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In this milestone 200th episode, the NearMemo crew unpacks Googleās mounting regulatory woes in Europe, including fresh scrutiny under the Digital Markets Act. Mike breaks down a storm of GBP bugs and business suspensions and ponders the fact that Google is actually admitting to them.. Greg steers the convo into the evolving future of searchāwhere AI, chat interfaces, and user expectations are reshaping everything. From legal battles to UI battles, itās clear: the search landscape is shifting fast.
David discusses his recent trip to Europe and the implications of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).The DMA aims to create a fairer digital market, particularly regarding Google's self-preferencing practices.There is a lack of awareness among marketers in Europe about the DMA and its potential impact.AI overviews from Google may fall under the DMA's regulations due to their proprietary nature.The conversation highlights the need for businesses to adapt to changes in search interfaces driven by AI.Google's current challenges with Business Profiles are causing significant issues for businesses.Google, in uncharacteristic fashion actually admitted to these problems. Is this a new, more transparent Google or just a temporary change because so much has gone so wrong in such a short time. The hosts discuss the potential for Bing to innovate and capture market share in the evolving search landscape.Marketers should monitor traffic and visibility in AI platforms like ChatGPT and Copilot.The hype around AI in search is significant, but its impact on traffic is still developing.The conversation emphasizes the need for marketers to stay informed and adapt to rapid changes in the digital marketing environment.
00:00 Celebrating the 200th Episode (sort of)
01:23 Europe to Google: Play Fair or Pay Up
13:48 Googleās GBP Meltdown: Bugs, Delays & SuspensionsāOh My! And They Admit It!
21:42 The Future of Search: Bingās Chance, Googleās Dilemma, and the Chat UX Revolution
TakeawaysSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal discuss the current state of Google suspensions, the impact of AI overviews on local search traffic, and the evolving landscape of digital marketing strategies. They emphasize the importance of businesses becoming less reliant on Google and exploring alternative marketing channels while navigating the challenges posed by AI and changing search dynamics.
Takeaways
ā¢Google's traffic dynamics are shifting, impacting everyone.
ā¢Suspension isues have been fixed but appeals times for reinstatement have increased significantly.
ā¢AI overviews are reducing visibility for organic search results.
ā¢Businesses should be cautious when making changes to their listings.
ā¢The importance of managing Google Business Profiles is highlighted.
ā¢Only a small percentage of businesses actively manage their reviews.
ā¢Building a brand independent of Google is crucial for success.
ā¢Social media is a primary channel for customer engagement amongst SMBS.
ā¢AI traffic is not a substitute for traditional search traffic.
ā¢Google's strategy is to retain users by integrating AI into search.01:36 Update: Google Suspensions/Reverification Fix and Backlog
05:36 The Rise of AI Overviews in Local Search
11:27 Navigating the Future of Google and AI
16:56 Marketing Strategies in a Changing LandscapeSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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In this episode, Greg and Mike discuss the recent EU findings regarding Google's non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the implications of algorithm changes leading to increased suspensions and verifications, and the evolving landscape of AI competition, particularly focusing on Google's strategies to retain users amidst rising AI technologies. They also explore the future of local SEO and its unique position in the market.
takeaways
Google's violation of the DMA highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny.Suspensions and verifications are increasing, indicating algorithmic changes.AI mode may be sufficient for many users, keeping them within Google's ecosystem.Local SEO is less impacted by AI than generic publishers.Conversions should be the focus for local businesses, not just traffic.00:00 EU's Preliminary Findings on Google and Apple
08:51 Suspension Verification Algorithm Issues
16:08 AI Competition and Market Dynamics
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Buckle up for another Near Memo packed with search drama, AI experiments, and a high-speed Tesla takedown. Mike and Greg dive into Googleās ongoing Business Profile suspensions, unpack the latest AI-driven search changes, and speculate on whether Elon Musk has permanently tanked Teslaās brand. Plus, a peek at Googleās antitrust battle and what losing Chrome could mean for search dominance.
00:00 The State of Google Business Profile Suspensions
09:39 Trump's DOJ to Force Google to Sell Chrome?
12:26 AI Mode and Local Search
24:59 Tesla's Brand Reputation CrisisThe State of Google Business Profile Suspensions: Whatās Going On?
Google Business Profile suspensions are on the rise, and support is crawling at a snailās pace. Mike breaks down why small businesses should not touch their listings right now (seriously, donāt even breathe on them). Is this a bug, a crackdown, or just Google losing control of its own algorithm?
Googleās Antitrust Battle: Will Chrome Be Sold Off?
The DOJ wants Google to offload Chrome as part of its latest antitrust smackdown. Google, of course, thinks thatās a terrible idea. But if the judge agrees, this could shake up search in a big wayāespecially since Chrome feeds Google a ton of juicy user data. The appeal process will be long, but this could be the biggest change to Googleās search empire in years.
AI Mode and Local Search: A Game Changer or a Mess?
AI-powered local search is officially here! Greg takes us on a tour of Google's experimental AI Mode, which is serving up completely different local results than the usual search listings. Businesses, buckle upāthis could make optimizing for local search way more unpredictable. Is AI Mode the future, or is it just another search rabbit hole?
Teslaās Reputation Crisis: Can the Brand Recover?
Tesla's reviews are tanking, and itās not just because of Elonās Twitter anticsācustomers are furious about service and quality issues. But now that Musk has also alienated half his customer base, things are getting worse. Will Tesla pull a Microsoft-style comeback, or is this the beginning of the end? Mike and Greg break it down.
Takeaways
There has been a dramatic increase in Google Business Profile suspensions since January.
Google's support is resource-constrained, leading to delays in addressing suspensions.
Businesses should avoid making changes to their Google profiles to prevent further complications.
The Department of Justice is pursuing antitrust actions against Google, which could lead to significant changes in the market.
AI mode in local search is showing different results compared to traditional search methods.
Tesla's brand reputation is suffering due to a combination of service issues and political controversies surrounding Elon Musk.
The correlation between Tesla's sales and declining ratings suggests a complex relationship between customer satisfaction and sales performance.
Google's algorithm changes may be causing unintended consequences for businesses.
The verification process for Google Business Profiles is often seen as irrational and overly rigid.
The future of Tesla's brand depends on addressing service issues and the public's perception of Elon Musk.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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00:00 Overview of Topics
01:07 Increase in Business Suspensions - Resinstatements very slow
06:27 Google's Search Query Insights - Is Google Cooking the Books?
21:03 Google's AI Mode as the Future of Search
We discuss the recent increase in suspensions and the delay of reinstatements on Google, the implications of Google's five trillion search queries, and the impact of AI on search. They explore the new AI mode being introduced by Google and how it is the shape the future of search experiences.
Takeaways
ā There has been a significant increase in complaints about Google suspensions.
ā Google's new one appeal and done process limits reinstatement attempts.
ā The five trillion search queries reported by Google is a notable figure but hacked.
ā User behavior is shifting away from Google towards alternative search options.
ā AI mode represents a significant evolution in Google's search capabilities.
ā Google is actively trying to retain users amidst growing competition from AI.
ā Gemini, Google's AI, is still developing and improving rapidly but its still not as good as ChatGPT.
ā The future of search will likely involve more complex user interactions.
ā Google is experimenting with various user interface elements to enhance search.
ā User engagement with AI tools is changing the way queries are formed. titlesSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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00:00 Introduction to Last Mile Retail
06:04 Evolution of the Business Model
11:35 Market Changes and Competition
17:03 Understanding Good Local SEO
23:03 Microsite Strategy and Implementation
29:47 The Role of AI in Marketing Strategies
37:30 Navigating Paid Campaigns and Google Optimization
45:55 Enhancing Customer Journey and Content Strategy
- Last Mile Retail started by addressing the challenge of local inventory visibility online.
- The company has evolved to serve enterprise clients with a comprehensive local marketing platform.
- AI is being used for content drafting and categorization, but human oversight remains crucial.
- User engagement is significantly improved with rich content and local inventory data.
- Local SEO is becoming increasingly important for businesses to remain competitive.
- Understanding customer journeys is essential for effective local marketing strategies.
- The integration of local inventory data can enhance visibility across multiple platforms.
- AI search platforms are emerging as valuable tools for local marketing.
- Businesses need to focus on unique, high-quality content rather than generic outputs.
- The future of local marketing will require adaptability to new technologies and consumer behaviors.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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The Near Media team + several Google Product Experts and Brad Wetherall discuss various aspects of Google Business Profiles, including internal mobility at Google, the challenges of maintaining institutional knowledge, and the complexities of review management. They delve into the recent discrepancies in review counts, the importance of communication from Google, and the impact of trust scores on local guides. The discussion also covers creative strategies for enhancing review authenticity, the challenges of video verification, and the implications of operating hours on business rankings. Additionally, they explore the quality of support across different regions and the potential for paid support options, as well as the influence of AI on local listings.
00:00 Introduction to Brad Wetherall and His Background
04:04 Google Personnel Policies Leading to a Loss of Google Local Institutional Knowledge
17:57 Communication Challenges During Review Issues
23:41 Trust Scores and Local Guides' Impact on Reviews
28:46 Identifying and Reporting Spam Listings
32:58 Engagement and Business Verification Challenges
36:44 Improving Video Verification Processes
41:17 Handling Duplicate Listings
44:07 Managing Business Hours Effectively
47:30 Differences in Support Quality between Countries
48:59 Exploring Paid GBP Support Options
53:27 Understanding Googleās Data Sources
56:34 The Impact of AI on Local Listings
57:19 Trust Score and User Management
takeaways
Google encourages internal mobility to retain talent which might cause a loss of Local institutional knowledge.Documentation is extensive but not always utilized effectively.Algorithm adjustments can lead to review discrepancies.Proactive communication from Google is often lacking.Trust scores influence the acceptance of edits.Creative strategies can enhance review authenticity.Multiple signals are considered when identifying spam listings.Engagement signals impact visibility in search results.Maintaining a corporate email domain is beneficial for trust.AI-generated content is monitored and regulated by Google.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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Greg and Mike discuss various topics related to Google's recent changes and features, including issues with review counts on Google Business Profiles, the introduction of the Ask for Me automated calling feature, and the implications for small businesses. They also explore the new Gemini reasoning model and its potential impact on local search and consumer behavior. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by these developments in the context of small business operations and marketing strategies.
00:55 Review Count Issues and Google's Response
06:29 Exploring Google's 'Ask For Me' Feature
18:20 Concerns About Small Businesses and AI Interactions
22:20 Gemini's New Reasoning Model for iPhone is the Future of Local SearchSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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In this episode, Greg and Mike discuss the 20th anniversary of Google Maps, highlighting its evolution and new features. They delve into the newest Map Top Lists feature, the implications of recent messaging features for businesses and the ongoing decline in consumer trust in online reviews. The conversation also introduces Google's new 'Ask for Me' AI feature, exploring its potential impact on local businesses and consumer interactions.
Takeaways
- Google Maps revolutionized navigation with its interactive features.
- The new restaurant Map List feature in Google Maps enhances visibility for businesses.
- Brand queries are crucial for businesses to appear prominently in Google Maps.
- Consumer trust in online reviews is declining significantly.
- People are increasingly relying on star ratings over review text.
- Google's new messaging features require businesses to respond quickly to inquiries.
- The 'Ask for Me' feature aims to streamline appointment bookings for consumers.
- Businesses need to build relationships with local media for better visibility.
- Trust in online reviews is now lower than personal recommendations.
- Google's rollout of new features should raise skepticism among local businesses.Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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In this episode, Mike Blumenthal and Greg Sterling continue their discussion with Curtis Boyd, CEO of the Transparency Company, focusing on the pervasive issue of review fraud. They explore the current landscape of consumer trust in online reviews, the implications of new FTC regulations, and the challenges businesses face in maintaining review integrity. Curtis shares his optimistic outlook on potential solutions and emphasizes the importance of transparency in the review process. The conversation also delves into practical strategies for businesses and marketers to combat fake reviews and improve their online reputation.
00:00 Introduction to Review Fraud and Transparency Company
00:23 Future of Review Integrity
08:40 Strategies for Businesses and Marketers
17:55 Optimism Amidst ChallengesSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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In this episode, Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal discuss the state of review fraud with Curtis Boyd, CEO of the Transparency Company. They explore the complexities of fake reviews, including the different types and metrics used to identify them. The conversation delves into the role of AI in generating fake reviews and the economic impact of review fraud on consumers and businesses. Curtis shares insights from a recent report estimating the financial damage caused by fake reviews, highlighting the challenges faced by ethical businesses in a marketplace rife with deception.
00:10 Introduction to Review Fraud and Transparency Company
01:48 Understanding Review Fraud: Types and Metrics
04:42 The Landscape of Fake Reviews: Business Practices and Impacts
09:11 The Role of AI in Review Fraud
18:27 Economic Impact of Review Fraud: Insights from the Report
25:32 The Challenge of Review Fraud
32:08 Learn about Part 2 of the interviewSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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In this episode, Greg and Mike welcome Brad Wetherall, former Director of Operations for Google Business Profile and now CEO of Bitwise Consulting. They discuss the challenges of fake reviews, Google's approach to detecting and managing them, and best practices for businesses to enhance their online reputation. Brad shares insights on the importance of engagement, the role of AI in review management, and the need for businesses to understand Google's policies regarding reviews. The conversation wraps up with Brad's advice for agencies and local marketers on navigating the complexities of online reviews and maintaining a positive digital presence.
Takeaways
00:00 Final Thoughts on Reviews and Trust Scores
06:45 Understanding Review Deletion and Algorithm Scrutiny
08:54 The Role of Review Responses in Business Rankings
11:44 Engagement and Its Impact on Reviews
14:32 AI's Influence on Review Management
17:07 Challenges for New Businesses in Review Acquisition
20:15 Best Practices for Managing Reviews
23:51 Google's Support Culture and Business Impact
26:28 The Future of AI and Local Business Visibility
#googlebusinessprofile #fakereviews #reviewmanagement #localseo #reviewfraud #AIinreviews #reviewalgorithms #digitalmarketingSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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Ever wonder how GBP twists the dial to approve an edit? Why they use video verification and what a trust score is? In Part 1 of this interview we learn the answers to those many questions and more.
00:15 Introduction to Brad Wetherall and His Journey
02:53 Transitioning from Google to Bitwise Consulting
05:34 Understanding Google Business Profile Support Structure
08:03d Support Strategies and User Journeys
11:08 The Evolution of Support Systems at Google
13:36 Challenges in Support: Suspensions and Verifications
16:45 The Algorithm Behind Suspensions and Reviews
19:29 Trust and Reporting Mechanisms in Google Business Profile
22:23 Review Fraud: Detection and Challenges
25:01 The Balance Between Fraud Detection and User Experience
27:46 Video Verification and Its Implications
30:41 Final Thoughts on Reviews and Trust Scores
Ep 189Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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Google Leaks & NavBoost: How Engagement & Brands Shape Local SEO Rankings in 2024:
Mike unpacked revelations from Google's algorithm leaks and their likely importance for Local SEO. We dove into "NavBoost," a technique where Google rewards high engagement and brand signals with better rankings. Think clicks, brand searches, and even driving directions contributing to a business's prominence.Greg and David noted how brands dominate the search game. We broke down why engagementāreal photos, reviews, and strong brand presenceācreates a feedback loop that propels rankings. This led us to the age-old debate: does SEO success mean going beyond Google? Our consensus leaned toward balancing on-platform optimization with off-platform brand-building.
ChatGPT: A Game-Changer in Google's AI Playground:
We dove into the competitive shake-up in search, sparked by ChatGPT's rise since late 2022. This dynamic newcomer has lit a fire under Google, which has enjoyed dominance for decades. While ChatGPT hasnāt toppled Googleās traffic, its user base is reshaping behaviors, with 19% reportedly favoring ChatGPT over Google when forced to choose.Competition from ChatGPT has catalyzed innovation at Google, pushing AI tools like Gemini into the spotlight. Discussions about AI in search touched on knowledge graphs, generative AI, and how platforms like Apple are slowly carving their niches.
One standout point? ChatGPT's integration into daily life for tasks like local searches and knowledge-based queries is altering habits, making Google more of a secondary option for some. We see these shifts leading to a long-term evolution in how people searchāno seismic shifts yet, but wedges are forming in Google's monopoly. As AI-driven tools improve, weāre likely witnessing the beginning of a multi-player field in search and beyond.
DMA and the Search Transformation of 2024:
We unpacked how 2024 is shaping up as a pivotal year for search, driven by regulatory crackdowns and competitive pressures. The European Unionās Digital Markets Act (DMA) is taking center stage, with investigations into Googleās practices for flights, hotels, and shopping. We noted Googleās āmalicious complianceā tacticsālike reverting to ten blue linksāto generate user dissatisfaction and push back against regulators.Amid the antitrust buzz, we reflected on the potential fragmentation of search. ChatGPT and similar AI tools are gaining traction, compelling Google to innovate under pressure. We agreed this regulatory momentum, alongside AI advancements, might dramatically reshape how we search and retrieve information in the coming years.
With the possibility of stricter regulations in the U.S. on the horizon, the monopoly grip on search seems less certain. Looking ahead, weāre optimistic about the dynamic changes brewing in the industryāthereās never been a more exciting time to explore search innovation.
The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.Ep 188
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Stephanie Verilhac of Siinda discusses the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and its impact on search behavior. Siinda's research with Near Media showed Google's dominance persists despite compliance changes, with users favoring its ecosystem. Regional differences in search trends were highlighted, including Irish ānear meā preferences, French brand loyalty, and Germans' ad clicks. Photos, reviews, and business websites play key roles in user decisions. Verilhac noted Google's partial adherence to the DMA and challenges for smaller businesses in competing with large aggregators. Future DMA updates and expanded research are expected.
In Episode 187 we interview guest Stephanie Verilhac of Siinda. Siinda is an industry association that brings together agencies and technology companies in the local search and āon demandā industry sectors. We explored the application of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and its effects on search behavior. Stephanie highlighted Siinda's role in supporting digital businesses across Europe and its interest in user responses to Googleās compliance measures.
We focused on joint Siinda/Near Media consumer behavior research, examining Google search results in Ireland, France, and Germany for kitchen remodeling services. While Google implemented changes to align with the DMA's anti-self-preferencing rules, the study revealed that user engagement overwhelmingly favored Google's own ecosystem, including its Local Pack and Maps. The newly introduced "Places Sites" module showed limited visibility and minimal clicks compared to Google's properties.
Stephanie emphasized notable regional differences: Irish users prioritized "near me" searches, French users leaned on brand recognition, and Germans showed a higher propensity to click ads. Cultural diversity across the EU proved significant in shaping search behavior. Photos and reviews emerged as key factors influencing decisions, with users frequently clicking through to business websites for final evaluations.
The conversation also touched on DMA compliance challenges, with Stephanie noting Google's approach often skirts full adherence. While ads are open to all businesses in theory, financial realities favor large aggregators over smaller players.
As the European Commission continues enforcing the DMA under its newly appointed leadership, Stephanie predicted more scrutiny on gatekeepers and potential updates in 2025. Siinda offers resources on their website, cinda.org, and plans to expand research to additional markets.
The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.
EP 187 Near MemoSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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AI and Maps: Current Limitations (many) and Future Prospects (good):
We explore a recent piece by cartographer Kames Killick on how AI will be shaping the geospatial landscape & mapping, despite the mixed results today. Current tools struggle with complex queries, such as mapping open businesses along a route and broader queries that AI should be able to handle. Despite limitations, innovations like geo-trained AI and object classification suggest potential for enhanced location-based services, professional applications, and augmented reality. Emerging technologies may soon enable smoother interaction with geospatial tools and real-time location insights.
Search vs. AI: Consumer Behavior and the Future of Discovery:
Insights from a consumer survey shed light on the evolving role of AI in search. While 77% of users find Google easier than three years ago, many are exploring alternatives like ChatGPT for direct answers and conversational capabilities. Trust in AI is growing, with 67% believing it will redefine search within three years. The shift signals a fragmented search ecosystem, where convenience and reliability will shape user behavior.
The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.
Ep 186Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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Extended GBP Business Names - Spam or Legitimate Descriptors?
We explore Google's growing tolerance for extended taglines & descriptors in business names via the Google Business Center and its impact on local SEO strategies. Examples include businesses embedding descriptors like ābest plastic surgeonā or āsexual harassment lawyerā into their names that were escalated to Google but were deemed acceptable. These additions act as taglines and significantly boost search visibility by leveraging Googleās algorithm, which treats business names as ranking signals. This shift marks a departure from earlier strict rules, offering businesses a competitive edge when such names are left unchallenged.Googleās willingness to accept these extended descriptors, even after they are flagged, suggests a prioritization of scalability over strict enforcement. While businesses may benefit from increased visibility, they must balance this tactic with potential risks, such as temporary suspension or muddling brand identity. The conversation calls for structured testing to understand the limits of Google's tolerance and how businesses can effectively navigate these relaxed guidelines without overstepping.
Rand Fishkin Research: Branded Queries Dominate Google: Insights from 300 Million Searches
Rand Fishinās analysis of over 300 million Google queries reveals surprising insights into search behavior. A striking 15% of all queries consist of just 150 terms, primarily branded or navigational, underscoring the dominance of well-known names in search behavior. Informational queries represent 53% of the total, while commercial and transactional searches trail significantly, with less than 1% being purely transactional. This data suggests a need for businesses to emphasize brand building to thrive in Googleās search ecosystem.The findings underscore the challenge of zero-click searches, where Google resolves queries directly, leaving businesses without traffic. The recommendation? Shift focus from SEO competition to brand building via alternative channels to drive direct searches. Ads, for example, can complement this strategy by enhancing brand awareness, leading to stronger organic performance and bypassing Googleās increasingly saturated search landscape.
AI vs. Google: The Rise of ChatGPT as a Search Alternative
We discuss AIās potential as an alternative to search engines, with tools like ChatGPT emerging as viable competitors. A survey reveals that while 77% of frequent search users find Google easier to use than three years ago, AI tools are gaining traction, with ChatGPT ranked second in perceived usefulness. This shift reflects growing consumer trust in AI for specific tasks, such as shopping comparisons, where platforms like Perplexity accelerate decision-making.Despite Googleās dominance, dissatisfaction with its cluttered and spam-prone results is evident. Businesses face a dual challenge: leveraging Google for recovery searches while addressing consumersā complex decision-making needs. AI's rise presents an opportunity for businesses to adapt, using diverse platforms to maintain relevance amid evolving consumer habits.
The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.
Ep 185Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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Google Business Profile Suspension Woes (01:32ā11:03)
The discussion highlights rising frustrations with Google Business Profiles, focusing on increasing suspension rates and difficult reinstatement processes. Businesses face bottlenecks with video verification and unclear policies. Legitimate operations often fall victim, showcasing systemic flaws in Google's automated support and limited pathways for resolution.
Siriās AI Search Evolution (11:03ā20:35)
Siriās transformation with AI and knowledge graphs marks a major leap in user interaction. Enhanced capabilities include text input, contextual responses, and real-time actions like map queries. Appleās integration of personalized data in areas like news, sports, and local searches aims to deliver efficient and reliable information, rivaling traditional search engines.
The Slow Fragmentation of Search (20:35āEnd)
The analysis underscored search fragmentation, with Siri, ChatGPT, and social media peeling away queries from Google. Informational searches dominate, while platforms like TikTok and Instagram gain traction among younger users. Local traffic from tools like Apple Maps reveals unmeasured impact, signaling a shift toward more diverse, integrated search ecosystems over the next 2 to 4 years.
The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.
Ep 184Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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AI Overview and Google Search Trends:
In a discussion on AI search trends, Mark Traphagen from SEO Clarity shared insights on Googleās search generative experience (SGE) and its limited functionality in delivering localized results. His analysis highlighted that SGE results in the U.S. tend to be highly informational (91%) and less transactional, especially for keywords related to products. According to Mark, Googleās AI-driven search lacks the capacity to enhance local search results, pointing out that traditional SERP results still perform better. Meanwhile, Googleās AI continues to evolve, with recent tweaks aiming to improve ranking relevance in AI responses.
ChatGPT Search Growth and Future Projections:
Mark noted a recent 10x rise in referrals from ChatGPT, suggesting growing adoption of OpenAIās real-time web search capabilities. He indicated that this growth corresponds with ChatGPTās recent integration of SearchGPT and its compatibility with Apple iOS, predicting further rises. While alternatives like perplexity show gradual increases, OpenAI maintains a stronghold, steadily reclaiming market share. For SEO professionals, Mark advises monitoring these shifts and tracking SearchGPT, Bing's Gen.AI, and other emerging platforms as they shape traffic trends.
Google SERPās Dilemma and E-commerce Impact:
Mark discussed Googleās strategic challenges, balancing ad-driven revenue with user satisfaction in AI integration. He highlighted that Googleās āPopular Productsā feature increasingly dominates SERP top spots, pushing organic listings down, especially on mobile. This shift affects e-commerce traffic significantly, as traditional organic ranking struggles against the prominent Google product listings. Mark encourages SEO strategies that embrace Googleās product features for better reach. Despite the influx of new platforms, he reassures clients that established SEO practices remain essential in the evolving landscape.
The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.
Ep 183Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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Google's Antitrust Battle: Legal and Political Shifts: As Googleās antitrust trial unfolds, recent shifts in U.S. leadership may change the tech giantās outlook. With Trumpās election win, the likelihood of drastic regulatory action against Google, such as a breakup, appears to be reduced. The new administrationās stance on big tech could soften the Justice Departmentās approach, shifting from aggressive oversight to a more business-friendly posture. While thereās bipartisan support for reigning in big tech, motivations differ: Republicans often cite censorship concerns, while Democrats focus on monopolistic practices. Given these dynamics, Google may emerge with only minor restrictionsālike changes to default search agreementsārather than a forced split. Despite some regulatory adjustments, the tech landscape now looks less likely to see major disruptions, leaving room for Google to maintain its market dominance.
Apple's Applied Intelligence Transformation: Siri's Leap to Intelligent Search:
We take a look at the iOS 18.1 Siri Beta. Appleās Siri is evolving into a powerful AI assistant, moving beyond simple voice commands to provide advanced, text-based search capabilities and an app-like experience. With new features allowing Siri to pull information directly from trusted sources, users can get sports scores, local recommendations, and entertainment options seamlessly without going to the web. Appleās focus on data privacy and ad-free interaction offers a distinct alternative to Googleās ad-driven models, emphasizing a cleaner, user-centered experience. Appleās work on voice isolation is also enhancing Siriās effectiveness, allowing smoother interactions even in noisy environments. Because of the many iPhones in the wild, Siriās expanded abilities across the Apple ecosystem could lead to a shift in user habits, positioning Apple IntelligenceI as a viable alternative to traditional search.
ChatGPT Redefining Search:
The new SearchGPT feature might just redefine search by offering a conversational interface that maintains context across multiple queries. This functionality could make ChatGPT a compelling alternative to Google, especially in local search, where its ability to remember and refine previous queries sets it apart. ChatGPTās clean interface and ability to deliver quick, relevant answers directly within the chat could attract users interested in exploring new search options. As Apple prepares to integrate ChatGPT into Siri, this AI-driven trend may drive additional āzero-clickā behaviorsāwhere users get instant answers without leaving the app. Search GPT also shows promise in e-commerce and product searches, delivering a streamlined experience that could change how users interact in this space and transform how consumers search.The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.
Ep 182Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/
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