Local
Google may require double verification for some business profiles
Google updated its help documents to say that it may require you to verify your business with an additional method.
Local
Local
How to use Google Business Messages to talk to your customers
Google's Business Messages is one of the best ways to connect with your customers and future customers.
Local
New business openings nearly match pre-pandemic levels, Yelp says
However, most major cities actually experienced a decrease in openings.
Google Maps
Google Search local pack’s map is now interactive
The new map lets you zoom, pan, hover and click to see more details on the map.
Google testing questions and answers in the Google Maps interface
This feature first launched in 2017 in the local panel and Google appears to be testing it in Google Maps.
Local
Google dropping follow and welcome offers in local listings
Soon, you won't be able to follow local businesses in Google anymore.
Google launches Google Business Profiles calls API
Businesses can pull call history data from this API and into their CRM software.
Local
Yelp introduces Keyword Boosting, rolls out Custom Location Targeting to all advertisers
Keyword Boosting may help local businesses achieve better campaign performance and reach higher intent audiences.
Local
Google opens up about how Maps review moderation works
Google’s overview details why it might update its policies, how it enforces them and the role of machines and humans in content moderation.
Local
New lawsuit targets Google over location data
Google is accused of using dark patterns to get more location data from its users and profit from better search results and Google Ads.
Google Business Profiles sets waiting period for new owners and managers
Newly granted users now must wait 7 days before they can manage all the features of the profile.
Apple
Apple Maps: What a maps web snapshot can do for your online content
Apple lets you create a static map image from a URL with chosen parameters and characteristics.
Local
Google now lets you place products at the top of your local and Maps listing
Google Business Profiles now let's you mark a product as special to pop it to the top.
Local
The ‘Vicinity Update’: Winners and losers from the November 2021 local update
This update seemed to be focused on changes around proximity and distance.
Local
Bing launches travel-oriented results pages and a trip-planning hub
The new features may make it even harder for OTAs to compete in the search results.
Google Maps adds dock to bottom
Searchers can now dock places they find in Google Maps to the bottom of the map interface.
Local
Google also had a local search update from November 30 through December 8
This overlapped other ranking updates and a Google map and local pack update design change.
Local
YouTube to automatically link to places mentioned in videos
Places Mentioned will be available on the Android and iOS YouTube apps for food and drinks videos where YouTube can detect places.
Local
Google Posts open to hotels for update notices but not promotions
Hotels can now officially use Google Posts in their local listings but in a limited way.
Local
Exclusive: The most popular Yelp search filters
While the most common filter, “Open Now,” isn’t surprising, the data can inform local business owners of what consumers prioritze as they browse different business categories.