It’s that time again—welcome to the Local Search Roundup! June 2023 has been a whirlwind for local SEO, with Google launching its much-anticipated Search Generative Experience (SGE), a few frustrating Google Business Profile (GBP) bugs, and some curious drops in local pack visibility. Let’s dive into what went down across the local search landscape this past month.
Google Business Profile and Maps: Tests and Updates
New GBP Conversion Options in Google Ads
Google Ads just dropped new conversion options that could be a game-changer for businesses using Google Business Profiles. You can now add GBP Call, Tracked Call, or Learn More conversions directly to your ad campaigns. This means more targeted ways to track the success of your ads and refine your strategy. As Google continues to expand its ad capabilities, businesses that stay on top of these changes will be best positioned to drive results.
Live Chat Availability Added to GBP
“Chat with live agent” is now a thing—well, sort of. Google is testing a feature that lets businesses with Messages turned on and using a third-party tool to add a live chat button to their profiles. Imagine the possibilities if you could instantly connect with potential customers as they browse your profile. It’s like having a customer service rep standing by 24/7, ready to convert leads.
Spotted: New Google Business Profile Tests
June saw several intriguing tests pop up on Google Business Profiles and Maps:
Sponsored Listings on Maps: A box labeling sponsored listings has been spotted. Expect more visibility if you’re willing to pay for it.
Profile Pending Edits: Users have noticed a new label indicating when your profile is pending an edit. Transparency is always good, right?
Unverified Reviews in the Map Pack: A new label in the Map Pack shows whether reviews are verified, making it clearer which feedback is legit.
Share Your Recent Map Searches
Google Maps is testing a feature that lets you share a link to recent map searches. While it’s too early to tell if this will boost performance for businesses, it’s an exciting way to engage users and drive more traffic to your location.
Does Google Want to Prioritize Services in Maps?
Allie Margeson pointed out that Google seems to be prioritizing the Services button in search results on Google Maps, making it more prominent than calls, websites, or directions. As Margeson advises, “Google wants you to give searchers the answers in the search results. Don’t sleep on optimizing Services!”
Google Tests Image Slider for GBP Photos
Google is experimenting with a sliding carousel for images on business profiles. It looks like a page straight out of Instagram or LinkedIn’s book, adding a dynamic way to showcase your business visually.
Bugs and Glitches: The Never-Ending Story
Google and bugs seem to be best friends these days. Here’s a rundown of what users dealt with in June:
Image Rejections: A bug that caused images to be rejected from GBPs was rampant, though sometimes it’s not a bug—just a matter of non-compliance.
Blanked-Out Screen on Post Edits: Editing posts left some users staring at a blank screen, adding confusion to an already complex process.
Trouble Inviting New Owners: Another glitch made it impossible to invite new owners to business profiles, though Google is supposedly on it.
Owner to Primary Owner Switch Issues: Some users found that changing an Owner to Primary Owner was glitchy. It’s another day, another hurdle in managing your Google Business Profile.
Algorithm and Ranking Changes
What’s a month in search without some ranking drama? Local search experts noticed a significant drop in local packs, especially on terms that traditionally generated them. This could be an algorithm tweak, or just another day in the ever-changing world of SEO.
What’s New in Local Search?
Incentivizing Reviews by Donating to Charity? Not Allowed
In a recent discussion on The Local Pack, someone asked if donating to charity in exchange for reviews was kosher. Spoiler alert: Google says it’s a no-go. Trying to game the system with incentives like this could land you in hot water, so it’s better to stick with authentic, organic reviews.
Search Generative Experience (SGE)
And finally, the biggest headline of the month: Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE). Unveiled at Google I/O and rolled out on May 25 to waitlisted users across the U.S., SGE is Google’s bold move into AI-assisted search. While it’s still early days, local search marketers should keep a close eye on this. It could reshape the landscape of local search in ways we’re just beginning to understand.
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