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Google documents Google My Business local ranking factors
Google's document on ranking in the local search results has been expanded to include factors like links, articles and directories.
Google Maps for iOS now integrates with Apple’s Spotlight Search
Google Maps users on the iPhone can now more quickly access recent searches and saved places.
“Search disruption is coming!” and 9 other expert insights From LSA16
The Local Search Association recently held its 2016 Annual Conference, LSA16, and Wesley Young shares 10 insights from experts and SMBs that will impact your marketing strategy.
3 practical local link-building ideas that will cure your Penguinitis
Penguin caused many in the local SEO world to become wary of link building, but there are still plenty of white-hat methods to garner links to local businesses. Columnist Will Scott explores three such tactics.
Leveraging social media for local SEO
Exploring new opportunities to integrate social media into your local brand's SEO strategy? Columnist Lydia Jorden reviews how to elevate your local search presence using Snapchat and Quora.
Dear SEOs: Please stop spamming Google Maps!
Columnist Joy Hawkins gives a lesson in what NOT to do when optimizing Google My Business profiles, based on her experiences cleaning up spammy listings.
Google developing keyboard for iPhone in hopes of boosting search volumes [report]
Keyboard part of a larger strategy to boost engagement with search on mobile devices.
Local marketing: What is the true local web?
Columnist Garrett French explains how local businesses can improve their online visibility by becoming a part of the local ecosystem, both online and off.
Why costs for local SEO campaigns vary
Looking to purchase local SEO services, but wondering about the value of different tiers of service? Columnist Jenny Foster breaks it down.
Local SEO beyond the browser
Are you making the most of offline advertising to complement your local SEO efforts? Columnist Marcus Miller explains the benefits of connecting your digital and physical marketing.
DuckDuckGo launches Directions! feature with option to use multiple map apps
DuckDuckGo's new feature lets users choose from Apple, Bing, Here, OpenStreetMap or Google Maps to get directions.
New “Uber tab” added to Google Maps
Google adds ride-sharing tab to maps to enable more options, faster time to destination.
Google Posts are going to kill (at) local SEO
Columnist Andrew Shotland discusses the impact Google Local Business Cards may have on local businesses and local SEO. Will they help, or will they hurt?
What different consumer groups really want from local business websites
Columnist Myles Anderson takes a look at what consumers in different age groups are looking for when it comes to local business websites. Local SEO practitioners, take note!
Google tests clickable phone numbers in organic search results
Google is now experimenting with click to call on the organic side. They've done this with ads and local before.
The Local SEO Playbook To Increased Visibility And Customer Acquisition
Columnist Thomas Stern discusses five essential components of local optimization that increase online exposure and drive offline traffic to brick-and-mortar stores.
The Need For Speed: 7 Observations On The Impact Of Page Speed To The Future Of Local Mobile Search
Having a mobile website may soon not be enough to get users to patronize your local business if it doesn’t deliver a fast and positive user experience. Wesley Young takes a look at the latest data and developments with regard to mobile websites.
Prioritizing Local Search Profile Listings: 2 Methods
Looking to start building those citations for local SEO? Columnist Lydia Jorden shares her strategy for determining which local business listing sites are worth investing in.
Google Is Fixing The “Permanently Closed” Problem
Columnist Joy Hawkins discusses how you can fix issues with old business locations being marked "Permanently closed" -- and what Google may be doing to address the issue.
Setting Local SEO Expectations: 3 Points To Hit Early And Often
When it comes to providing SEO for local businesses, it's crucial to set realistic expectations. Columnist Jenny Foster discusses three points she likes to drive home with clients to ensure a strong relationship and a smooth campaign.
How Google Is Inventing A “Near Me” Future
As Google continues to invest in mobile, what does that mean for search marketers? Columnist Adam Dorfman explores how Google is paving the way for mobile location-based marketing.
Get Your Local On At SMX West & Local Search Workshop In San Jose
Join the pre-conference workshop for a broader and deeper dive into local.
Google Makes MyMaps App Improvements But Doesn’t Quite Make It There
Google has rebuilt and relaunched its MyMaps app. For those unaware. it’s a stand-alone app that allows users to create and share custom maps. The idea is compelling. But it’s less compelling as a user experience. A trip-planning and social-mapping tool, it’s also interesting as a way to save local favorites for repeated use. Google […]
Franchise SEO: For Masochists Only
Performing local search engine optimization for franchise locations can be a real pain. Columnist Andrew Shotland explores some common issues for local search marketers, as well as solutions.
Streetmap Loses Anti-Competitive Lawsuit Against Google In UK
Streetmap had sued on grounds that putting Google Maps at the top of search results was an “abuse of competition."
Do SEOs At Larger Agencies Earn More Than Those At Smaller Agencies?
Local search practitioners, how do you stack up to your peers in the industry? Columnist Myles Anderson sheds some light on this topic based on data from BrightLocal's recent annual Local SEO Industry Survey.
The Local Data Ecosystem Just Got A Little More Eco-Friendly
Google recently introduced the Google My Business API, but what does this mean for local business marketers? Columnist Christian Ward of Yext explains.
Are You Digging Deeply Enough Into Geographic Optimizations?
Are you doing your due diligence when it comes to geographic optimizations? Columnist Amy Bishop shares tips to ensure your campaigns are running as efficiently as possible.
10 Local Link Building Tips for 2016
Building links for local businesses often requires a different strategy from traditional link building. Columnist Greg Gifford offers actionable tips that you can put to use right now.
7 Ways Small Businesses Can Leverage Third-Party Apps for Local Search & Marketing
Apps consume the majority of mobile media time, but local business apps struggle to compete for attention. Columnist Wesley Young looks at how SMBs can instead use space on the most popular apps to get in front of customers.
Google’s Fake Locksmith Problem Once Again Hits The New York Times
Google's local results algorithm has not fixed the fake listing problem from five years ago.
When You Rank High Organically But Not Locally (Case Study)
You've done everything right in terms of local SEO -- you're even ranking high in organic results -- but you just can't seem to get a place in the map pack. What's wrong? Columnist Joy Hawkins explores.
Is Apple About To Launch A Competitor To Google Street View?
Google Street View is a dramatic and sometimes useful feature of Google Maps that helped set it apart from competitors such as Nokia Maps and Bing Maps a few years ago. Now, there’s evidence that Apple may be seeking to create its own version of Street View. The following posting appears on Apple’s site: It […]
Local SEO For WordPress Websites
Thinking about using WordPress for your local business website? If so, check out columnist Marcus Miller's handy guide on how to do local SEO with this popular CMS.
Why Local Rank Trackers Fail
Columnist Andrew Shotland finds most local ranking solutions to be lacking for a number of reasons. Is there any way to solve this problem?
Google Tests “What’s Hot” & “What’s Nearby” As Android Search Options
Artem Russakovskii found an interesting Google search options test for Android. In addition to recent searches, Google inserted a “What’s Hot” and “Nearby” option in the pull-down menu. Here’s what it looks like: I asked Google for a comment or more information on this. Google provided the following statement: “We’re always experimenting with the look and feel of […]
Google Street View Goes “Miniatur” To Capture Hamburg Model Train Exhibit
Miniatur Wunderland is a massive model railroad exhibit in Hamburg, Germany, spread out over 1,300 square meters (nearly 14,000 square feet). It’s reportedly Hamburg’s most popular tourist attraction. Started in 2000, it features eight sections that depict various scenes and countries throughout Europe and the US, including a mini Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Google […]
Google Maps For Android Gets “Driver Mode” Feature To Anticipate Your Next Stop
Only available to Android users, the new feature will be rolled out through the end of this week.
How To Localize Google Search Results
Google has removed the search tool that allows users to change their geo-location. Columnist Clay Cazier documents four ways to get around this restriction and emulate a search from any city.
78% Of SEOs Believe That 2016 Is Going To Be A “Great” Year For Business
What does this year have in store for local search engine optimization professionals? Columnist Myles Anderson shares results from BrightLocal's Local SEO Industry Survey, which may provide some insights.