Google: Google My Business
Google adds ‘Black-owned’ business attribute to local listings
The attribute can show when listings appear in Search and Maps and is part of several initiatives aimed at supporting Black business...
Google rolling out LSAs and ‘Google Screened’ to select professional services nationally
After successful test, the program goes into general availability....
Google offering ‘upgraded’ GMB profile with Google Guaranteed badge for $50 per month
Google tested the idea of subscription-based services for GMB in April 2019....
Google will now notify GMB account owners by email when local listings suspended
Seen as a major step forward, the notice still won't explain the reason for a Google My Business account suspension....
With new ‘pilot program,’ Google again testing ads on local business profiles
The ads can't be removed or influenced by the business owner....
Google positioned to dominate the ‘O2O economy’
Online-to-offline: Nearly $12 trillion in offline economic activity is likely impacted by the internet....
Google upgrades enterprise messaging capabilities in Maps and Search
Enhanced features include smart replies, visual product carousels, custom welcome...
Google to shutter CallJoy, virtual agent for SMBs, on July 22
Call intelligence service was another Area 120 project....
Google adding local store details to Shopping, free Promoted Pins for Smart campaigns, more
New features and updates are aimed at local businesses and services in the "reopening...
Yelp offers upgraded COVID reopening tools for local businesses, restaurants
The company is also modifying Waitlist to help restaurants to better manage capacity during mandatory social distancing....
Local SEOs most focused on link building and content development, report finds
80% of survey respondents said they were also buying (local) ads on Google....
Google My Business offers more flexibility with business hours
Check your Google My Business console to set your "more hours" to reflect COVID-19 precautions....
New Google My Business features aim to help SMBs pivot and survive COVID-19
The new tools and capabilities mirror the expanding role of GMB as a gateway to both offline and online services....
Is automotive a bellwether for Google My Business trends during COVID-19?
Compared automotive results with all others to find customers are actively interested in supporting businesses that share updates and respond to...
More missing Google My Business reviews appearing as publication speed picks up
Google is now posting user reviews and photos in all countries and the vast majority of business categories....
What do local SEOs really think of Google My Business support?
The quality of support isn't likely to magically improve once the virus clears, so let's hope that the future doesn't so clearly reflect the...
GMB usage declines, but poised to become more powerful post-coronavirus
Google, and the pandemic, have made GMB into the most important local marketing tool for SMBs and multi-location...
Google adds website links to ‘Call Ads’
The optional link relieves call-volume pressure and can result in 'fewer accidental calls and more qualified leads' says the company....
When your Google My Business listing becomes your lifeline
During coronavirus, we see how GMB can be a business’s lifeline during a time of disruption. Here are some lessons...
Fake reviews problem is much worse than people know
Like a virus it infects all the major review sites, especially Google and Amazon....