Category: Google+ Local

It appears (h/t Conrad O’Connell via David Mihm) ) that Google now allows reviews to be left with just a Google account and is no longer requiring the use of a Google Plus. This appears to be true across all browsers on both mobile and desktop. Read the whole store at GetFiveStars.

Google My Business updated their help file page: “Improve your local ranking on Google” Page.  And surprisingly, after a slow start, actually added some real ranking information (this does not appear to be a April 1 Joke): Prominence is also based on information that Google has about a business from across the web (like links, articles, and … Continue reading Google My Business Updates “Improve your local ranking on Google” Page →

On mobile, Google has been slowly moving towards “immersive search” as the local search experience. Google’s goal is to allow the user to get all of the information that they need via Google, never having to leave for another site. We saw this very dramatically last week with the introduction of Google Destinations. We see … Continue reading What Does Google’s Immersive Search Experience Look Like via the Mobile Pack Results? →

Several weeks ago Mary and I had a discussion at the Deep Dive at Local U about whether Google was using review sentiment in ranking. While I noted that the new patents for entity rank seemed to indicate that professional reviews might influence rank, that I had not seen any indication that sentiment as expressed within … Continue reading Google Local Restaurant Search Autofilters on Best, Cheapest Like Phrases →

I have been enjoying my work at GetFiveStars. What is most enjoyable is the constant effort to upgrade our feedback and review platform to better serve businesses. The most recent effort on that front has been our new integration with QuickBooks Online via Zapier. Imagine all of the power of GetFiveStars happening automagically from within … Continue reading GetFiveStars Now Integrates with QuickBooks Online →

Last week I noted that Google updated its mobile branded search results with the addition of the People Also Search for option showing in the search results as opposed to being buried in a Knowledge Panel. It appears that the update has also expanded the concept by adding additional nuance and detail to those suggested alternative results. Now, … Continue reading Google Expands “People Also Search For” on Mobile →

Google Home Services Ads were first tested in July, 2015. In August of that year they went public as part and parcel of Google Adwords Express. We have also seen it tested both without and with the 3 pack.  And as of yesterday we saw that Google was promoting the product’s use strictly by phone. When … Continue reading Google Home Services Ads – Whats the Hold Up? →

I have written about a number of test products by Google recently. Their chance of success is unpredictable. Certainly Google wants to to be in lead gen… and be able to take credit for that last click before the sale. But if you want to look at the future of Google “search” square in the … Continue reading Google Destinations – A Full Funnel Immersive Experience →

Google seems to be experimenting with a new enhancement of their Home Service Ads product which allows consumers to just call Google directly when searching for a plumber rather than searching for one. Joe Goldstein spotted this Google ad on a a search for “Plumber Los Gatos” which encourages a user searching for plumbers to contact … Continue reading Don’t Call A Plumber – Call (or Text) Google Concierge →

On mobile, scrolling down the screen seems both easier and more common for most users. I have not seen the research as to scroll depth. Regardless because the screen is smaller and the opportunity to find the answer is less, many folks don’t hesitate on mobile results. Google, more and more, seems to want users … Continue reading Google Updates Mobile Branded Search with People Also Search For Option →

Google wants to make search and actions from search fast, content rich and profitable. They want to become the place (not unlike Facebook) were people go, the consume, they buy. Unlike news organizations that have the chops to do AMP pages most small businesses will take years before they achieve that level of being able … Continue reading Is the Future of Local Search Packless? →

Google appears to have a new post/stream oriented publishing platform waiting in the wings to replace Plus. Unlike Plus it is currently being given broad front page exposure on keyword searches. It is immediately available for candidates in the Presidential election AND appears to be available to a select group of beta testers. The new … Continue reading Google’s Newest Social Sharing Environment? Google Posts →

When Google ripped  Local out of Google Plus last summer and stopped linking to Plus, they noted that the unverified Plus pages (what Google called “shell” pages) would be removed. That never seemed to happen but it might just be starting now. Removing the Plus Pages must have been a difficult process with a few too many dependencies and those … Continue reading Is Google Finally Nuking Unverified Plus Pages? →

AllLocal is reporting that Google GMBL (bulk) has finally added support for businesses to add photos to their listings. The feature allows photos to be uploaded to for the following fields Profile photo, Logo photo, Cover photo, Other photos. More importantly Google now allows the business to identify which of the specifically uploaded photos is their “Preferred … Continue reading Google Bulk Allows Photo Uploads …. Finally →

At Local U Mike Ramsey and I take a deep dive into simple and easy to implement use cases that small businesses can take advantage of with SMS.

Early in February Barry Schwartz reported that Google had rolled out a new mobile travel search experience that made provided a very deep “click in” experience on Google. On a search like “Where to go in France” Google offered tiles in the main search for significant cities that when clicked took you to a list … Continue reading Google Updates Mobile Travel Experience with Additional Planning Features →

Google expanded the Local Guides program from its initial review focused emphasis and has been encouraging other types of engagements with Google Maps. in November they started giving Local Guide points for photos uploaded, and  listings edited. They even have offered Regional Lead status in MapMaker to them. The program was introduced in January of last year and while it is … Continue reading Google Incentivizes Local Guides with Gamefication and Kudos →

There has been much written about Google now showing 4 ads at the top of search.  Mostly about its impact on bidding and ad costs. Given that Google tests these things and likely has a good handle on the income implications, we can rest assured that they have not made any changes that would reduce … Continue reading 4 Ads At Top And Local Search →

Ryan Schilling of Lead Hub, noted (h/t Barry Schwartz) on Twitter spotting  click to call phone numbers in mobile organic results. The snippets are appearing in both organic and YouTube universal results on the iPhone. To see these results you need to click through to page 2 of the search results on mobile only (let … Continue reading Click to Call Phone Numbers in Mobile Organic Results →

Our Local U Advanced is rapidly approaching. We still have seats left if you are a last minute type. To sign up visit our Eventbrite page. With David Mihm, Mary Bowling, myself as well as Andrew Shotland, Google, Joy Hawkins and the rest of the Local U gang it promises to be a great event. … Continue reading Local U Deep Dive in Local – The Role of Links in Local SEO →