AI usage surges 6X for local search, fragmenting the digital ecosystem
Local search behavior now straddles multiple platforms, with consumers traversing a 'verification loop' to find actionable information.
Topic: Local search
Google location asset requirements: What you need to know
Wrong address? Missing location? Disapproved asset? Here’s where to look before changing your Google Ads setup.
Amazon Ads taps Yelp to turn product purchases into local service leads
Amazon Ads is turning high-intent shopping signals into local service leads, connecting shoppers with Yelp professionals.
Yelp brings restaurant reservations and waitlists to ChatGPT
ChatGPT users can now reserve a table or join a Yelp waitlist without leaving the conversation, streamlining discovery to booking.
Why the F.A.C.T.S. model is the key to search everywhere optimization
Learn how to boost visibility across search, social, reputation, and AI using SOCi's F.A.C.T.S. model for multi-location brands.
ChatGPT gains access to Yelp reviews, ratings, and photos
Yelp will feed real-time local data into ChatGPT, including reviews, photos and quote requests, with branded links back to its platform.
Google Business Profile products: 3 ways to productize your presence
Should you use Google Business Profile Products, in-store products, or Merchant Center? Learn which and how to implement.
How to run a local GEO baseline audit
Find out whether AI recommends your business, gets your information right, or favors competitors before investing more in local SEO.
Why TikTok deserves a place in your SEO strategy
TikTok is adding new ways for businesses to be discovered, from Local Feed and AI summaries to creator reviews and TikTok Shop.
Yelp launches AI-powered Assistant to streamline local search and bookings
Yelp’s AI Assistant shifts discovery toward direct booking, increasing competition at conversion.
Why your website is now the source of truth in local AI search
AI may surface your business, but your website is where decisions happen. Learn how to structure content for visibility, trust, and action.
Google Ask Maps is moving from listings to recommendations
New tests show Ask Maps is guiding users with recommendations, shifting how businesses get surfaced and how local rankings are influenced.
ChatGPT enables location sharing for more precise local responses
This should result in better local responses from OpenAI's ChatGPT.
How to build FAQs that power AI-driven local search
Turn reviews, social comments, and call data into content that answers real questions, closes gaps, and stays consistent across platforms.
How structured data supports local visibility across Google and AI
Schema helps Google and AI systems verify business information and reduce conflicts across local packs, AI Overviews, and search results.
75% of ChatGPT users rely on ‘keywords’ for local services: New data
New data shows people use ChatGPT to find local healthcare and aesthetics providers through short prompts, keywords, and limited follow-up.
Google Maps adds know before you go, trending in explore tab and more
Reviewers can also now use a nickname and not their real name when leaving a Google review.
How to get your service area business verified on Google
Master Google verification for service area businesses. Prepare documents, ace video verification, and keep your profile compliant.
GEO x local SEO: What it means for the future of discovery
You can dominate local rankings yet disappear in AI search. Learn how to win the citations that actually drive local customers.
Why your Google event post isn’t showing and how to fix it
GBP event posts for restaurants and bars can show in mobile search – but only if done right. Here’s how to meet Google’s criteria.
Google PMax, Smart Campaigns to prioritize high-intent offline conversions
Google is shifting how Smart and PMax campaigns optimize for offline conversions by prioritizing high-intent users on Search and Maps.
Multi-location SEO: Boost local visibility for each location
Learn how to optimize your website for multiple business locations. Discover strategies for local landing pages, Google Business Profiles, and location-based SEO.
How geotagging photos affects Google Business Profile rank: Study
How does geotagging photos affect local SEO? A 10-week study reveals surprising effects on 'near me' vs city-based Google ranking.
Google Maps + Local Search rankings are NOT the same
Are you sure you know how Local Search rankings really work? Discover how this differs from performance in Google Maps.
Google search trends every restaurant needs to know in 2025
From YouTube Shorts to AI-driven search trends, Google’s latest insights show what’s next for restaurant marketing.
Yelp sues Google, alleging illegal dominance of local search
The lawsuit alleges illegal monopoly practices related to local search and local search advertising.
The Google Maps pin scam: A new Google Business Profile threat
Understand how this deceptive practice affects rankings and learn the safe way to correct your listing's location.
Search Engine Land Awards 2023: Complete finalists list
We're excited to announce the nominations for this year's Search Engine Land Awards. Winners will be announced Oct. 23.
Google SGE now uses photos and reviews from Google Business Profile listings
Google has updated the Search Generative Experience to use Business Profile data for its AI-snapshots.
Google Bard now can use your device’s precise location for more relevant local results
To enable this, manage your preferences in location settings.
This day in search marketing history: March 25
Google Panda patent granted, plus: Microsoft starts IndexNow push, mobile-friendly update details, AdWords remarketing and more.
This day in search marketing history: February 19
Google removes right sidebar ads, plus: Bing Webmaster tools refresh, YMYL ranking weights, hreflang notifications and more.
New Yelp Fusion feature integrates Mailchimp, Roadtrippers, Realtor.com, more
Yelp Fusion brings content to consumers with multiple new brand integrations.
Search Engine Land Awards 2022: Complete finalists list
We're excited to announce the nominations for this year's Search Engine Land Awards. And our first two winners!
New searchable Instagram map gives visibility to local businesses
Instagram making it easier for users to discover restaurants, cafes, hotels and other local businesses.
Google to test AR prototype glasses, lenses for visual search and more
Is this the second generation of Google Glass, how will this change the future of search and marketing?
Google may update business hours in local listings with AI
So make sure to routinely review your business hours to ensure they are accurate.
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.
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.
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.