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 Google adds Reddit to product searches and spammers follow:  

We discuss a new study by Glenn Alsop that examines the prevalence of discussion and forum search features This module is a tacit admission on Google's part that its algorithm can no longer actually surface good organic content. LikeThe study, which analyzed 10,000 product review search queries, revealed significant insights into user behavior and Google's response to search result satisfaction.

According to the findings, the discussions and forums Search Engine Results Page (SERP) feature appears in 77% of the analyzed queries, with Reddit emerging as the dominant platform in this category. Alsop's research indicated that Reddit was present 98% of the time when the discussions and forums feature appeared, often occupying two out of the three results showcased.

 Google announces review removals with PR puffery: 

Google, according to their release, removed 170 million fake reviews last year. They blocked 14 million policy violating videos and 2 million attempts by bad actors to claim GBPs. And they blocked 12 million fake GBPs. These numbers sound like big numbers. But then if you actually think about the fact that there are over 230 million businesses in the world in Google’s index it comes out to less than 1 review per business. The same analysis can be applied to the takedowns as well. Despite the bluster the problem is getting no better and in some area like LSA’s its getting worse.

 Google Maps AI (SGE) a hot mess:  Google has rolled out a Google Maps AI experiment to a limited number of Local Guides. While holding the promise of delivering long tail results and providing meaningful improvements to Maps, the product is slow and non-rsponsive. While it might get better, it needs to do so soon as it is a significantly worse experience than Maps.

The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.
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