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.
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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 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.
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.
The ‘Vicinity Update’: Winners and losers from the November 2021 local update
This update seemed to be focused on changes around proximity and distance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
9 in 10 customers more likely to overlook a negative review if the business responds adequately, Yelp says
Half of survey respondents said they don’t trust reviews if they know the business asked customers to leave them.
Bing now lets you search local stores
Microsoft said this new feature will help searchers check store stock availability and choose to buy online and pick up in-store.
Seismic event or overblown rebrand: Local search experts weigh in on ‘death’ of Google My Business
Google’s recent rebranding and new profile management options may be a sign that it’s improving features for multi-location brands, while driving adoption with SMBs via profile controls in Search and Maps.
Google Search lets you see if a doctor or healthcare facility takes your insurance
Make sure to update your healthcare client's Google Business Profile and website to ensure Google is showing accurate details.
Google says it values all local reviews, both positive and negative
Google has updated their help documents to say it finds a mix of reviews more trustworthy.
How marketers can adapt to Google’s local SEO changes
SEOs should prepare for the coming changes in local reviews, knowledge panels and mobile displays.
Yelp’s new ad types aim to connect national advertisers to local users
Sponsored Collections may appeal to brands that typically don’t advertise on Yelp and Seasonal Spotlight Ads might help multi-location brands create another touchpoint to showcase their seasonal promotions.
Google Maps will show price ranges for US restaurants
The company also announced an expansion of indoor directories, Pickup with Google Maps and Area Busyness trends.