In certain fields, industries, and technologies, change is an integral characteristic. In these fields, keeping up with current trends and whirlwind changes is the key to success. SEO is one of these areas. As 2014 is nearing its end, savvy marketers are looking ahead to see what SEO changes the New Year will bring. SEO […]
Google AdWords Adds Multiple Business Location Support on Ads
Sometimes when someone would search for a local business, the “closest” location the ad would show wasn’t actually the most convenient location due to things such as freeways, construction or just where the searcher’s next destination happened to be. AdWords is changing that by finally offering local businesses the ability to show up to three […]
Local Carousel Search Results Increase Clicks on Google AdWords Ads Below Carousel
Many people aren’t fans of the local carousels that display in Google search results. They often look out of place with the black border, although they look better for mobile and tablet users. However, a new study shows just why Google isn’t putting much priority into redesigning them to look better – they increase ad […]
Google Tracking Number of Phone Calls Made via Google My Business
A great addition to Google My Business is a feature that shows the number of times a business is phoned from a Google My Business (GMB) listing. Owen Kane was the first to spot the addition. Google is getting the data by tracking clicks made on the phone number, so businesses that tend to be […]
California Signs Law that Fines Businesses for Non-Disparagement Clauses
Last month, a story broke about a hotel, the Union Street Guest House in Hudson, New York, that was fining brides and grooms if any of their wedding guests posted a negative review on a site such as Yelp. Not surprisingly, it generated a huge amount of negative publicity for the hotel. This week, Governor […]
Yelp Uses Private Yelp Messages to Find Paid Reviews Evidence
Yelp announced that they have released 61 new “Consumer Alerts” on the Yelp pages of businesses who have been found to be spamming the review system through either multiple reviews from the same IP address or who have been found offering payment or discounts for fake reviews. The businesses are flagged with alert notices for […]
Google Testing New Mobile Looking Local Desktop Search Results
Google is testing yet another new local search result style, this one looking much more mobile-esque than previous tests we have seen. Andrew Shotland from Local SEO Guide was the first to spot the new style. Here is the initial screenshot of the search results. Then if you click through on the “More movers” link […]
Should Yelp Flag or Remove Listings Where Owners Fine for Bad Reviews?
A story broke about a hotel that caters to wedding parties would fine the bridal couple a $500 fee for every bad review left by a wedding guest on Yelp or another review site. This fine would be taken from the deposit the Union Street Guest House in Hudson, New York collects when a couple […]
Huge Google Local Algo Update Shakeup – Pack Drops 62%
There is a brand new Google local update and it is definitely getting some major attention from those in the local space in the US. Local pack results have been reduced dramatically, spam is being targeted and Google is trying to reduce the number of duplicate local listings on a single search results page. Here […]
Join the Google My Business Feedback Program
Google My Business, (the name of the new dashboard for local businesses for Search, Maps and Google+), is soliciting feedback from businesses and local SEOs, and if chosen, it could even include a trip to Google for in-person interviews. The new program, called the “Google My Business Feedback Program” wants feedback to help shape the […]