By Jenny Bernarde
Welcome to the Local Search Roundup! Your one-stop shop for the latest in local search, Google Business Profile updates, and everything else that’s making waves in local marketing. Whether you’re managing a single location or multiple businesses, staying ahead of these changes is crucial for keeping your digital presence sharp. Let’s dive into what December brought to the table.
What’s New in Google Business Profile?
The In-SERP Edit Experience Fully Rolls Out
Google has officially rolled out its new in-SERP editing experience for Business Profiles, phasing out the traditional dashboard editing method. This shift is designed to streamline profile management directly from the search results page, making it faster to update your information. However, some users miss the old dashboard, where everything felt more centralized.
Photo Insights Are Not Being Transferred to the NMX
Heads up: Google’s new editing experience, known as NMX, is ditching photo insights. That’s right—no more detailed data on how your images are performing. While this has sparked frustration among local SEOs, Google assures us that other profile insights, like views, calls, and messages, will remain intact.
Photo Cropping Added to the NMX
The in-SERP editor now includes a photo cropping tool, making it easier to upload images that are perfectly framed. This tweak is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to make the user experience more intuitive and user-friendly.
Videos in GBPs Are Automatically Playing in the Google Maps App
Google Maps is stepping up its game by auto-playing videos uploaded to business profiles. Positioned right after the second image in the carousel, these videos could boost engagement, making it a good time to consider adding some visual content to your profile.
Hospitality Businesses Can Select Preferred Menus for Business Profiles
For restaurant and hospitality businesses, there’s a new feature allowing you to choose your preferred menu from those Google automatically pulls in. This gives you more control over what your customers see and ensures that your offerings are up-to-date and accurate.
Google Business Profiles Now Include a ‘Showing the World Cup’ Attribute
With the World Cup fever gripping the globe, Google introduced a new attribute for businesses showing matches. Customers can now search for “Where to watch the World Cup near me” and find your venue easily if you’ve activated this feature.
Google Map’s Augmented Reality Live View Is Now Rolling Out
Google Maps has started rolling out its Augmented Reality Live View, allowing users to navigate cities by viewing their surroundings through their phone’s camera. This feature highlights nearby businesses like coffee shops and ATMs, making your location more discoverable to passersby.
You Can Now Search Restaurants by Dish
Searching for a specific dish has never been easier. Google has rolled out a feature allowing users to search for particular menu items in their area. This could be a game-changer for restaurants looking to attract foodies with specific cravings.
A New Layout Test Has Been Spotted, With Larger Photos and Street View Formats
Google’s tinkering with a new layout that features larger photos and street view formats. If rolled out, this could mean more immersive experiences for users checking out your business online.
Google Is Testing a New Placement for Local Businesses in SERPs
Some users have noticed that business maps are being placed directly under their respective snippets in search results, with an updated design for the local panel. This is a subtle but significant change that could affect how businesses are discovered.
Google Is Suggesting Service Areas to Add to Your Google Business Profile
Service-area businesses, take note: Google is now suggesting additional service areas for you to include in your profile. While these are just suggestions, it’s crucial to only add areas you genuinely serve to maintain accuracy.
A Spike in Scam Ownership Requests for Google Business Profiles
Beware of an increase in scam ownership requests. These fraudulent attempts are designed to hijack your business profile, so make sure to scrutinize any ownership requests that come your way.
Some Business Profiles Are Displaying a Label for Edit Review Times
Google has started showing labels that estimate how long it will take to review your requested edits. Most edits are reportedly being reviewed within about ten minutes, which is a significant improvement in turnaround time.
Google Is Now Identifying Previous Business Locations
If your business has moved, Google may now show a pin marking your previous location. This feature is visible only to verified businesses and those viewing suggested edits via the NMX.
Local Pack Headers Are Now Generic Headers
Local pack headers have been simplified to more generic terms, a move that some local SEOs believe could impact how businesses are categorized and displayed in search results.
What’s New in Reviews?
Google Reviews Are Displaying the Number of Reviews Left in That City
Google reviews now show the number of reviews a user has left in a particular city. This change aims to help users gauge the credibility of reviewers, potentially boosting trust in the reviews on your profile.
Google Reviews Are Displaying the Number of Reviews Left in That Category
Similarly, Google reviews are also categorizing the number of reviews a user has left within specific business categories. This added layer of detail could help potential customers make more informed decisions.
Google Reviews Are Now Showing a Positive vs. Unfavorable Percentage Bar
A new rating bar has been introduced for some business types, showing the percentage of positive versus unfavorable reviews. This feature appears when users click into the ‘People often mention’ categories in your reviews, offering a quick snapshot of customer sentiment.
What’s New in Local Services Ads?
New Headers Have Been Spotted in Local Services Ads Results
Google has been testing new headers in Local Services Ads, including an ‘Ads’ label to make the sponsored nature of these listings more transparent. This could impact how users perceive and interact with your ads.
What’s New in Marketing?
Are Ad Agencies Advising Their Clients to Quit Twitter?
With the chaos surrounding Twitter’s new ownership, some businesses are reconsidering their presence on the platform. The question is: Are agencies advising their clients to jump ship? The jury’s still out, but it’s something worth keeping an eye on as the social media landscape evolves.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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