The Local Memo

In this week’s update, learn about Google messaging in posts; a new Google app paying microtaskers to take storefront photos; Search Console upgrades; why GMB keyword data doesn’t match Search Console; Google’s consulting service for small businesses; and new Google Maps overlays for hotels.

In this week’s update, learn about holiday updates in Google Maps; new COVID-19 messaging in Apple Maps; a test of new GMB dashboard features; how social media influences consumer purchases; the Google Guaranteed badge appearing in Maps; and issues with publication of Google review responses.

In this week’s update, learn about the launch date of Google’s page experience update; delays in publication of GMB reviews; the rollout of health and safety attributes for hotels; the new relevance of vertical search; the state of voice search; and a new digital-only offering from Chipotle.

In this week’s update, learn about a new study validating Yelp reviews; a spike in hijacked GMB listings; removal of bank reviews from the local pack; brands struggling with consumer loyalty; big ad gains in Q3 from major tech companies; and the top ten GMB changes in 2020.

In this week’s update, learn about Apple’s new search initiative; TripAdvisor products for restaurants and hotels; local search metrics that matter; a video explaining how Google search works; an uptick in GMB suspensions; and the factors that qualify a business for a label in Google Maps.

In this week’s update, learn about the U.S. antitrust lawsuit targeting Google; Foursquare’s new virtual assistant; the role of the GMB “direct edit” interface; GMB features that do (and don’t) impact ranking; Google Shopping enhancements for the holidays; and health and safety attributes for hotels.

In this week’s update, learn about Google’s new health and safety attributes; new “Place an order” links in GMB profiles; a study of GMB feature adoption; voting info from Google Assistant; wait times and busyness in GMB; using Duplex to improve GMB accuracy; and the expanded role of BERT in Google search results.

In this week’s update, learn about the response of tech companies to a House antitrust report; a new call history feature, virtual appointment options, and a change to video uploads in GMB; Yelp’s new alert about businesses accused of racism; a new local SEO checklist; driving directions on DuckDuckGo; and YouTube’s launch of ecommerce features.

In this week’s update, learn about the rollout of ratings, photos, and COVID-19 safety info in Apple Maps; a new verification prompt in Apple Maps Connect; COVID-19 severity in Google Maps; landmarks in Google Maps Live View; and the global launch of free Google Shopping.

In this week’s update, learn about increased engagement with local businesses on Nextdoor; an Apple Maps pilot in Australia; virtual appointment booking in GMB; new Google Local Ads features; service-area GMB updates; a new GMB video on local ranking; and COVID-19 severity in Google Maps.