Local SEO - The Expert’s Guide

Google Business Profile suspensions, disappearing reviews, and sudden listing removals are happening more often than ever, and most business owners have no idea why.

In this webinar, we sit down with a seasoned Google Business Profile product expert, Ben Fisher, Co-Founder at @SteadyDemand who works inside the mess every day, dealing with real suspensions, failed verifications, spam networks, and review wipeouts.

Links:

Steady Demand

https://www.steadydemand.com/

Tool http://peec.ai/

Sterling Sky Podcast

https://www.sterlingsky.ca/local-seo-the-experts-guide-podcast/

Localu Global Virtual Conference VOD

https://localu.org/localu-global-access-on-demand-recorded-january-28-2026/

Local Search Reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/localsearch/

Video: 7 Local SEO Mistakes Costing Your Business THOUSANDS (Fix These NOW!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54_JsfQuLx8

#localseo #googlebusinessprofile #digitalmarketing

EP 26008

AI is changing local SEO fast—and your Google visibility may be shrinking even if rankings haven’t dropped. Using data from 179 Google Business Profiles, this video exposes how AI Local Packs are replacing the 3-pack, slashing calls and traffic. Learn why it’s happening, what it means for your business, and how to adapt now.

In this exclusive session, we’re joined by Mike King, one of the sharpest minds in search, to unpack the wildest shifts happening in Google’s AI-powered results right now. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at real tactics Mike is using for clients today to gain visibility across AI platforms like Google and ChatGPT and how you can apply them immediately.

LIVE TOOL DEMO: Mike will walk through a powerful fan-out query tool that uncovers how Google is interpreting and ranking entire topics. We’ll even use real audience examples in the demo so you can see it in action.

What you’ll learn:

✅ The “fan-out query” method explained in plain English

✅ How to pull Google’s full query list for your niche

✅ Tactics to help small businesses stand out in an AI-dominated search landscape

✅ Why certain blackhat strategies still work (and Mike’s take on them)

Whether you’re a business owner, SEO strategist, or just trying to stay ahead of AI’s impact on search, this webinar will leave you with actionable insights you won’t find anywhere else.

Save your seat now and come ready with a topic for the live tool demo! Register👉 https://localu.org/how-rank-2026-mike-king-webinar/

Links:

Mike King's Tool - https://ipullrank.com/tools/qforia

https://ipullrank.com/case-studies

Mike King's Conference April 27-30, 2026 - https://seoweek.org/

LocalU Global - Attend from Anywhere🌎 - https://localu.org/etn/localu-global-january-28-2026/

Next Months Webinar: https://localu.org/gbp-violations-punishment-ben-fisher/

Local SEO is changing fast! For more 👉🏻 https://www.sterlingsky.ca/the-state-of-local-seo-in-2026/ Learn about the 3 major threats facing businesses in 2026: disappearing organic visibility, AI's impact on search, and aggressive review attacks. Experts Joy Hawkins @SterlingSkyInc Luc Durand @rankingacademy & Darren Shaw @WhitesparkCa reveal how to prepare, understand mobile search shifts, deal with fake reviews, and apply effective strategies to stay competitive. Don't fall behind – watch LIVE to secure your local rankings!

Date : December 17, 2025

Time : 11:00 am - 1:00 pm ET

Register for updates: https://localu.org/etn/surviving-local-seo-in-2026/

Chapters:

0:00 Welcome to 2026 Local SEO Threats & Expert Introductions

2:00 Understanding Declining Google Business Profile Calls

4:30 The Impact of AI-Powered Local Packs on Visibility

8:00 Google's Monetization Strategy & SERP Changes

13:00 The Rise of Local Pack Ads and Local Services Ads (LSAs)

16:00 Maximizing Value from Local Services Ads: Agency Perspective

20:00 Diversifying Lead Generation Beyond Organic SEO

23:00 Analyzing Traffic from AI Platforms like ChatGPT & Gemini

29:00 Why Video Marketing is Essential for Local Businesses

36:00 Debunking Local SEO Myths: Geotagging & AI-Generated Video

40:00 Whitespark Local Ranking Grid: Advanced Tracking & LLM Visibility

45:00 Effective Strategies for Google Review Generation

50:00 Open Hours as a Local Ranking Factor & Service Area Business (SAB) Challenges

58:00 Navigating Co-working Spaces & Subleasing for Business Addresses

1:02:00 Optimizing Service Area Pages & Core Business Citations

1:07:00 Combating Review Extortion & Understanding Google's Review Jail

1:19:00 Top Local SEO Strategies for 2026 Success

1:25:00 Identifying & Avoiding Wasted Local SEO Tactics

1:32:00 Ranking Strategies for Gemini AI & Perplexity: What Matters Now

1:36:00 Essential Call Tracking for Local SEO & The Role of TikTok Ads

1:40:00 Developing Niche Video Content Ideas for Local Businesses

1:42:00 Local Grid Tracking: "Near Me" vs. "Keyword + City" Queries

1:44:00 Best Practices for Responding to Negative Google Reviews

1:48:00 Final Key Takeaways to Future-Proof Your Local Business

#LocalSEO

#GoogleBusinessProfile

#ReviewManagement

We thought press releases were dead for Local SEO, but new tests prove they're a powerful, overlooked strategy! For more 👉🏻 https://www.sterlingsky.ca/do-press-releases-help-with-seo/ Discover how PRs boost local pack & organic rankings, plus influence Google's AI overviews. We share real case studies with significant traffic jumps. SEO evolves fast – learn why always testing is critical for success in 2025. Comment if you're testing & subscribe for more data-driven SEO insights! #PressReleaseSEO #LocalSEOStrategy #GoogleRankings #LocalSEOStrategy #GoogleRankings

Dive deep into the evolving world of SEO with expert insights! Learn why traditional SEO tactics are dead, how Forbes' strategy crumbled, and the new 2026 playbook for success. Discover the power of brand building, founder marketing, and Reddit as an SEO cheat code. We'll also explore AI's true role in content and what Google won't tell you. Don't miss out on strategies to protect your traffic and thrive in 2026 and beyond. Subscribe for cutting-edge Local SEO insights!

Date : November 13, 2025

Time : 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm ET

Register for updates: https://localu.org/etn/the-future-of-seo-what-google-wont-tell-you-but-we-will/

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro: The Future of SEO & Content

00:40 - Why Viral Content Isn't Always Effective

01:40 - Forbes' SEO Strategy Collapse Explained

04:05 - Understanding Google's Helpful Content Update

06:45 - The Old SEO Playbook: What's Dead in 2025

09:30 - The New SEO Strategy: Build Brand First

12:00 - SEO for Small Businesses: When to Invest

14:20 - Choosing Organic Channels: Fit Over Hype

17:30 - Reddit: The SEO "Cheat Code" & Its Risks

23:45 - How Reddit Manipulates Google & AI

28:00 - Founder Marketing & Business Exits

30:45 - Small Business Marketing: Ads vs. SEO

33:00 - Personal Brand: Surviving the AI Content Wave

35:30 - Hyper-Targeted Bottom-Funnel Content

38:00 - Future of Marketing: Private Communities (Discord, WhatsApp)

43:00 - Ranking in the AI Era: LLMs & SEO

45:30 - New AI Ranking Signals: Reviews, Awards, PR

47:00 - SEO Timeline for Small Businesses: Realistic Expectations

49:10 - Competitor Comparison Content Strategy

52:30 - Website Health Tools & Keyword Research for Topics

55:20 - AI in Content Creation: Repurposing vs. Originality

01:00:30 - The #1 Skill for New Marketers: Copywriting

01:02:00 - Recommended Copywriting Books

01:03:00 - Final Thoughts & Connect with Lars

#SEOFuture #GoogleAI #LocalSEO

Struggling with 'near me' rankings on Google Maps? Our groundbreaking study of 8,000+ businesses across 200 cities uncovers 6 crucial, data-backed factors for dominating local search. We reveal why hiding your address hurts, the power of consistent text reviews, and critical content & photo strategies. Stop guessing and start ranking! What's your biggest 'near me' ranking challenge? Comment below & subscribe for more expert SEO tips!

Got a 1-star Google review? Don’t panic—turn it into profit! Learn 7 proven strategies to handle negative reviews, build customer loyalty, and protect your reputation. These tips from experts like Tommy Mello and Mike Blumenthal will help you respond like a pro and grow your business. Watch now and transform your toughest critics into your biggest fans!

October 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET

Webinar: How Local Businesses Can Rank on Google With YouTube with Jeremy Vest

Discover how local businesses can leverage YouTube to rank higher on Google and generate leads! Join YouTube expert Jeremy Vest as he breaks down strategies for content creation, SEO, effective thumbnails, and paid advertising to grow your business. Learn how to niche down your content, understand viewer intent, and optimize for both YouTube and Google search. Get your free YouTube channel audit at creatorunlock.com now!

00:00 Introduction: YouTube for Local Business Growth

00:14 Meet Jeremy Vest: YouTube Expert & Strategist

00:30 Jeremy's Journey & Host's YouTube Channel Success

01:27 Live Audience Q&A & Channel Audits

02:05 Local Business YouTube Strategy for Google Rankings

02:46 Local Search Intent: Answering Consumer Questions on YouTube

04:32 YouTube's Role in Business Valuation & Acquisitions

06:05 Expanding Video Marketing Beyond YouTube

06:43 Targeting Local Audiences on YouTube: Dentist Example

07:27 Hyper-Targeted YouTube Ads for Local Lead Generation

09:46 Organic Channel Health vs. Paid YouTube Ads Performance

11:05 Live Channel Audit: Personal Injury Lawyer

13:05 Get Your Free YouTube Audit at CreatorUnlock.com

13:43 Building Trust & Branding on Your YouTube Channel

15:17 The Power of Authenticity: Why Human Connection Matters

18:15 Keyword Research: Finding Local Video Topics on YouTube

20:12 Competitor Analysis: Blueprint for Top-Performing Videos

22:37 Live Channel Audit: Foundation Solutions Group

23:46 Understanding the YouTube Algorithm: Click, Watch, Like

24:31 Optimize Your YouTube Banner & Channel Messaging

25:54 Creating Clickable Thumbnails: Design vs. Intent

28:50 Roger Wakefield: A Masterclass in Plumbing YouTube Thumbnails

32:09 Crafting Keyword-Rich YouTube Video Titles

33:18 Live Channel Audit: Dentist (Shorts vs. Long-Form)

33:54 Shorts & Long-Form Videos: Practice Your Reps

36:28 Global Reach: Burned-in Captions & Language Dubbing

38:28 Viewer-First Scripting for Engaging Videos

40:18 Live Channel Audit: Bay Management Group

41:16 Thumbnail Analysis for Property Management Videos

42:16 The Downside of Niche Fragmentation on YouTube

44:52 Live Channel Audit: Bitcoin Conference Videos

45:50 Distinguishing Organic Views from YouTube Ad Views

46:52 Recommended Software for YouTube Thumbnail Creation

47:22 Insights on YouTube SEO Tools like VidIQ

48:44 The Future of AI in YouTube Content Creation

51:51 Why Authenticity Beats AI Slop on YouTube

52:41 Improving Conference Video Titles & Thumbnails

57:21 Essential & Affordable Video Equipment for Small Businesses

59:26 Faces in Thumbnails: Direct Gaze vs. Emotional Cues

01:01:26 Live Channel Audit: Auto Dealer (Wendell Ford)

01:02:50 Identifying Paid vs. Organic Views in Auto Dealership Videos

01:04:04 Using Children in YouTube Videos: Hero Message Guideline

01:06:11 The "Chevy Dude": A Car Salesman's YouTube Success Story

01:08:25 Strategic Use of Capitalization in YouTube Titles

01:09:57 Live Channel Audit: Wedding Team Marketing

01:11:53 Discovering Top Marketing Strategies for Video Content

01:13:08 Jeremy's 12 Rules for Crafting Effective YouTube Titles

01:14:02 Shorts Thumbnails: Less Critical for Discovery

01:14:51 SEO-Driven YouTube Playlists for Content Organization

01:17:14 Balancing Local Service Ads (LSA) & YouTube Ad Spend

01:20:34 Shorts vs. Long-Form for Local Business: Intent & Niche

01:23:11 Live Channel Audit: Addiction Treatment Center

01:24:16 Tailoring Addiction Content: Focus on Families & Specific Issues

01:26:04 Analyzing Performance Drop in Addiction Channel Thumbnails

01:27:04 The Power of Niching Down in Sensitive Topics

01:28:50 Purpose, Profit, Passion: Finding Your Niche Sweet Spot

01:30:36 Live Channel Audit: Fencing Company

01:30:48 Strategic Use of Hashtags for YouTube Topics

01:31:54 Impact of Description Updates on Google & YouTube SEO

01:33:46 Understanding YouTube Topics & Channel Correlation

01:35:51 Analyzing Channels with High Video Count, Low Subscribers

01:36:36 Viral Shorts Strategies for Service Businesses (ASMR Content)

01:38:09 Commercial vs. Purposeful Content for Fencing Channels

01:39:29 Keyword Research for "Fencing" (Installation, Repair, Design)

01:40:49 Deconstructing a Viral Fence Installation Time-Lapse

01:43:03 Dealing with YouTube Trolls: Strategies & Boundaries

01:44:49 Austin Armstrong's Genius Troll-Proofing Technique

01:46:09 Live Channel Audit: Fitness Studio (Pure Motivation)

01:47:18 Extreme Niching in the Fitness YouTube Space

01:51:29 Live Channel Audit: Marketing for Painting Contractors

01:51:54 Optimizing Titles for Painting Contractor Marketing

01:53:05 AI-Powered Title Generation for Painting Businesses

01:53:54 Managing Negative Comments: Blocking & Blacklist Keywords

01:56:52 The "Hack" Keyword: Effective for Clicks, Despite the Cringe

01:57:47 Jeremy's CreatorUnlock Tool: Founder Sale & Coaching

#LocalSEO #YouTubeMarketing #SmallBusinessTips

📈 Want to boost your Google rankings without hiring an SEO agency? This video reveals easy, actionable strategies that deliver real results—from improving reviews and tweaking title tags to optimizing your website menu. Listen now and start implementing today! 💥