The Near Memo

How to Stay Verified on Google, Where Search Is Headed, and What’s Up with Siri?


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In this episode, Mike and Greg break down three major developments shaping the local search and AI landscape. First, they tackle the growing wave of Google Business Profile suspensions caused by rigid, AI-driven video verification—where even legitimate businesses are getting flagged. They offer practical advice on how to avoid getting suspended and why field-based verification is now essential.

Next, they explore new consumer survey data showing a significant rise in people using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for local business discovery. But while AI wins early attention, most users still turn to Google Maps or Search to take action—creating a split-funnel dynamic that Google must navigate to protect its ad model.

Finally, they unpack Apple’s WWDC announcements, noting the glaring absence of Siri. Instead of chasing ChatGPT, Apple is doubling down on privacy-first, on-device AI. Meanwhile, Siri continues to underperform as voice UX expectations are being reshaped by tools like ChatGPT Voice.

This episode is for marketers, SEOs, and local business owners trying to stay ahead of fast-moving changes in AI, search, and platform strategy.

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The Near MemoBy Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal & David Mihm

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