Episodes
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
GBP now allows you to select a preferred menu source.OpenAI plans to release a new search engine.Google tests local-only results for searches “near me”.How do you update the order link on a car dealership GBP?How do I acquire worthwhile backlinks?How do I get the best output from AI image generation software?Are apartment buildings eligible for GBP?What should I do if I got suspended for changing branding of a gas station?Will having AI generated images on my GBP trigger a suspension?Can I rearrange the product section on my GBP?What should I do if a business says it’s “located in” my business when it’s not?How do I take down Service Area Businesses GBP locations that were created solely for SEO?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Upcoming Local U events in 2024.Teaser for upcoming changes to a yet unknown GBP category.GBP multi-media manager interface has been streamlined.How do I get a negative review from a competitor removed?Is it acceptable to use AI generated images in a Google Post?Can I transfer reviews from an old deleted GBP to a new one?How do I tell if a GBP listing is keyword stuffing?What should I do if an edit is verified, but still pending?How do I get my ads sponsored on Google Maps?Are kiosks allowed to have GBP listings?Will changing the name on my GBP affect my rankings?What should I do if the Post Office refuses to add a suite for my business, and my GBP gets suspended?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Missing episodes?
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
New GBP suspension appeal process fully rolled out.New Re-review precess for if you fail the appeal.Should I extend GBP hours beyond actual business hours to increase search visibility?Is it worth it to manage Apple Maps listings?Why has my GBP been suspended right after verification?Is it possible to have two locations for one business show up in search when searching for the company name?What should I do if I receive a request for ownership transfer?Are GBP Posts going away?Why aren’t all my locations showing up when I do a branded search?Is it possible to combine GBPs and transfer reviews to one GBP?What do I do if I purchased a company but Google won’t verify the location?Should I make a GBP for each of my locations if they are in the same city?How does the Google update affect leads and rankings?Can I set up a GBP for a service that does tele-health calls?Is Google Search Console useful for tracking click-through rate?Is an organic listing as important for local search?Is using 24/7 for a call center high risk for suspension?How do I change a tracking number without triggering a suspension?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
New reinstatement process rolled out.Google shuts down GBP websites.Should I use several categories for my GBP?Why is a Google phone number showing up in my GBP?Why can’t I add updates or posts on my GBP?How do I get reinstated if I can’t put up permanent signage?Does a co-working space qualify for a GBP?Why am I getting emails from Google about changing my business name?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
New Verticals for Local Services Ads.The State of Local Search 2024 webinar on January 10th.GBP Q&A section has been moved down to the bottom of the profile.How do I stop GBP from correcting the business name to an old name?How do I legitimately claim a second location for a Service Area Business?Does a 1 star review that doesn’t have any text still affect your ratings?Will adding a UTM to a GBP cause suspension?Is postcard verification still viable?Is it okay to use a photo that is already in the listing photos or is that considered duplicate?What is a no-follow link?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
GBP agency dashboard bug prevents accepting invites.Keyboards and mouse can cause suspension.New Ranking Factor based on “openness”.How do I know if leads are coming from ads or from organic ranking?How do I fix a GBP I’ve acquired that has lots of bad reviews?Is is possible to have 30 categories on my GBP?How do I avoid suspension when I move locations?Should I add text to photos in a post?Are GBP entries with the note “Own this business” unclaimed?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Google sends notifications to Google Business Profiles on reviews and suspensions.Verification bug for new GBPs.Google launches a “small business” attribute.Google adds new “activities” section to GBP.If a reinstatement email comes in a no-reply email, what should I do next?Does Google allow emojis to be used in reviews?What does it mean if Google gives me all three verification options?How can I reclaim an old GBP if I’ve forgotten the email?Can I verify a GBP before the location is built?What are verification options other than video verification?What should I do if Google won’t remove a negative review from a competitor?Does it matter the order in which additional categories are added to a GBP?If an address has had issues with fake GBPs in the past, will that affect verification for the current legitimate account?Should I add service areas to my GBP?Why is the chat button appearing on my GBP when I don’t have chat turned on?What should I do if I don’t have access to my Service Area Business account?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Bright Local’s SEO house of horrors for Friday the 13th.You can now text message Google Local Services Ads leads.Google tests a lite version of Search Generative Experience.Google SGE can now create images and text.How do I change the address when I go from brick and mortar to a Service Area Business?Should I use Yext?What is the difference between Suggest an Edit and using a redressal form?How do I delete a duplicate listing?Should I add EV Charging as a category?Is a band eligible for a GBP?Does the order of additional categories on a GBP matter?Are the metrics from GBP insights still inaccurate?Is there any benefit to using Apple Business Connect’s Showcase feature?Is there a way to check interaction with website clicks from Apple Maps in GA?Is there a way to see a list of all GBP listings at an address?Do citations matter for ranking?Should I move my ecommerce site to my main website?How do I not get suspended if I am changing my business name and moving locations?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Google Maps tests third party reviews.New reinstatement process for GBP.Are the AI features in GBP new?Is AI useful for things like GBP posts and metadata?Can I use an SAB for a virtual service?How do I resolve a suspension due to suspicious activity from another account with access?Do I qualify for a GBP if I’m not allowed signage at my location? If you are strictly a service area can you verify residential addresses?How do you un-verify a duplicate listing?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
You can now edit social media links in GBP.Google adds links to Search Generative Experience .Google shares SGE feedback and expands to Japan and India.Bug with photos for desktop users.How do I add new locations in my GBP?Is Google unverifying practitioner listings?Why can’t I add pictures to a Google Post?Why is the chat feature not showing up?How do I have multiple services on multiple location pages?When will Google roll out SGE to the general public?Is adding in information for auto-complete addresses in maps new?Is it an issue to have the same social media links for several different locations on separate GBPs?In the health care field, is it better to set up a listing as a practice or practitioner?How do you optimize secondary categories so that you rank for associated terms for "near me"?If I manage an AdWords account with disapproved ads, can that effect the GBP profiles that I manage with the same email?If a past client/lead contacts you through Local Service Ads and you are charged for it, are you able to dispute it with Google?Will email verification for SABs become more common?How do I access my GBP when it has been suspended for “suspicious activity”?Why does Google not show a positive review?How long does it take for a GBP listing marked as permanently closed to disappear from search results?Where do you add the social links on GBP?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Local Services Ads adds new categories.New appeal form for rejected images and videos on GBP.New image guidelines for Local Services Ads.New GPB attribute of “are dogs allowed”.Is Google removing reviews?Google adds social media links for GBP.What should I do if I’m not getting verified even with a live call?How do I remove incorrect information from my GBP?Is there a way to continuously strengthen the ranks in Google Maps?What should I do if I want to move to a new location?Is the option for the GBP website builder gone?Is Google going to remove the ability for Services to add products?Why can’t I see anything on the right side of the screen when I log onto GBP?What should I do if I upload a video that doesn’t get approved?Should I focus on building up my Apple Business Connect?How do I access my GBP when there’s been a change in ownership?How do I improve the location pin on Google Maps?How do optimize for geo-specific locations when proximity isn’t a factor?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
New categories in Local Services Ads.Google adds a ‘view as customer’ link to GBP dashboard.“Local SEO for Good” online fundraiser by Bright Local coming up on August 30-31.How do you manage multiple listings for a business?What’s the best way to advertise on Google Ads?If there’s no predefined service for a category should we add them to match the services listed on our website?If I have a home business is it okay to use my home address?Is there a problem with reposting a GBP post at a later date?Google seems to be ignoring the redressal forms I’ve submitted for fake businesses - what should I do?Do Google Reviews fall off because of age?Between Bing Places and Apple Business Connect, which is better?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Google reveals charity incentivized reviews are not allowed.Google adds implicit code execution and export tables to Google Sheets.Is there a way to force a video for a cover photo?Will email verification become more common?Is the Pointy app useful for adding products to my GBP?Is my GBP at risk of being suspended if I have the city in my business name?Why is my business marked as “temporarily closed”?If my GBP got suspended because of changes, should I get it reinstated, or try with a new listing?Are Google AI search results good?How can I use GBP with two churches in the same building?What should I do if Google Ads isn’t accepting my business because the name isn’t the same as the domain?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Bing is now the default web scraper for ChatGPT.Bing updates character limits for prompts to 4000 characters.Google rolls out new Search Generative Experience (SGE) AI.Google’s Bard now has images.GPB Services are now being displayed on desktop.Health Care providers need to fill out insurance information for GBP.Does Apple Maps get its data from Yelp?Is Bing relevant?Why do my GBP services keep changing?How do illegitimate listings manage to rank so high?How do I reinstate a suspended SAB when the appeal has been rejected?What are the best practices for uploading videos to GBP?Will there be sponsored results within SGE?Does posting on socials help with ranking?What level of access is best to manage GBP as an agency - manager or owner?How should you deal with a duplicate if your listing is suspended and a new duplicate popped up?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Bing Chat will be showing referrer analytics data.Google sending texts to validate GBP.Local search ranking factors survey results.Do changes to my GBP impact local organic rankings?Is there a way to reclaim a permanently closed listing?How much weight does a website redirect hold on affecting local rankings?Are there GBPs getting verified without any verification method?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Local search developments in Q1.Local search ranking factors survey results have been released. Steady Demand is hiring SEO specialists.Looking for examples of AI review responses.OpenAI gives opportunity to block ChatGPT on your website.How do I get my homepage to rank primarily in one location if I have multiple locations?Is it more difficult to merge duplicate listings if one is an SAB and one is brick-and-mortar?What should I do if Google keeps resetting my address after verifying a new one?Why isn’t there a verification process to submit business licenses?Is there such a thing as voice search optimization? Are there more legitimate reviews being filtered for SAB than brick-and-mortar? How do I do video verification for an SAB?What should I do if my GBP says I’m located inside a building when I’m not?What do I do if my question isn’t being answered in the community forum?Will I get better support if I move to an agency GBP account?Do check ins help ranking in an area?How long does it take to get video verification approved?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Profiles not being visible in the In Search Experience bug is now fixed.What is the role of the Better Business Bureau in the business ecosystem?What is the BBB’s relationship with Google? What is the BBB customer complaint resolution process?How does the BBB know a complaint is not a hired hand from a competitor?What is the recommended set up process for a new business to apply to the BBB?How does the BBB protect ethical business?If the BBB uncovers unethical practices done by a business, how is that handled?Do BBB listings for an SAB have to be paid to have authority?Is there a way to use Google Takeout to download data from one location in an organizational account?How do I get my business listed on the first page of Google?When reporting a spam redressal form, does it matter which email address is used to submit?Can I ask and answer with the same account for an FAQ page?
Updates and QuestionsLinks mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Bing Chat keynote clarifies AI won’t replace SEO.Profile strength indicator bug has been fixed.Why are reviews not showing up?Are product features gone or limited to business/categories?What should I do if I can’t use postcard verification? How can I get access to chat support for GBP?What should I do if my GBP gets suspended because of my address, even though it hasn’t been an issue in the past?If I switch from a location based business to Service Area Business, will switching back trigger a new verification?When adding an attribute, if you check ‘yes’ or ‘no, you can’t uncheck it - is this a problem?If I’m already using Toronto as a keyword on my website, should I add Canada as well for more reach?Can I create a separate GBP for a different vertical under the same business name, but with different suites?Will having dedicated pages for certain areas help me rank?How do you add departments to GBP?Is there a way to set up a GBP for a nonprofit that rents space from another local business?Will changing the name of my business affect traffic?Has there been issues with postcard verification recently?How do I get my account bulk verified?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Pubcon and LocalU in Dallas conventions in 2023.New BrightLocal consumer review survey is out.Bing beta AI chat is being slowly rolled out.How should a company with branches all over the country approach Local SEO?What are the best local SEO agencies to apply to in the US?If I switch from a location based business to Service Area Business, will switching back trigger a new verification?How do text notifications work on a GBP?Is there a bug with the “own this business?” link on GBP? Does video verification work for SABs that use a home address?How do I optimize my homepage for SEO?How do you update an appointment link within the new GBP interface?Is GBP going to become monetized?Should I show my address if I do B2B services?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.
Updates and Questions
Any vehicle with a VIN is now eligible to display in GBP in the US.Google Posts insights are officially deprecated. You can now post videos on Google Reviews.Personal injury spam networks are back.Google announces AI chat based search.Should I use GMB or GBP in the url when implementing UTM tracking?If I want to add new services to my business, should I add the categories to the existing one, or should I create a new business?What should I do if the Q&A shows the answers are from a manager account instead of the primary business owner?How do I verify listings on Apple Business Connect?What should I do if the threads on the forum are locked?How do I go about ranking when a competitor has the knowledge panel?How is a business removing legitimate negative reviews?How do I claim my profile if my Gmail has been shut down?Will changing my name and domain affect my search results?Are the new Google Analytics good?How do I report spam reviews and spam locations?How can I get access to chat support for GBP?What should I do if Google says my profile information is incomplete, but there is nothing to update?Where can I find the option to set the preferred provider for online ordering at a restaurant? What are some good resources for creating a Apple Business Connect account as a third-party?Is it possible to change the ‘popular times’ and ‘wait times’ for a restaurant on GBP?If I have multiple services in the same category labeled as separate businesses, should I consolidate or keep them separate?Does Google take reviews down after ten years?How do I get a duplicate listing removed?If a business has two listings, one with the business name, and one with the business and doctor’s name, is this within the guidelines?Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com
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