Monday, April 27Digital Marketing Journals

Google My Business

Why E-A-T Inspires Local Content Creation
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Learn, Local SEO, pagerank, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo services

Why E-A-T Inspires Local Content Creation

We’ve all educated ourselves on Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T). We’ve all debated whether it’s a ranking factor or if it’s not. And we’ve all struggled to determine whether a client is part of a Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) niche and whether we should pay attention to E-A-T when making content decisions. E-A-T should inspire local content creation and all content creation at every level, no matter how big or small our clients are. E-A-T quickly shows us the type of considerations we should make when creating content, even if it doesn’t matter for checking off boxes for SEO best practices. It gives us a glimpse of the things that are important to Google and what they look for, but beyond that, it really shows us what we should find important when crafting conten...
Google Products Shake-up: Is the Products Feature Moving to Merchant Center?
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, News, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo services

Google Products Shake-up: Is the Products Feature Moving to Merchant Center?

Google Products Shake-up: Is the Products Feature Moving to Merchant Center? - Whitespark Is it the end of Google Products as we know it? Businesses can no longer edit existing Products on their Google Business Profiles (GBP) and can only add new Products through...
Google My Business Photos: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Good Online
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Learn, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo services

Google My Business Photos: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Good Online

We’ve all heard the saying that first impressions count, and this is just as true online as it is in real life.  Internet users are inherently visual creatures, with approximately 50% of the surface of the human brain devoted to processing visual information. Images and visuals are much more powerful and easier to understand than just text, as well as being easier to recall. You can find all the data behind this here . Given the human propensity to form impressions and take in information via a visual format, images are tremendously influential and key to your business looking good online.  As businesses and individuals, we’re all very used to curating the images on our website and on our social media channels in view of what we think they say about us both professionally and personally. B...
Local SEO for Lawyers: 7 Ways to Get Started
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Learn, Local SEO, pagerank, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo services

Local SEO for Lawyers: 7 Ways to Get Started

In many ways, doing local SEO for lawyers is similar to other industries. 97% percent of Google and other search engine users look for local businesses online, and these businesses include law firms or individual practitioners.  However, it is also different from local SEO for other industries because law tends to be a highly specialized practice. For instance, while a personal injury attorney has a basic knowledge of taxation from law school, you’d rather engage with a tax lawyer if you’re trying to determine how much tax you’ll pay for real estate you’ve inherited from a grandparent.  So, how can you make sure that your client’s law firm appears somewhere at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs)? Well, you need a robust local SEO strategy. Such a strategy will help your client’...
Local SEO For Ukraine – LIVE
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local Search Clinic, Local SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, Webinars

Local SEO For Ukraine – LIVE

Where Will the Funds Go? All proceeds will go towards grassroots efforts to support the citizens of Ukraine Our Ukrainian team is already working directly with local volunteer groups to organize and distribute food, sanitation, and medical aid to those in the most affected towns and cities across Ukraine. The funds raised will buy more essential supplies to transport to the volunteer warehouses in western Ukraine. We’ll match every dollar or pound raised, so you know your money is having double the impact!  The supplies will be driven by BrightLocal team members and handed to volunteers at the border for onward transport. We will monitor and report on the progress of the aid as it makes its journey from the UK to Ukraine, so you can see exactly where your money is going and when it reaches...
Google Business Profile Optimization with Joy Hawkins
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local Search Clinic, Local SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services, Webinars

Google Business Profile Optimization with Joy Hawkins

In our first Local Search Clinic of 2022, host Claire Carlile was joined by Joy Hawkins (Sterling Sky) to answer your burning questions on Google Business Profile.  Thank you to everyone who attended the clinic, asked your questions, and shared your own insights. It’s always great to have so many of you take part! During the event, we answered questions ranging from image optimization, tips for service-area businesses, and rankings after the Vicinity update. You won’t want to miss this – check out the recording below.  Recording Resources What are the Key Optimization Strategies for Google Business Profiles?To maximize google business profile conversion optimization, start with complete and accurate information about your business. Use high-quality images that showcase your products o...
Offer Posts Get Prominent New “Deal” Tab on Mobile, Callouts in Maps App
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, News, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo services

Offer Posts Get Prominent New “Deal” Tab on Mobile, Callouts in Maps App

Offer Posts Get Prominent New “Deal” Tab on Mobile, Callouts in Maps App - Whitespark If you manage a Google Business Profile, be it your own or a client’s, you know the benefit of updating your profile with regular Offer Posts. This type of Post is prominently fea...
New Academy Course: A Beginner’s Guide to Local SEO
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company

New Academy Course: A Beginner’s Guide to Local SEO

Local search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential tool for local businesses and the marketers working with them. SEO is key to establishing and boosting the online presence of a business, which will naturally lead to greater interest and potentially more sales, too. The simple truth is, if you want your business to be discovered by local customers, then you’ll need to utilize local SEO to enhance your discoverability on Google. With 8.5 billion Google searches being made every day—and nearly half of them having local intent—it’s easy to see just how important this is. So, if your business isn’t using local SEO to get a piece of the action, then it should be! Our new BrightLocal Academy course—A Beginner’s Guide to Local SEO—will teach you all you need to know about local SEO, and you’...
Fraudulent Business Profiles in the Spotlight as Google Updates Verification Requirements and Trust Signals
Blog, Citations, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO

Fraudulent Business Profiles in the Spotlight as Google Updates Verification Requirements and Trust Signals

Reports of a new Google Business Profile (GBP) verification label are currently circulating within the local SEO community. Select GBPs have received the new ‘confirmed’ label from Google to show that the associated business has had its details verified recently. Although not all GBPs have received this label, searchers can see that certain profiles have had their business details verified by Google—likely through an automated phone call. They're like a series of "trust" signals you think @rustybrick ? Has the state of the GBP ecosystem in terms of accuracy become so bad that Google needs to add these to show consumers they can be confident in the panel details? 🧐 https://t.co/yPjrzFmfIm pic.twitter.com/1Byf5ZgJyr — Claire Carlile🕊️ 🌊 🥑 🦥 (@c...
Local Pack Update Allows Searchers to Interact with the Featured Map
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo services

Local Pack Update Allows Searchers to Interact with the Featured Map

Local Pack Update Allows Searchers to Interact with the Featured Map - Whitespark Searchers can now interact with the map featured in the local pack. The map now displays zoom in and out buttons, as well as a button that opens the local finder for additional results. What’s most interes...
Attract More Customers with Better Search Visibility –
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, News, pagerank, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services

Attract More Customers with Better Search Visibility –

How often have you visited a restaurant without checking the reviews first? Given that the food industry is so saturated, you can’t expect enough people to show up to your restaurant if you’re not adequately visible online. There are many ways to enhance your restaurant’s discoverability, from having a responsive and appealing website to reviews and social proof. However, the best way to get started is with search engine optimization (SEO). Restaurant SEO Restaurant SEO helps to optimize your website and social media profiles for the search engine. This is achieved through the creation of targeted content based on your audience’s search intent. This type of SEO includes elements such as on-page, off-page, and technical SEO—all of which collectively help your restaurant rank higher in the s...
2021 Holiday Guide to Google My Business
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services

2021 Holiday Guide to Google My Business

Over the past 20 months we’ve learned to adapt, pivot, and embrace flexibility when it comes to operating a local business. We know 2021 has continued to be a challenging year for you, your families, and your business. As we approach the second pandemic holiday season, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite local marketing tips to get your Google My Business listing and website holiday ready.  We wish you a happy holiday season!  Holiday Local Search Marketing Tips Shopping locally continues to be more important than ever. “60% of U.S. consumers who are planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop more at local small businesses” (Think With Google).  1. Go above and beyond to keep your shoppers informed Like last year, your business is likely continuing to operate with additional CO...
GMB Rebrands to Google Business Profile: What Does it Mean for Local Businesses?
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, News, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services

GMB Rebrands to Google Business Profile: What Does it Mean for Local Businesses?

Update Nov 5, 2022: Search Engine Land has reported that “if … you are a local SEO that manages a number of businesses, you will still continue to use an interface like Google My Business, renamed to Business Profile Manager going forward,” so that should put some local SEOs’ fears to rest. Google has announced that it’s renaming Google My Business to Google Business Profile, amid a number of additional developments within the local business management tool. Local SEO experts have been quick to react to the update, and we’ve taken our own look to see what has actually changed for local business owners.  What’s new with Google Business Profiles? In addition to the name change, Google has announced that single listings will now be managed directly within Google Maps and Google Search.  To ma...
Leveraging Conversions with GMB Bookings/Reserve with Google
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services

Leveraging Conversions with GMB Bookings/Reserve with Google

Leveraging Conversions with GMB Bookings/Reserve with Google - Whitespark The Google My Business Booking feature, or Reserve with Google, allows businesses to integrate specific supported booking systems with their GMB listing, which gives customers the ability to make an appointment directly from the listing. This feature can get your b...
2021 Local Search Summit – Day 2 Takeaways & Advice
Citations, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, Whitespark

2021 Local Search Summit – Day 2 Takeaways & Advice

How To Pivot Your Facebook Advertising In A Post iOS14.5 World Many of you have probably heard about Apple’s iOS 14.5 update that limited the ability to set retargeting cookies on mobile. Well, not all is lost. Duane explained how you can pivot your Facebook advertising in a post IOS 14.5 world.  Oftentimes, we hear clients say, “we’re losing sales”. The truth is, they’re not actually losing sales. The reality is that sales are either super delayed, or they’re just not showing up in AD manager. You are not losing sales, you just can’t track what’s going on, and that is because Apple’s decided to ask people “do you want to be tracked” and rightfully so, most people say no. So what can you do to help improve your traffic and get the most out of your Facebook Ads? Here are a few of Duane’s Ti...
2021 Local Search Summit – Day 1 Tips & Insights
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, On-page SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services

2021 Local Search Summit – Day 1 Tips & Insights

2021 Local Search Summit - Day 1 Tips & Insights - Whitespark Day 1 of the 2021 Local Search Summit is complete. 🔥 Today’s sessions covered the whole gamut of local search marketing advice. We’re sharing takeaways, advice, or a tip for each talk. If you couldn’t make it to the event, you can still catch the next two days wit...
A Great Way to Get Customer Pics
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, News, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo services

A Great Way to Get Customer Pics

In March of this year, Google announced a ‘photo update’ feature that gives Google Maps users on Android devices a new way to upload photos to your Google My Business profile. I’ve only just spotted it being used ‘in the wild’, and haven’t seen much in the way of coverage, so I thought it worth sharing some details on how it works, what you need to know, and what it could mean for the future of GMB (specifically Google Posts). After all, the features you know about but your competitors don’t are the ones that make you stand out when searchers compare businesses. Read on to find out more! What are Google My Business ‘Photo Updates’? We’re all familiar with the contents of the ‘By owner’ tab in the updates section. This is where we see our Google My Business Posts, new photos and updated hou...
Google My Business Management 101
Blog, BrightLocal Products, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services

Google My Business Management 101

It’s no secret that Google My Business (GMB) is an incredibly popular platform and plays a huge part in influencing local rankings. According to a survey carried out by Whitespark, Google My Business is the number 1 ranking factor for the local pack. But GMB goes beyond rankings. Many call it the homepage for local businesses—the first place customers will find and evaluate your business—whether they are looking at customer reviews, exploring your services, or converting directly from your listing. This is why we’re proud to announce the next free course to land in BrightLocal Academy: Google My Business Management 101. We’ve created this detailed new course in collaboration with local SEO and GMB expert Niki Mosier. Why? Well, we noticed that there’s lots of advice out there about setting...
6 Reasons Every Local Business Must Market With Google My Business Listing
Google My Business, Growth Hacks / Tips / Strategies, Local Marketing, Small Business, Social Marketing Strategies, social media, social media marketing

6 Reasons Every Local Business Must Market With Google My Business Listing

Most of us spend endless hours and resources for social media marketing, but we end up ignoring the most preliminary step, and that’s optimizing our search rankings. No matter how many social media platforms you actively use, Google search still remains the favorite go-to option for making vital buying decisions. One of the first things that customers looking for your products and services online will do is an in-depth Google search. In fact, Google has reported that 46% of all searches have local intent and that business location is the main piece of information sought by local searches. But how do you make sure you pop up in their search results with relevant information across multiple devices? The easiest and fastest way to show up in the search feed is to have a Google My Business lis...
Google My Business News: New Features, Updates and Tests from March-May
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, News, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO

Google My Business News: New Features, Updates and Tests from March-May

The midway point of the year isn’t far off, and it’s safe to say that a lot has gone on in local SEO already this year.  So far in 2021, we’ve seen big changes to Google Posts, updates to review summaries in Google My Business (GMB), high scores from Local RankFlux, and 2-Packs showing on Google mobile results. But, in the past couple of months alone even more tests and updates have been impacting GMB. In this GMB news roundup, we take a look at the biggest headlines affecting local SEOs recently. Think we’ve left something out? Put it in the comments section down below! Competitor quotes in GMB Messaging It’s often recommended that businesses make use of GMB’s Messaging feature to better communicate with customers. But you might want to hold your horses. LocalU shared  that when searcher...
Local 2-Packs Spotted in Google Mobile SERPs
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, News, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo services

Local 2-Packs Spotted in Google Mobile SERPs

Google’s Local 3-Pack might soon be a Local 2-Pack (on mobile at least). This week, Joy Hawkins at Local U (via Mariano Rodriguez from LawRank) shared findings of 2-Packs being spotted in local search results on mobile.  Since the news was first shared, more and more people have reported seeing a set of just two results when performing local searches on mobile. Seeing a 2-pack on Android Mobile. Anyone else?#localseo pic.twitter.com/bpICh5W2tX — Ben Fisher (@TheSocialDude) March 30, 2021   Both Android and iPhone users are being presented with 2-Pack results: I’ve been seeing it on iPhone/safari: pic.twitter.com/ArBEDQuzJ2 — Frank Olivo (@FrancoOlivo) March 31, 2021 What’s new? When performing a local search, users are usually presented with three top results. This is referred to as the...
Local Search Grid: Put Your Rankings on the Map
Blog, BrightLocal Products, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, News, pagerank, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO

Local Search Grid: Put Your Rankings on the Map

We’re incredibly excited to announce the launch of Local Search Grid, a brand-new local rankings tool from BrightLocal that allows you to see the bigger picture of search. Without further ado, here’s how awesome it looks. Snazzy, right? There’s a lot I could say about Local Search Grid and what this new tool means for your search strategy (and I will!) but for now I’ll let our launch video do the talking: If that’s piqued your interest and you want to start using Local Search Grid right away, simply: Log in to your BrightLocal account Select a Location from your Clients & Locations dashboard Click ‘Rankings’ in the Location Sidebar menu Click ‘Local Search Grid’ in the dropdown that appears Want to know more before you dive in? Read on to find out just how Local Search Gri...
Google Posts No Longer Expire After Seven Days [NEWS]
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, News, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services

Google Posts No Longer Expire After Seven Days [NEWS]

TL;DR Google Posts are now visible in the business's Knowledge Panel for more than 7 days Before this update, Google Posts expired 7 days after creation Google Posts are a great way to communicate with customers directly within SERPs On Tuesday, January 19th, eagle-eyed SEO Brodie Clark spotted that Google Posts older than seven days were appearing in the local business Knowledge Panel.  Nice one for Local SEOs to be aware of. Now seeing standard Posts appears from months back by default. Would show for 7 days previously, then “expire” and become hidden behind the ‘view all’ button. Glad to see more visibility given to Posts – this change makes sense IMO. pic.twitter.com/H3pQTDG5qH — Brodie Clark (@brodieseo) January 20, 2021 As Brodie mentions, Posts created within Google My...
What is Google My Business ‘Direct Edit’, and What Does It Mean for Agencies?
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, News, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company

What is Google My Business ‘Direct Edit’, and What Does It Mean for Agencies?

Ben Fisher is a Platinum Product Expert for Google My Business. He’s a master of the spam redressal form, is always on top of the latest news, and loves to share his knowledge with others. Here, he explains the new ‘Direct Edit’ feature in Google My Business, or, as he’s calling it, the Transparent Merchant Experience. In 2017, Google My Business (GMB) launched the ability to update your business information, make posts, upload photos, see how many views you have received, and more, within SERPs. The blog post they released was then titled ‘Manage your business listing without leaving Google Search.’ Now fast forward to 2020, and they have upgraded the experience in a blog post titled ‘Update your Business Profile on Google Maps and Search‘. See the difference there? The main change is h...
Expert Local SEO Predictions for 2021
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, News, pagerank, paid search, Reputation Management, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services

Expert Local SEO Predictions for 2021

Now that 2020 is well and truly behind us, we can begin looking forward to bigger, better things. That’s right folks, the time is once again upon us to bring out our BrightLocal crystal ball and enlist some of the local search community’s most well-loved experts to help us with some local SEO predictions for the coming year.  But, before we get started thinking about what’s to come for 2021, how did our experts fare with what they predicted in 2020? Reflecting on 2020’s Local SEO Predictions A lot happened in 2020, but how many of our experts’ local SEO predictions came true?  Unfortunately, a lot of our pros had hoped 2020 would see a reduction in spam, but with the introduction of new Covid-19 support, resources, and features, plus limited Google My Business support, it seems Google had ...
2020 Holiday Guide to Google My Business
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo services

2020 Holiday Guide to Google My Business

This year, the holidays will look very different for most of us. The pandemic has affected us all in different ways and its effects are far reaching across economies and consumer habits. Here at Whitespark, we love local businesses and strive to create useful free resources for small businesses owners and marketers on this blog. We know this has been a challenging year for you, your families, and your business. We wish you and yours a happy holiday season! Adapting Your Holiday Sales Strategy for COVID-19 According to Google’s latest consumer trend report, half of U.S. shoppers say the pandemic will affect how they’ll shop for the holidays this year. Shopping locally is more important than ever – but everyone’s looking for a deal. What’s a small business to do? We’ve created a new Holiday ...
Everything You Need to Know About Google My Business Posts
googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, Local SEO, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO

Everything You Need to Know About Google My Business Posts

Image/Video: You can choose to represent your event with an image, GIF, or a 30 second video (max upload size is 100 mb). You can add up to 10 photos or videos. The image above is a perfect example of when a post photo doesn’t fit the ideal dimensions, and a black background appears from using the built in photo editor. Event Title (Optional): You can use up to a maximum of 58 characters (with spaces) for your title. If you are using all of the allowable characters, some of the text will get cut off in the thumbnail preview (more on that below). It’s not mandatory to add a title, but if you do add one your post will stand out in search results and the title will be bold. Currently you can’t manually bold any  text in posts, and so having a title does make it pop more. Event Details: You ge...
New Features, Updates and Tests Roundup
Blog, googe optimize, Google My Business, google optimization, google seo, News, search engine optimisation, search engine optimising, search engine optimization, SEO, seo company, seo services

New Features, Updates and Tests Roundup

UPDATED December 18th, 2020: Added news of Preview Call History rolling out to Google My Business As we approach Christmas, there seems to be no let-up in the fast pace of updates and tests in Google My Business. At BrightLocal, we may have been busy releasing a detailed piece of research, a complete guide to local SEO and an entire learning Academy, but that won’t stop us catching you up on all the latest Google My Business news over the past month. Between official updates, rumored tests and new features, there’s a lot to cover, so strap in! Google launches Small Business Advisors program In Mid-November, Google served up a new program designed to assist small businesses in the United States with their online marketing (using Google tools throughout, naturally).  For $39.99 per session, ...