the many new AI tools, with users gravitating towards simpler, more effective interfaces like ChatGPT, Google's position as the go-to search engine could be at risk.Note: During the show David exponentially misstated the number of downloads of the chrome extension which hides AI overviews, conflating a completely different post on the number of SGE results in previous AI overview studies. The number of opt-out downloads is currently in the thousands, not 2 million as stated on the show. He regrets the error.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 157Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a Text Message. Is Google Finally fixing LSA reviews?In a significant update for advertisers and businesses in the UK, Google has announced changes to its Local Services Ads (LSA) review system. Effective July 7, the existing LSA customer review URLs will expire and be replaced with URLs from Google Business Profiles (GBP), centralizing review management under GBP. This shift mandates businesses to have an affiliated GBP to run LSAs, integrating reviews on both platforms. While it is unclear when or if this change will come to the US, it is likely given Google's penchant for scale, to be rolled out worldwide. While the GBP review moderation and appeal process are significantly better than the current, totally lame LSA one, it still leaves a bit to be desired. These changes hint at Google's broader organizational challenges, including siloed product development and a lack of sustained oversight, which often result in suboptimal product evolutions. How Google has Failed to Reward the Best Content:  HouseFresh, a small product review site known for its focus on air purifiers and home environment hygiene, has faced challenges due to recent Google algorithm updates, which have adversely impacted its visibility. Having lost 93% of their site traffic, they have detailed the many effects of recent Google updates on smaller niche sites that Google claimed they were trying to highlight. HouseFresh clearly documents how large publishing houses leverage their strong domain presence and SEO strategies to dominate Google search results in profitable niches. This situation underscores the broader trend of niche sites being overshadowed by major brands, which have learned to effectively utilize SEO to their advantage and the problems present in the Google SERPS. DOJ Slidedeck Detailing Google's Abusive Monopoly Practices Kills it: In a dramatic culmination to a three-year antitrust case, the Department of Justice (DOJ) presented a robust argument against Google, focusing on its dominant market practices with its advertising strategies. The DOJ accused Google of manipulating auction prices in paid search advertising to artificially boost revenue, a practice that arguably harms both competitors and consumers by stifling fair competition and transparency.The government's presentation, encapsulated in a detailed 143-slide deck, highlighted how Google's practices are designed to meet its quarterly financial targets and cater to Wall Street expectations, often at the expense of genuine market competition. The DOJ argued that Google has a unique hold over the search advertising market, distinguishing it from other forms of digital advertising like social media or display ads, which do not serve as direct substitutes. This market control, according to the DOJ, compels advertisers to maintain their spending with Google, lacking viable alternatives.The deck painted a picture of a company that, while not illegal in holding a monopoly, is allegedly crossing the line into abusing that power through strategies like price manipulation—one of the classic signs of monopolistic abuse. The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 156Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/