Newsletter #34

Can You Use a Call Tracking Number in Google My Business?

Whitespark's Monthly Local Search Newsletter

Local InsiderJanuary 2018

Guess what? We are adding a new series to our blog called the Whitespark Weekly, which will consist of short videos that give you quick local search tips, tricks, or interesting tidbits. Without further adieu, here's our very first post: Can You Use a Call Tracking Number in Google My Business?Using a call tracking number for your local citation listings was a hard no in the past. Especially when it came to maintaining citation consistency in the local search ecosystem. The risk of creating bad data and having a messy citation profile was not worth the tracking efforts. But, did you know that this isn’t a cause for concern anymore?It is safe, and even recommended, to incorporate a call tracking number on your Google My Business listing, as long as you do it the right way.

Cheers,Team Whitespark

From the Blog

Competitor Tracking, Visibility Score & More Local Rank Tracker Features

In case you missed it, we have some super awesome new Local Rank Tracker features that were just launched!

Essential Rank Tracking Updates:

Competitor Comparison
Visibility Score
Rankings Overview
Keyword Trend Line
Improved Date Range Selector
Refreshed Ranking Report

Learn more about these updates and start a free 14 day trial.

Around The Web

Google Q & A – Get To Know Google’s Latest Local Feature

This is part one in a three part series by Mike Blumenthal, that covers what you need to know about the Google Questions and Answers Feature, why it's important, how to manage it for your business, and actions to take. Don't miss Part 2. The Big Guide & Part 3. 5 Step Plan for Success, all important reads for getting ahead of this feature.

How to Troubleshoot Local Ranking Failures [Updated for 2018]

If you’re experiencing poor local visibility in Google Pack results and are at a loss for what could be contributing to this issue, check out Miriam Ellis’ 10-point checklist. This list will help you troubleshoot potential factors that may be negatively impacting your ability to rank.

How to Properly Report Spam on the Google My Business Forum

Not sure how to report spam on the map? Joy Hawkins provides you with the necessary steps required to report incorrect listings, keyword stuffed listings, and fake reviews.

Video Deep Dive: Next Year in Local – Local SEO Predictions and Possibilities for 2018

Check out this engaging conversation between Mike Blumenthal and David Mihm as they discuss predictions on local search in 2018, from declining organic results to increased advertising, and more transactions and interaction in the Knowledge Panel. They cover a whole gamut of possibilities.

Local SEO for Multiple States: a Case-Study in How to Expand Your Reach

This case-stufy from Phil Rozek, is a great real-life example of how one business broadended their local search strategey to expand their reach and target clients in multiple states.

Google My Business Video Uploads Now Available to Business Owners

The Google My Business team has just announced that videos can appear on Google Maps and in local search listings. Barry Schwartz shows you how to add a video to your listing and gives you a recap of the details from this update.

Facebook News Feed Armageddon Survival Guide: 6 Loopholes to Stay Alive

Facebook is changing how public posts from brands, pages, and publishers show up in the News Feed. This update will change how your business interacts on Facebook. Larry Kim has 6 strategies you need to start using now to avoid total annihilation in the feed.