Podcast appearances and mentions of mike blumenthal

Send us a textIn part two of this interview, SEO veteran Will Scott of Search Influence joins Mike Blumenthal and Greg Sterling to unpack how AI is reshaping search, why semantic SEO matters, and how to use no-code automation tools to scale content. Learn how to barnacle onto high-authority sites, repurpose content across platforms, and adapt to an AI-first search world.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textGreg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal talk with mapping expert Goetz Weber about why today's maps fail to deliver personalized, contextual experiences — and what needs to change. From intent modeling to the limits of monetization, from ChatGPT to Snap Maps, Goetz lays out a compelling vision for mapping 2.0: visual, social, and powered by AI. For relevant links and a transcript visit our site. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textThis week, Greg and Mike dissect new data from Pew and Ahrefs showing how AI Overviews impact user click behavior, local pack visibility, and publisher traffic. They explore the branding mess of “AIO” vs. “GEO,” ChatGPT's growing usefulness, and YouTube's quiet dominance. Plus: a burrito search showdown and dishwasher repair gone AI.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIn this episode of the Near Memo, Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal dive into Google's overhaul of its Business Profile dashboard notifications and why it's problematic, the rollout of Google's AI-powered “Ask for Me” local quote feature, and ChatGPT's growing impact on local search. Plus: Will businesses benefit from the Ask for Me feature?Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIn this episode of the Near Memo, Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal discuss fresh insights into how consumers engage with local AI Overviews, explore the theory that ChatGPT may be using Google's search index, and dig into the explosive growth and influence of Google's Local Guides program. The discussion also touches on zero-click search, ad transparency, and the implications for local businesses. Sponsored by GatherUp.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Send us a textIn this episode of The Near Memo, Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal break down some of the biggest tectonic shifts happening at the intersection of AI, search, and antitrust law. The focal point? Google's claim that its Gemini AI now boasts 350 million monthly users. But what exactly counts as a user—and does stuffing Gemini into every app and product really mean it's being used?Greg and Mike dig deep into how Google is leveraging its product ecosystem—Chrome, Gmail, Workspace, Maps, Android, and Search—to inflate AI engagement numbers. The two unpack why Gemini still underperforms compared to ChatGPT and Claude, and what that gap reveals about Google's AI rollout and user trust.They also dive into the implications of the Department of Justice's antitrust remedies following the conclusion of the Google search monopoly trial. What could it mean for the web if Google is forced to divest Chrome—or even Maps? The conversation explores Google's use of default deals, bundling tactics, and how it might use its market power to dominate AI, just as it has search.Along the way, they highlight YouTube's overlooked role as a future-first search engine, powered by how-to content, brand channels, and a closed ecosystem that Google fully controls. And they dissect how local guides, AI-driven local search results, and Google's declining web traffic referrals are reshaping digital marketing as we know it.Whether you're a marketer, SEO professional, journalist, or tech policy nerd—this episode gives you a grounded, provocative look at what's really going on in the AI arms race.

Send us a textIn this jam-packed episode of The Near Memo, hosts Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal welcome back Adam Dorfman, VP of Product at BirdEye, for a timely deep dive into the ever-shifting world of local SEO, AI Overviews, and Google's evolving search ecosystem.The trio unpacks the seismic shifts happening in local search, AI-generated results, and the new metrics that matter when “clicks” no longer rule. From how Google is leveraging its own ecosystem to dominate AI outputs, to whether schema markup, directories, or social media still matter, this episode serves up unfiltered takes and battle-tested advice for marketers, SEOs, and local business owners alike.

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/

Mike Blumenthal, Executive Director of Cannabiz Credit Association Listen to a discussion at the Necann Boston 2025 event about the challenges of credit and payment reliability within the cannabis industry. Guests introduce the Cannabiz Credit Association (CCA), a centralized system that aggregates payment histories and credit data of cannabis businesses nationwide. The CCA helps companies assess who pays their bills on time, improve accountability, and reduce bad debt through credit risk scoring and industry-wide transparency. The conversation also touches on how the CCA system benefits leasing companies, cultivators, and brands by providing trustworthy credit information and encouraging timely payments.

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/

SEO veterans Mike Blumenthal, Greg Sterling, and David Mim continue exploring the pressing questions surrounding Google's role as a utility and its evolving platforms. Focusing on the European search experience, the discussion also revolves around AI's role in modifying search results, and local service ads' impact on user behavior. The talk also touches on how changes in Google's algorithm and business model are propelling a significant decline in traditional website traffic. The guests from Near Media provide expert insights on how businesses can adapt by enhancing the visibility of their services via structured content that appeals directly to these AI-driven formats.  Greg, Mike, and David share their perspectives on AI's potential to redefine consumer interactions with search platforms and marketing methods, while also highlighting the importance of direct customer relationships and authentic experiences.  Key Segments: [00:06:51] EU Tech Regulation and Google's Search Impact [00:10:30] Local SEO and Zero-Click Evolution [00:13:07] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:14:00] Impact of Google Local Service Ads [00:17:00] Hotel Ads: Monetization Strategy Insights [00:20:40] Google Tests Enhanced AI Search Feature [00:25:31] Enhancing Local Conversion Strategies [00:29:07] Understanding User Intent in AI [00:32:22] AI's Concierge Era: Worth the Shift? [00:35:57] Tailoring Business Model to Audience Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Follow Our Guests: Mike Blumenthal:  X: @mblumenthal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblumenthal/ BlueSky: @mikeblumenthal.bsky.social Greg Sterling LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsterling/  David Mihm  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davidmihm  Resources https://www.nearmedia.co/dma/google-preliminary-non-compliance-6-5/  https://www.nearmedia.co/dma/google-dma-compliance-2025-03/  https://www.nearmedia.co/dma/eu-home-services-search-behavior/  https://www.nearmedia.co/googles-2nd-local-pack-in-the-eu/ https://www.nearmedia.co/eu-home-services-search-behavior/

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/

The EDGE untangles the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) with SEO veterans Mike Blumenthal, Greg Sterling, and David Mihm. This episode reveals how Google's strategic maneuvers in Europe are reshaping the SERP landscape and challenging the status quo in local search. With a strong research effort of the last two years, our guests dissect Google's attempts to comply with the DMA, such as the introduction of the Places Sites Tab, Carousel and the decoupling of the Local Pack from Google Maps. Despite these efforts, user behavior tells a different story—one where Google's new features are largely ignored. It seems the Local Pack is still the go-to destination for users, regardless of these new additions. Meanwhile, the episode exposes an intriguing juxtaposition in the hotels vertical, where booking.com emerges as a formidable player through ad dominance, highlighting a complex dance between market giants. This scenario sparks a discussion on whether Google's self-preferencing tendencies are truly being curtailed or simply rebranded. Join us as we explore how Google's “play nice” strategies may just be a façade amidst ongoing DOJ antitrust pressure. Could this pave a path for diversified regional strategies and fresh opportunities in the digital marketing sphere? Let us know your thoughts of the show at https://ratethispodcast.com/EDGE  Key Segments: [00:02:01] SEO News from the EDGE Highlig [00:04:40] Introducing NearMedia: Mike Bluementhal, Greg Sterling, and David Mihm [00:08:03]  What is the Digital Marketing Act? [00:08:59] Article 65 of the DMA Applies to the Regulation of Search [00:11:37] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:13:34]  What has Google Done to Comply with the DMA? [00:16:21]  Google Rewriting History with Multiple Local Packs [00:18:13]  Was This Done to Address American Antitrust Concerns? [00:20:06]  Will the Election Change the Antitrust Enforcement? [00:24:23]  EDGE of The Web Sponsor: InLinks [00:26:31]  The DMA is not Prescriptive, But Setting Operational Parameters [00:28:10]  Major Research Since 2023 on User Behavior [00:30:23]   Google has a Self-Interest to Show You the Last Click [00:32:42]  EDGE of The Web Sponsor: Wix Studio [00:35:14]  What was the Most Surprising Findings? Guess....  [00:38:15]  In Summary: A Bad Faith Argument on Google's Part   Thanks to Our Sponsors! Site Strategics: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site InLinks: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks  Wix: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/wixstudio  Follow Our Guests: Mike Bluementhal:  X: @mblumenthal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblumenthal/ BlueSky: @mikeblumenthal.bsky.social Greg Sterling: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsterling/  David Mihm:  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davidmihm  Resources https://www.nearmedia.co/dma/google-preliminary-non-compliance-6-5/  https://www.nearmedia.co/dma/google-dma-compliance-2025-03/  https://www.nearmedia.co/dma/eu-home-services-search-behavior/  https://www.nearmedia.co/googles-2nd-local-pack-in-the-eu/ https://www.nearmedia.co/eu-home-services-search-behavior/

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/

Chasing Justice with Lt. Joe Pangaro – In a world where violence can erupt anywhere, knowing how to protect yourself is essential. Lt. Joe speaks with Mike Blumenthal from Millennium Martial Arts about recognizing danger, making smart decisions, and taking action when necessary. From road rage to terrorism, understanding self-defense and situational awareness can help you stay safe in unpredictable situations.

Chasing Justice with Lt. Joe Pangaro – In a world where violence can erupt anywhere, knowing how to protect yourself is essential. Lt. Joe speaks with Mike Blumenthal from Millennium Martial Arts about recognizing danger, making smart decisions, and taking action when necessary. From road rage to terrorism, understanding self-defense and situational awareness can help you stay safe in unpredictable situations.

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/

Are offline marketing efforts a lost art in the digital age?  What's the SEO connection of it all? Wix's Mordy Oberstein and Crystal Carter talk with Mike Blumenthal and Greg Sterling from Near Media to tackle the intricate balance between online and offline marketing strategies. Find out where common offline marketing mistakes play a critical role in your digital presence and SEO strategy.  Dive into how word-of-mouth marketing translates into online growth for businesses We're going “unplugged” in this episode of the SERP's Up SEO Podcast. Key Segments [00:02:05] What's On This Episode of SERP's Up?  [00:02:43] Focus Topic of the Week [00:12:16] Focus Topic Guest: Greg Sterling & Mike Blumenthal  [00:40:59] Snappy News [00:48:21] Follow of the Week Hosts, Guests, & Featured People: Mordy Oberstein Crystal CarterGreg Sterling Mike Blumenthal Terry Rice Resources: Wix SEO Learning Hub Searchlight SEO Newsletter SEO Resource Center Near Media  The Near Memo Podcast Brand24 News: SearchGPT Launches As ChatGPT's Real-Time Search Feature Google AI Answers In Google Maps: Things To Do, Review Summaries & About This Place

With a deluge of AI-spun content hitting the web today, it's never been more important to ensure you're working with real experts on your brand publication.Host Claire Carlile is joined by George Nguyen from Wix to discuss how to develop content hubs for brands that want to build their authority and expertise—no matter the vertical.What you will learn in this episode:Examples of brands with fantastic content hubs and brand publicationsHow to overcome the challenges you'll face when starting a content hubHow to approach working with expert contributorsHow to make your brand publication sustainable in the long termThe value of diversity in brand publications...and much more!About Claire Carlile (Host)Claire Carlile is a Chartered Marketer (MCIM) and is BrightLocal's Local Search Expert. Her work at Claire Carlile Marketing, where she helps businesses of all sizes make the most of the local search opportunity, allows her to provide real-world skills and expertise to what BrightLocal does.Where to find ClaireWebsiteXLinkedInAbout George Nguyen (Guest)George Nguyen is the Director of SEO Editorial at Wix. He creates content to help users and marketers better understand how search works and how to use Wix SEO tools. He was formerly a search news journalist and is known to speak at the occasional industry event.Where to find GeorgeWebsiteXLinkedInRoom 404Find out what George puts in Room 404... rest assured, it's a search phrase many will be happy to see/hear the back of!Want more from Adventures in Local Marketing? We highly recommend checking out these episodes:Steve Wiideman on Navigating Big Brand Local SEOEmbracing AI with Marie HaynesCrystal Carter on Powerful Applications of Schema MarkupResources from this episode:Wix's SEO Learning HubWix's Podcast: SERP's UpWix Business Website TemplatesThe Wix Playground in New York CityExpert Shoutout: Darren ShawExpert Shoutout: Krystal TaingExpert Shoutout: Celeste GonzalezExpert Shoutout: Miriam EllisExpert Shoutout: Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal, and David Mihm at Near MediaAbout Adventures in Local MarketingAdventures in Local Marketing is *the* podcast for local marketers, hosted by industry expert and popular speaker, Claire Carlile.Claire chats to a smorgasbord of marketers from various different backgrounds, who each bring their unique insight into facets of the local marketing landscape.

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/

Join us in this eye-opening discussion with Zachary Dotson, an experienced marketer in the home services industry, as he sheds light on a rampant scam in Google Local Service Ads. Learn how fake companies are exploiting the system with stolen licenses and profiles, bait-and-switch pricing tactics, and the impact on legitimate businesses and consumers. Discover the challenges faced in tackling these scams and the response from authorities and Google. This conversation with Mike Blumenthal from Near Media is a must-watch for anyone in the service industry or those who use online ads for home services.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.Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

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 AI on the SEO industry and the role of agencies.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and CSubscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

Have you ever wondered how users interact with local search results? Or how to tackle the review chaos—both fake and missing? You’re in luck. Today, we’re getting the lowdown from Mike Blumenthal, who knows Google’s local search like the back of his hand. Let’s dive in! The Scoop on Local Search Behaviors First, some eye-opening…

In this episode, Near Media's Mike Blumenthal highlights the Google trends we should all be paying close attention to, discusses the evolution and importance of images in Google Business Profile, and introduces upcoming Near Media consumer research that could change how we look at searcher behavior.Listen to learn:What the future of Google Business Profile might look likeWhere to go to improve your Google and Google Business Profile knowledgeThe part ads and monetization play in the future of Google Business ProfilePLUS a surprising fact about what consumers do and don't care about in reviewsRESOURCESFollow Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mblumenthalMike's profile on the Google Business Profile Community Help Forum: https://support.google.com/profile/1779682?sjid=8164595187474410917-EUMike has an open email policy: mike@blumenthals.comMike's older local search blog, which he keeps alive as an archive: https://blumenthals.com/blog/The Near Memo - Near Media's Podcast: https://www.nearmedia.co/memo/Sterling Sky blog: https://www.sterlingsky.ca/blog/BrightLocal blog: https://www.brightlocal.com/insights/Whitespark blog: https://whitespark.ca/blog/Near Media: https://www.nearmedia.co/How to Upload and Manage Google Business Profile Photos: https://www.brightlocal.com/learn/google-business-profile/optimization/photos/Dispute a removed Google Business Profile photo or video with this form: https://support.google.com/business/gethelp

Reviews play a crucial role in a business’s online reputation, with many customers relying on them to make informed decisions. However, fake reviews have become a significant issue for businesses, with attackers leaving false reviews to damage a business’s reputation. In this podcast, we’ll be talking with Mike Blumenthal, an expert in GMB and online…

See the episode resources in the show notes on:https://emjpodcast.com/mike-blumenthal-talks-about-his-journey-with-local-seoCheck out more episodes of our SEO podcast.

Mike's LinksMove from Content Creation to Content Creativity In 2023 - Local University - https://localu.org/move-from-content-creation-to-content-creativity-in-2023/Survey Of 755 Link Builders Shows What Works In 2022 - https://www.authorityhacker.com/link-building-survey/Cyrus Sheard thread on Link Builder Survey on Twitter - https://twitter.com/cyrusshepard/status/1597669127728295936?s=12&t=D-tkb6_tCMfY7R-XfzNP0QFTC, States Sue Google and iHeartMedia for Deceptive Ads Promoting the Pixel 4 Smartphone - https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/11/ftc-states-sue-google-iheartmedia-deceptive-ads-promoting-pixel-4-smartphoneThe Influence of Reviews on Conversion - https://streetfightmag.com/2022/12/02/influence-of-reviews-on-conversion/Mike Blumenthal on new Google Profile Image bug on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1598392086671360009Smart Move, Google - https://garrit.xyz/posts/2022-11-24-smart-move-googleCarrie's LinksReview & Service Attributes: Do they affect how long a review stays at the top of a listing? - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/review-service-attributes-do-they-affect-how-long-a-review-stays-at-the-top-of-a-listing/LocalU Dallas April 26 - tickets on Sale - https://localu.org/dfw-23   Lorenzo Hotel - Downtown DallasGoogle Shows Download Your Google Business Profile Data When You Remove Your Listing - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-remove-local-profile-download-content-34500.htmlGoogle Business Profile Can Notate Previous Location  - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profile-previous-location-34479.htmlTip of the week - What's the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? ChatGPT - Understand the pros, cons and possible utilization of this very smart new tool in our arsenal. (https://chat.openai.com/chat)

Mike's LinksMove from Content Creation to Content Creativity In 2023 - Local University - https://localu.org/move-from-content-creation-to-content-creativity-in-2023/Survey Of 755 Link Builders Shows What Works In 2022 - https://www.authorityhacker.com/link-building-survey/Cyrus Sheard thread on Link Builder Survey on Twitter - https://twitter.com/cyrusshepard/status/1597669127728295936?s=12&t=D-tkb6_tCMfY7R-XfzNP0QFTC, States Sue Google and iHeartMedia for Deceptive Ads Promoting the Pixel 4 Smartphone - https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/11/ftc-states-sue-google-iheartmedia-deceptive-ads-promoting-pixel-4-smartphoneThe Influence of Reviews on Conversion - https://streetfightmag.com/2022/12/02/influence-of-reviews-on-conversion/Mike Blumenthal on new Google Profile Image bug on Twitter - https://twitter.com/mblumenthal/status/1598392086671360009Smart Move, Google - https://garrit.xyz/posts/2022-11-24-smart-move-googleCarrie's LinksReview & Service Attributes: Do they affect how long a review stays at the top of a listing? - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/review-service-attributes-do-they-affect-how-long-a-review-stays-at-the-top-of-a-listing/LocalU Dallas April 26 - tickets on Sale - https://localu.org/dfw-23   Lorenzo Hotel - Downtown DallasGoogle Shows Download Your Google Business Profile Data When You Remove Your Listing - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-remove-local-profile-download-content-34500.htmlGoogle Business Profile Can Notate Previous Location  - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profile-previous-location-34479.htmlTip of the week - What's the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? ChatGPT - Understand the pros, cons and possible utilization of this very smart new tool in our arsenal. (https://chat.openai.com/chat)

Mike's LinksA Guide: Why Are My Reviews Missing on Google? - https://www.nearmedia.co/a-guide-why-are-my-google-reviews-missing/API endpoint update from Google - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/api-endpoint-update-from-google.59655/How to Get Zocdoc off Your Google Business Profile - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/how-to-get-zocdoc-off-your-google-business-profile/Google Maps Tests New Sidebar Navigation - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-maps-new-sidebar-navigation-34438.htmlDoes the Length of a Google Review Matter? - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/length-google-review-matter/Carrie's LinksBuy LocalU Event Videos - Local University - https://localu.org/buy-localu-event-videos/Brodie Clark on Twitter: "The past year was a big one for development of tools to help us do a better job at SEO. I tested out a ton of new SEO tools. Here's my top 10 (both free & paid) to use in 2023 - https://twitter.com/brodieseo/status/1597134729266204672Gary Llyes - 60% of the internet is duplicate -  Google Search Central Live in Singapore via Barry Schwartz - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-60-percent-of-the-internet-is-duplicate-34469.htmlFirst time seeing messaging after making edits to a GBP where Google tells you down to the minute how long until your edit is reviewed. - Colan Nielsen - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1597244695096176641  Tip of the week - What's the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? A Guide: Why Are My Reviews Missing on Google? - Mike Blumenthal - https://www.nearmedia.co/a-guide-why-are-my-google-reviews-missing/

Mike's LinksA Guide: Why Are My Reviews Missing on Google? - https://www.nearmedia.co/a-guide-why-are-my-google-reviews-missing/API endpoint update from Google - https://localsearchforum.com/threads/api-endpoint-update-from-google.59655/How to Get Zocdoc off Your Google Business Profile - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/how-to-get-zocdoc-off-your-google-business-profile/Google Maps Tests New Sidebar Navigation - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-maps-new-sidebar-navigation-34438.htmlDoes the Length of a Google Review Matter? - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/length-google-review-matter/Carrie's LinksBuy LocalU Event Videos - Local University - https://localu.org/buy-localu-event-videos/Brodie Clark on Twitter: "The past year was a big one for development of tools to help us do a better job at SEO. I tested out a ton of new SEO tools. Here's my top 10 (both free & paid) to use in 2023 - https://twitter.com/brodieseo/status/1597134729266204672Gary Llyes - 60% of the internet is duplicate -  Google Search Central Live in Singapore via Barry Schwartz - https://www.seroundtable.com/google-60-percent-of-the-internet-is-duplicate-34469.htmlFirst time seeing messaging after making edits to a GBP where Google tells you down to the minute how long until your edit is reviewed. - Colan Nielsen - https://twitter.com/ColanNielsen/status/1597244695096176641  Tip of the week - What's the 1 thing we covered that you should read if your time is limited? A Guide: Why Are My Reviews Missing on Google? - Mike Blumenthal - https://www.nearmedia.co/a-guide-why-are-my-google-reviews-missing/

Cindy Krum jumps into the news with Erin to tackle the slew of news this week! A little late, but still really important! Erin blames his kids… Covering articles from Barry Schwartz, Mike Blumenthal, Roger Montti and Fili Wiese, we also jumped into a Twitter thread that revealed something very interesting! Is there going to be a larger focus on structured data from Google to the degree of triggering manual penalties? As Cindy says. “The news this week kind of reinforces the idea that you are in Google's results wherever you are at their leisure and at their discretion. And what they give, they can easily take away.” Check your schema, all - it could be an issue. News from the EDGE: [00:03:16] Almost all industries have seen a large increase in Google Cost-Per-Leads [00:08:56] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks [00:09:41] Twitter removes 80% of its contractor employees without notice [00:14:20] GBP updates might eliminate your reviews. Have backups! [00:20:54] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:21:42] Marketers are jumping on the Mastodon bandwagon. Should you? [00:25:11] Social Thread: Spammy Schema will get a Manual Penalty? Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable: [00:32:41] Barry Blast 1: Google Ads Paying Advertisers $100 To Enroll In Automatically Applies Recommendations Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: Twitter: @ErinSparks Twitter: @Suzzicks Twitter: @TheMann00 Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio #StandwithUkraine edgeofthewebradio.com/ukraine

Mike's Links:POPABLE AND WALMART JOIN FORCES TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS RETAILERS GET BACK ON THEIR FEET AFTER THE PANDEMIC - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/popable-and-walmart-join-forces-to-help-small-business-retailers-get-back-on-their-feet-after-the-pandemic-301662834.htmlGoogle is shutting down its dedicated Street View app next year - https://9to5google.com/2022/11/01/google-street-view-app-shutting-down/Semantic Photography: Low Hanging Fruit to Increase Google Local Conversions - https://www.nearmedia.co/semantic-photography-the-low-hanging-fruit-to-increase-google-local-conversions/Does the Number of Google Reviews Impact Ranking? [Case Study] - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/number-of-reviews-impact-ranking/Carrie's LinksReviews showing review location in Google – Darren Shaw – https://twitter.com/DarrenShaw_/status/1588964280665534464How to find reviews you haven't responded to yet in the NMX  – Joy & Colan - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1588518928002998272Tanking Local Rankings? How to Turn Them Around If They've Gone Down – Phils preso from LocalU - https://twitter.com/philrozek/status/1588274549057286145LocalU on demand coming this week - https://localu.org/buy-localu-event-videos/Level up your online presence with images that convert – Joy Hawkins & Mike Blumenthal - https://www.rioseo.com/events/local-photos-live-event/

Mike's Links:POPABLE AND WALMART JOIN FORCES TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS RETAILERS GET BACK ON THEIR FEET AFTER THE PANDEMIC - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/popable-and-walmart-join-forces-to-help-small-business-retailers-get-back-on-their-feet-after-the-pandemic-301662834.htmlGoogle is shutting down its dedicated Street View app next year - https://9to5google.com/2022/11/01/google-street-view-app-shutting-down/Semantic Photography: Low Hanging Fruit to Increase Google Local Conversions - https://www.nearmedia.co/semantic-photography-the-low-hanging-fruit-to-increase-google-local-conversions/Does the Number of Google Reviews Impact Ranking? [Case Study] - https://www.sterlingsky.ca/number-of-reviews-impact-ranking/Carrie's LinksReviews showing review location in Google – Darren Shaw – https://twitter.com/DarrenShaw_/status/1588964280665534464How to find reviews you haven't responded to yet in the NMX  – Joy & Colan - https://twitter.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/1588518928002998272Tanking Local Rankings? How to Turn Them Around If They've Gone Down – Phils preso from LocalU - https://twitter.com/philrozek/status/1588274549057286145LocalU on demand coming this week - https://localu.org/buy-localu-event-videos/Level up your online presence with images that convert – Joy Hawkins & Mike Blumenthal - https://www.rioseo.com/events/local-photos-live-event/

DescriptionShopify study shows much higher churn than WooCommerce, why & what are the implications?A recent study in the Mails & Globe explores retention over the past 3 years of the major e-commerce platforms. They concluded that Shopify's retention was one of the lowest particularly compared to Woo Commerce. Is this a failure on the part of Shopify or just a reflection of how easy it is to get started with the product? While interesting, does the study tell the whole story?SEMRush zero click study makes the case that the web clicks are still kingSEMRush recently completed an in-depth study of zero click behavior on Google. While the study largely ignored local search, its findings were much more granular than previous work in this area. When you discount query refinement, and users that move to a different part of Google after the initial query, that Google is sending roughly 25% of users to its own answers while sending 43% on to other websites. Apple Maps Vs Google Maps Functionality in EuropeSegment 3 desc: During his recent travels in the UK, Portugal and Italy, Mike Blumenthal used biking, driving and walking directions as well as restaurant and hotel discovery features in both Google and Apple Maps. Google's biking directions won out as Apple doesn't offer them in Europe yet. Google's hospitality POIs were so good that there was no need for TripAdvisor or other 3rd party apps. But when it came to driving directions and walking directions Apple Maps was consistently superior for a tourist.

Join special guest Chris Ratchford and Carrie Hill as they discuss the news from local search in the last week.Want to read more? Here are all the links!Chris' Links:What is Express Delivery on DoorDash? Is it Worth it? - Ridesharing Driver - https://www.ridesharingdriver.com/doordash-express-delivery/The FTC is readying its war on fake reviews - https://www.protocol.com/newsletters/policy/ftc-fake-reviews-rulesTikTok vs. Amazon: Social video giant hiring in Seattle and L.A. to build e-commerce network – GeekWire - https://www.geekwire.com/2022/tiktok-vs-amazon-social-video-giant-hiring-in-seattle-and-l-a-to-build-e-commerce-network/Google rolling out site names and updated favicon logos in search results - https://searchengineland.com/google-rolling-out-site-names-and-updated-favicon-logos-in-search-results-388714Carrie's LinksEdge of the web radio - episode 534 | Images and Local Search with Mike Blumenthal - https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seo-podcast/images-local-search-mike-blumenthal/Beginner's Guide to Google Business Profiles: What Are They, How To Use Them, and Why - Moz - Miriam Ellis - https://moz.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-google-business-profileHearing Aids Now Available OTC -  Prices set to plummet - Huffpost - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hearing-aid-prices-plummet-fda-over-the-counter-sales_n_634cbeace4b04cf8f379e438

Join special guest Chris Ratchford and Carrie Hill as they discuss the news from local search in the last week.Want to read more? Here are all the links!Chris' Links:What is Express Delivery on DoorDash? Is it Worth it? - Ridesharing Driver - https://www.ridesharingdriver.com/doordash-express-delivery/The FTC is readying its war on fake reviews - https://www.protocol.com/newsletters/policy/ftc-fake-reviews-rulesTikTok vs. Amazon: Social video giant hiring in Seattle and L.A. to build e-commerce network – GeekWire - https://www.geekwire.com/2022/tiktok-vs-amazon-social-video-giant-hiring-in-seattle-and-l-a-to-build-e-commerce-network/Google rolling out site names and updated favicon logos in search results - https://searchengineland.com/google-rolling-out-site-names-and-updated-favicon-logos-in-search-results-388714Carrie's LinksEdge of the web radio - episode 534 | Images and Local Search with Mike Blumenthal - https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seo-podcast/images-local-search-mike-blumenthal/Beginner's Guide to Google Business Profiles: What Are They, How To Use Them, and Why - Moz - Miriam Ellis - https://moz.com/blog/beginners-guide-to-google-business-profileHearing Aids Now Available OTC -  Prices set to plummet - Huffpost - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hearing-aid-prices-plummet-fda-over-the-counter-sales_n_634cbeace4b04cf8f379e438

Mike Blumenthal's second segment on the EDGE takes us into the realm of the value of image optimization for Local Search. It's a huge conversion factor for businesses that can be easy wins. Check out the incredible tool, AirCam.ai - a service that gives a breakdown of all of the images your business needs for local visibility. Mike gives us his take on the most recent Google updates and how they may affect local visibility. He also unequivocally lays down his opinion about AI machine learning evaluating human content: Google's not being accountable for the businesses that are relying on local visibility for revenue. [00:04:35] The HCU: Content Written For People By People Evaluated By AI [00:06:40] The Machine is Getting It Wrong [00:08:40] Is Helpful Content Update Unfair to SMB's Without Budget? [00:12:37] Will the Updates Affect the Knowledge Graph? [00:14:09] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:15:11] Why are Images So Valuable to Local Search? [00:29:14] Mike's Pro Tip for Local Optimization: Aimcam.ai Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://www.sitestrategics.com Follow Mike! https://www.twitter.com/mblumenthal  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblumenthal/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQb7CMIgNQz38U6RVcE8rug  Connect: mblumenthal@nearmedia.co

Mike Blumenthal, “Professor Maps” of the Local SEO community, catches up with the EDGE after some time to lay out the volatility he's seen in local search. Mike's been focused on the Google Business Profile forums and has seen some pretty striking and concerning developments. Witnessing around 200 review take-downs and close to 2,000 business profile suspensions per month, Mike's a bit concerned to say the least. Where is Google's accountability and transparency in responding to these issues? There's no mechanism to challenge the decision on the review take-downs.  The value of Local Search positioning and consumer interaction is unquestionable. But one question does present itself: who's property is this, yours or Google's? [00:05:59] So Many Changes in Local SEO - The Last Few Years [00:08:20] Local SEO Volatility: A Recent Timeline [00:09:47] Google Sees Their Future as Local [00:12:16] How Valuable is Google Local Search? Sometimes 95% of Leads [00:14:07] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: edgeofthewebradio.com/pageonepower [00:17:11] The Consumer is Trained on Google Reflection of your Brand [00:18:09] Hunting in GBP Forums with a Specific Focus [00:21:39] There's No Support from Google, Once They Nuke a Review [00:22:51] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:24:34] Are We Just Going to Just Publish to Google in the Future? [00:25:49] Is This Our Property or Google's? [00:28:28] Business Suspensions Complaints are 10X  Thanks to our sponsors! Page One Power https://edgeofthewebradio.com/pageonepower  Site Strategics https://www.sitestrategics.com Follow Mike! https://www.twitter.com/mblumenthal  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblumenthal/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQb7CMIgNQz38U6RVcE8rug

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

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

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Mike Blumenthal. Mike is the Co-founder and Analyst at Near Media where he researches and reports on reputation, reviews, and local search. Mike provides local consulting to a range of businesses, big and small, across the SMB and SAAS marketplaces. He is also assisting Air.cam, an online professional photographic marketplace, with pivoting to the local marketing space and helping them bring the power of photography to every business located in the US and Canada. More About Mike Blumenthal: Nearmedia.co Send Mike an email – mblumenthal@nearmedia.co Connect with Mike on Twitter Take The Marketing Assessment: Marketingassessment.co This Duct Tape Marketing Podcast episode is brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network and SEMRush.

SEOs should predict the future. It's the chance to overcome competitors. Consider new techs faster than traffic and sales are yours. Mike Blumenthal shares his valuable insights on our podcast. Watch or listen to the entire episode to know a lot more. Wanna get more traffic? Submit your request on my website – https://unmiss.com/. Here…

 Chewy's provides great CX and it goes viral: When a dog owner's pet died and they asked Chewy to refund their unused food, the company went above and beyond. In doing so, they demonstrated the incredible viral value of great customer service. A simple customer service act provides bountiful returns. A look at the top 1000 Google queries on the desktop and what it says about local: Kevin Indig of Shopify looked at the top 1000 searches on Google Desktop. Interestingly at least ⅓ were local in intent and most of those were branded local searches.John Oliver & Rand Fishkin look at the two antitrust bills that might pass this summer: John Oliver, like many comedians these days, does a  better job of explaining the antitrust bills in front of Congress than the news does. And he is more fun to listen to. Rand Fishkin looks at how the bills will dramatically change what we do as marketers.The Near Memo, with David Mihm, Greg Sterling & Mike Blumenthal, is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.

If you are a business owner that gets less than flattering reviews about your company, you may participate in manipulating or suppressing reviews. For instance, you don't ask unhappy people to leave a review but ask happy customers to leave one. Additionally, you may also be tempted to buy or incentivize reviews, thinking these tactics will make the problem go away. However, is that savvy business practices or does it make the problem worse? And—is there a better way to go about responding to negative online business reviews? Shawn Hessinger, the Executive Editor for Small Business Trends, sits down with Mike Blumenthal, the co-founder and analyst at Near Media, to answer those questions and more. In this episode, they discuss new federal guidelines and how you should respond to negative reviews.

Show guest, Mike Blumenthal, shares his latest research findings on the increased power of images in local search. In this episode, you will find out what images Google wants to see, how to leverage images to improve your rankings, and how to use one of Google's free tools to maximize your chances of success.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/seo-101-on-wmr-fm/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The number of Google My Business reviews you obtain is one of the many figures that matter in your legal practice, and you are keeping track of it meticulously. While you might be tempted to try unusual treatments or methods that promise to improve your Google My Business review rating, think twice; a Google suspension isn't the only consequence you may face; the FTC might also want to have a word with you. This week's episode features Grace and Liel discussing the recently published Online Customer Reviews: A Guide for Platforms, by the Federal Trade Commission. The message is clear: "do not review gate". The conversation explores best practices to keep your law firm out of trouble, how to handle incentives, and a final answer to whether is acceptable to have friends, family, or even staff write reviews about your law firm. So tune in, keep calm and continue generating reviews. Resources mentioned in our episode: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/featuring-online-customer-reviews-guide-platforms (Federal Trade Commission - Online Customer Reviews Guide) https://www.nearmedia.co/ftcs-business-marketer-guidelines/ (Analysis from Mike Blumenthal on FTC's new guidelines) https://support.google.com/business/answer/4596773?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop (How to request form Google a review removal) https://incamerapodcast.com/episodes/a-law-firms-reputation/ (In Camera Podcast Complete Guide on Review Generation) Send us your questions at ask@incamerapodcast.com Enjoy the show? Please don't forget to subscribe, tell your coworkers, and leave us a review!

Apple Tracking Opt-in at 4% in US, lower than anticipated, Shopify focuses on helping SMB be better and retain customer relationships, Facebooks Neighborhood, a NextDoor clone, is likely to be like Nextdoor but worse because of poor moerationAs the Apple 3rd party opt in rolls out, opt in numbers are lower than anticipated. THis points ot the consumers desire for more privacy and why government should up their privacy gameUnlike Facebook and Google who aggregate consumers to gain levarge over businesses, Shopify focuses soley on the SMB and helps them not just to build a better ecommerce experience but also with things like capital. They have become the second biggest e-commerce site behind Amaaon. Facebook once again knocks off another marketplace product that might just might create a referral opportunity for SMBS IF they can keep the communities from going down the rabbitt whole of unmoderated mayhem. Episode 14With David Mihm, Greg Sterling & Mike Blumenthal

Mike Blumenthal talks with Jason Barnard about review attributes Mike Blumenthal loves to say “All Local, All the time”. He is an authority on local SEO with 20 years of experience under his belt... so, who better than “The Godfather of Local” himself to discuss Google's new feature — Google Review Attributes. This new feature in Google allows consumers to leave a quality rating about attributes concerning the business  as part of their review and, according to Mike, as a business, there's a lot of reasons to love: it helps build consistency in customer service, and actionable information — which ultimately is the purpose of reviews — and it gives a chance to analyze your competitors in a structured and consistent manner. Mike goes on to explain how reviews, and particularly review attributes directly influence local search results and how to take advantage of that. He shares the strategies he uses with his clients to best leverage reviews and attributes in a successful local SEO strategy. What you'll learn from Mike Blumenthal 00:00 Mike Blumenthal and Jason Barnard00:43 The argument for Google being your homepage01:52 GatherUp's Knowledge Panel07:05 What are Review Attributes?12:26 Google Attributes focus on service-based industries15:54 In what industries are Google Attributes currently appearing?19:31 Could this new feature put the fear of Google into businesses?21:18 Google Maps as the bleeding edge for the Knowledge Graph23:58 How the information about reviews extracted by Google influences local search results26:08 How to encourage your customers to provide specific review content28:52 Is there a direct effect in a Brand's local search performance from a great attribute rating?30:17 The how-to of getting and leveraging first and third party reviews34:58 Could we say that Google homepage is Google's reflection of the world's opinion of you?38:25 How to get clients to give reviews on the different platforms Helpful Resources About How Review Attributes Work in Local SEO Have Review Attributes Fixed A Google Review Problem?The (Almost) Complete List of Google Review Attribute Categories Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe here >> This episode was recorded live on video February 3rd 2021 Recorded live at Kalicube Tuesdays (Digital Marketing Livestream Event Series). Watch the video now >>

Mike Blumenthal talks with Jason Barnard about review attributes Mike Blumenthal loves to say “All Local, All the time”. He is an authority on local SEO with 20 years of experience under his belt... so, who better than “The Godfather of Local” himself to discuss Google's new feature — Google Review Attributes. This new feature in Google allows consumers to leave a quality rating about attributes concerning the business  as part of their review and, according to Mike, as a business, there's a lot of reasons to love: it helps build consistency in customer service, and actionable information — which ultimately is the purpose of reviews — and it gives a chance to analyze your competitors in a structured and consistent manner. Mike goes on to explain how reviews, and particularly review attributes directly influence local search results and how to take advantage of that. He shares the strategies he uses with his clients to best leverage reviews and attributes in a successful local SEO strategy. What you'll learn from Mike Blumenthal 00:00 Mike Blumenthal and Jason Barnard00:43 The argument for Google being your homepage01:52 GatherUp's Knowledge Panel07:05 What are Review Attributes?12:26 Google Attributes focus on service-based industries15:54 In what industries are Google Attributes currently appearing?19:31 Could this new feature put the fear of Google into businesses?21:18 Google Maps as the bleeding edge for the Knowledge Graph23:58 How the information about reviews extracted by Google influences local search results26:08 How to encourage your customers to provide specific review content28:52 Is there a direct effect in a Brand's local search performance from a great attribute rating?30:17 The how-to of getting and leveraging first and third party reviews34:58 Could we say that Google homepage is Google's reflection of the world's opinion of you?38:25 How to get clients to give reviews on the different platforms Helpful Resources About How Review Attributes Work in Local SEO Have Review Attributes Fixed A Google Review Problem?The (Almost) Complete List of Google Review Attribute Categories Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe here >> This episode was recorded live on video February 3rd 2021 Recorded live at Kalicube Tuesdays (Digital Marketing Livestream Event Series). Watch the video now >>