Newsletter #64

Actionable Local Search Tips ⚡

August 2020, Whitespark Local Insider Newsletter

Actionable Local Search Tips 

We're counting down to our FREE Local Search Summit and giving you a sneak peek of the awesome content you can expect. Today we're sharing actionable local search tips from a few of our speakers presentations. If you're not currently using these suggestions, we highly recommend you implement this advice for your business or clients.

Amanda Jordan, Director of Local Search at Locomotive AgencyApproach your location landing pages like you would PPC landing pages, they require all of the same PPC conversion elements coupled with a local content focus. Most businesses don't go beyond the basics on their location pages and they are missing out on conversion and visibility. 

Ben Fisher, Founder of Steady Demand

When making core edits (business name, address, phone number, and category) to your GMB listing try to wait at least 60 seconds between edits. Making core edits too fast can inadvertently cause a listing suspension. 

Allie Margeson, Director of GMB Services at Whitespark

We studied over 800,000 GMB listings and found that unclaimed businesses are 2-3 times more likely to have no reviews or low ratings on Google. Dentists and lawyers were among the categories most at risk, as they are 6 times more likely to have a 0-3 star rating if their listing is unclaimed. 

Greg Gifford, Vice President of Search at SearchLab Digital

Take your Google Questions and Answers to the next level by mining your top competitors questions and applying them to your business. Not only are you likely to uncover questions you've missed, you'll enhance your listing and uncover more content to add to your own websites FAQ section.  

Mark your calendar for September 15 - 17, 2020 and get ready for 3 days of action-packed sessions, filled with expert advice and insights. 

Cheers,Team Whitespark 

What You Need To Know About Google Local Services Ads (Updates)

Google's Local Services Ads have had a few changes recently. Here's what you need to know:

  1. The number of eligible business categories has expanded! Be sure to check out the current nationwide categories to see if your industry is included so you can test out this program. 

  2. Google is testing a new paid feature that allows eligible businesses the chance to upgrade their Google My Business listing with the Google Guaranteed badge for a monthly fee. Businesses that have the option to upgrade would be required to pass a screening process similar to the one used for Local Services Ads. As of now, it’s not 100% clear which business will get the opportunity to participate in this program.

AROUND THE WEB

  1. 🥡 PSA for restaurants: Do not update your menu on SinglePlatform!!! If you do, you will be charged $109/month. 

  2. This month Google rolled out a direct edit feature in Maps and Search and with it the ability to view performance metrics graphed up to a sixth month period with a year-over-year comparison. 📈

  3. 🧭 The ins and outs of local pack ads from a tried and tested experience.

  4. Maps is getting a lot more detail which should help make streets easier to navigate. 🗺️

  5. 🏗️ Visualize and validate your Schema markup on-the-go with this free Chrome plugin. 

  6. Local SEO for Real Estate (webinar) tackle reviews, links, GMB, and landing pages with Darren. 🏡🔑

  7. 😲 Don't get stuck with a surprise GMB suspension, be careful who you give access to your listing. 

  8. Yelp is making moves to be a one-stop local platform for SMBs. 🚏

CONFERENCES

September 15 - 17, 2020

Free Virtual Event

Stand out in local search results and amplify your presence on Google with our expert help.