Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Google incorporates “expert answer snippets” into their AI overview.
• Ask.com shuts down.
• Concerns about GBP suspensions from user account restrictions on the rise.
• Data from ChatGPT Ads is now available.
• Why are my GBP posts for weekly events getting rejected by Google?
• What should I do if a customer threatens to leave negative reviews if they can’t get a discount?
• How should I structure UTM tracking in GBP?
• Will adding a UTM to GBP hurt local citation?
• Do the new guidelines on reviews with names mean that negative reviews with staff names are easier to remove?
• If I select “custom display name and picture” to leave a review, does that affect all previous and future reviews?
• If my GBP has been suspended because of an account restriction, is it possible to move forward with the appeal process without removing the account?
• Did GBP Insights get removed, or is it hidden?
• Why am I ranking worse after moving locations?
• What is the going rate for offering SEO services?
• What is the KPI for success in the SEO field?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• GBP photos now sorted by recency.
• Google introduces “Ask Maps” as a new way to find businesses.
• Updated information on LSA performance insights.
• When is it better to wait for Google Support to respond after having trouble with video verification?
• When traveling to another country, I got significantly less spam calls for my GBP, and when I came back, they resumed - is this a coincidence?
• What should I do if a former employee has claimed my GBP?
• What should I do if I can’t contact Google Support when requesting to nest a department listing?
• What should I keep in mind when doing video verification for an SAB?
• Did the insights feature on GBP get removed?
• What should I know about UTM source codes?
• If you change your language settings in Google Maps, can you suggest-an-edit your business name in as many languages as you want?
• How do I transfer the primary owner of a GBP?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Google Maps rolls out reviewer nicknames.
• Google LSA adds “get competitive quotes” and “request multiple opinions” buttons.
• Gemini 3 AI mode rolled out.
• GhatGPT uses Google for Atlas browser.
• Semrush acquired by Adobe for 1.9 billion.
• Extortion attempts for GBPs on the rise.
• How do I resolve my “pending edits” faster?
• What causes a website’s url to change to an OEM url?
• Are there any new developments in AI in Local Search?
• Should I turn on messaging for WhatsApp in my GBP?
• Why does changing my address for an SAB not trigger reverification after moving to a different state?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

What is schema markup and why is it important for your local business?

Bottom line ... it can improve your local SEO and help more customers find you.

For this Office Hours session, we’ve invited Martha van Berkel, one of the most respected schema markup experts in the world, to join us.

Martha explains schema markup and how it can be used to help local business websites stand out in organic search.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What schema markup is and why it's important
• The most important schema tags for your website
• Specific schema tags for organization, local business, events, FAQs, products and blogs
• How to implement schema markup on your website
• How to test for proper schema markup on your website
• Important differences for single versus multi-location businesses

Not many business do schema markup well ... if at all. This is an important topic for business operators and marketing agencies alike and can help make your website stand out from your competitors.

Watch the full video session at https://localmarketinginstitute.com/how-schema-markup-improves-your-local-seo/

When it comes to marketing, what is the “new normal” for local retailers and in-home service providers?

Local marketing experts, Neal Polachek and Greg Sterling, join Eric Shanfelt to share perspectives and concrete examples of how local businesses need to modify operating practices and customer communications in the coming weeks and months.

Neal and Greg have deep experience as analysts and advisors to companies large and small in local markets.

You’ll learn:

• Best practices for customer communication
• New business models … and some great pivots
• New best operating practices
• How work-from-home will change for you and your employees
• What to do with your email, social media, website, and business listings
• Software solutions you should consider going forward

This is an invigorating session with lots of practical take-aways that you can put into action right away.

View the full video recording at https://localmarketinginstitute.com/marketing-your-local-business-beyond-covid-19/

In this session, Eric Shanfelt, Founder of Local Marketing Institute shows local businesses how to get started with ecommerce and how to market their products for sale on a variety of platforms.

You’ll learn how to:

• Get your ecommerce system to interact with your POS system.
• Integrate with Google Merchant Center.
• Showcase products in your Google My Business listing.
• Get your products into Google Shopping via “Surfaces Across Google”.
• Connect your ecommerce to Google Shopping Ads.
• Set up product catalogs in Facebook Business Manager
• Use Facebook product ads.
• Sell products via a Facebook Store.
• Integrate with Amazon.

If you’re just getting into ecommerce, this session will give you the fundamentals you need to get going on the right foot. And if you’re already selling online, you’ll learn some new tricks that can help you get the most out of your ecommerce efforts.

Watch the full video session at https://localmarketinginstitute.com/ecommerce-101-for-local-businesses/

Local business reviews have evolved drastically over the years. But has your review strategy changed to adapt?

In this session, local SEO expert, Mike Blumenthal, shows you how reviews have changed and what those changes mean for your business. You’ll learn:

• Which review platforms matter now
• How reviews actually influence customer decisions
• The impact of review gating
• How Google uses reviews to understand your business

You’ll also learn how businesses now use reviews to get strategic insight into internal processes and ways to improve their customer experience.

Watch the full video and get all links for this session at https://localmarketinginstitute.com/evolution-local-business-reviews/

Have questions about your local Google My Business listing? How to deal with spam, improve your business listing’s visibility, or problems you may be experiencing? This your opportunity to ask Ben Fisher and get the advice you need.

Ben is one of only three platinum-level GMB Product Experts in the world recognized by Google itself. He has been in digital marketing since 1994 and works with everything from single operator merchants to large franchises.

In this Office Hours session, Ben spends an entire hour answering your Google My Business questions.

To watch the video and get all links for this session, go to https://localmarketinginstitute.com/ask-ben-gmb/

Facebook remarketing can help local businesses reach customers more cost effectively than other advertising options. With remarketing, you target ads to existing customers or people who already know your business. These people are more likely to do business with you than a “cold” audience who doesn’t know you yet.

In this Office Hours session, Craig Mount gives you key strategies for Facebook remarketing to increase clicks and maximize visibility without increasing your ad budget. He’ll review remarketing for beginners, but also provide advanced strategies for more experienced marketers.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• How remarketing works on Facebook.
• Targeting and audience-building strategies unique to local businesses.
• Innovative ad ideas for local businesses in a variety of sectors.
• Unique ways to spend budget that maximizes clicks, impressions and profit.
• How today’s COVID-19 situation impacts remarketing and how to adapt.

To watch the video and get all links for this session, go to https://localmarketinginstitute.com/facebook-remarketing/

Technical site issues can have a big impact on SEO for your local business. Local SEO expert, Dani Owens, joins us in this session She covers the most common technical SEO problems that sites have and tells you how to improve or fix them.

Examples include:

• Making sure Google has no issues crawling and indexing your pages and the content on them
• Steps to take after installing an SSL certificate
• Improving crawl budget by reducing broken pages and internal redirects.

In the session, Dani will talks about the fixes on a WordPress site. However all of these issues apply to sites on other systems as well.

You’ll learn why these common technical problems have an impact on SEO for your local business and how to find and fix them.

To watch the video and get all links for this session, go to https://localmarketinginstitute.com/website-seo-issues/

Voice search optimization really is a big issue for local businesses. Whether it's Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant or even Microsoft Cortana, voice search is widely used on mobile phones, smart speakers and other devices.

But local voice search isn't just about people searching for new businesses to work with. It's also about helping existing customers looking for directions, phone numbers, opening hours and more.

Optimizing for voice search doesn't have to be complicated, but you do need to understand how it works.

In this session Eric Shanfelt, Founder of Local Marketing Institute talks about:

• How the voice search ecosystem works
• Which voice search platforms are the most important
• How to optimize your business listings to be found in voice search
• How to optimize your website to appear in featured snippets
• How to avoid scammers selling you a "listing" in Amazon Alexa

To watch the video and get all links for this session, go to https://localmarketinginstitute.com/local-voice-search/

Google Local Services Ads expert, Tom Waddington, joins us for this session to share best practices for LSAs.

Local Services Ads aren’t just for home service businesses anymore. The program has expanded to include photographers, financial planners, real estate agents, auto repair, pet groomers, and more.

In this session, you’ll learn:

• Where local services ads are available
• How to set up the ads on the LSA dashboard
• Where to find them in Google search results
• How the Google Guaranteed onboarding process works
• Pros and cons of local search ads

Tom also covers the expansion of new LSA verticals and markets and where he expects continued expansion.

Whether you’re marketing a service area business or not, don’t miss this session on Google Local Services Ads as the program is only going to become more prominent over time.

To watch the video and get all links for this session, go to https://localmarketinginstitute.com/google-local-services-ads/

Do you know how customers really use online reviews to make decisions about your local business … and how you can better manage your online reputation?

Since 2010, BrightLocal has conducted their annual Local Consumer Review Survey to answer this question and gain insight into customer behavior.

The latest survey is out and we’ve asked BrightLocal’s Myles Anderson to join us for this session.

He’ll share key findings from the report and offer his expert advice for how to build a strong online reputation in 2020. You’ll learn:

• How consumer use of local reviews have evolved over the last decade.
• How they use local reviews to research and choose local businesses.
• What local businesses can do to better manage their online reputation.
• Which industries have seen the greatest impact from online reviews.
• How many reviews and what star rating businesses need.
• How marketing firms can win more reputation management work in 2020.

To watch the video and get all links for this session, go to https://localmarketinginstitute.com/how-consumers-use-local-business-reviews-in-2020/

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• When will Q&As no longer be available?
• How do I make videos to advertise my products on social media?
• How do I prevent an old GBP showing up on results after moving locations if I don’t have access to the GBP?
• How do I get customers to pay for higher priced items?
• Is it possible to have a separate GBP for another business at the same address if there are no suite numbers?
• What are some insights from the 2026 local ranking factor report?
• Can a hybrid SAB with a verified visible location verify a second location with a hidden address?
• Will Google filter out a GBP if there are different types of doctors at the same location?
• Will Google restrict my reviews if to incentivize employees to get customers to leave reviews by offering rewards?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

What are the specific factors that impact Google My Business rank? Which of these can you influence and how much can you really expect to impact your search rank?

Every business wants to rank as high as possible, but Google’s algorithm is based on three primary factors to determine where businesses ranks in a local search: relevance, proximity and prominence.

In this episode, we’ve asked three of the most respected local SEO experts in the world — Joy Hawkins, Dan Leibson and David Mihm — to share their thoughts on Google My Business Ranking factors for 2020.

You’ll learn …

• How Google’s recent algorithm changes affected local search
• If proximity is still the biggest ranking factor
• If citation management and NAP consistency are still important
• Whether local business websites still matter
• The impact does link building really has
• If ranking factors are different for service area businesses
• How reviews impact Google My Business rank in 2020
• Whether GMB spam actually works and what to do about it
• If Google looks at products / services / menu for ranking factors
• How user and business behavioral signals impact ranking
• What to do about GMB posts in 2020

To watch the video and get all links for this session, go to https://localmarketinginstitute.com/google-my-business-ranking-factors/

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• LSA removes guarantee badge.
• AI assistants prefer to cite fresh content.
• Study says only 1% of users click on AI citation links.
• Top web domains cited by LLMs.
• Microsoft CoPilot and ChatGPT offers Google Maps for local sources. 
• Review recency impacting ranking.
• Can I have two GBP listings at the same address?
• What are some ways to incorporate AI into your workflow for efficiency?
• Should I use an AI agent to help improve visibility?
• Are the product carousels showing up differently on Android vs. Apple?
• How do I remove spam reviews on Facebook?
• What should I do when the review reporting form doesn’t work?
• Does the “popular times” section in GBP influence rankings?
• Are there any problems related to not being able to receive new reviews?
• How do you get refunds for bad leads from LSA?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Optimize Bing AI search by following SEO guidelines.
• What should I do if my domain host doesn’t support Wordpress sites?
• Is there any impact on Local SEO from the June 2025 core update?
• Is there an updated list of trigger words that cause Google Posts to fail?
• How do I do video verification if I have a Service Area Business?
• What should I do if Google denies relevant business categories for my GBP?
• Is having products on Law Firm listings helpful?
• Will sharing my ChatGPT chat potentially help with SEO?
• Has the visibility on car dealerships been affected since AI mode was introduced?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• New GBP feature for restaurants to highlight specials.
• Users of Claude find out how to get citations from it.
• AI overview increases, traffic for Local Search decreases. 
• Internet Marketing Ninjas acquired by Previsible.
• Google asks for chat number when setting up new GBP.
• Is there a way to accept Google updates en masse?
• What should I do if my SAB verification has been pending for weeks?
• Is GBP no longer accepting utility bills?
• How do I get verified quickly?
• How do I add the direct booking option to my GBP?
• What causes a listing to be suspended before it has the opportunity to get verified?
• What should I do if I got suspended because of a DBA name change?
• What is the average wait time for a human response/review from Google regarding the suspension of a profile?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Bug causes knowledge panel to go missing on GBP.
• What should I do if a former employee hijacks my GBP and makes changes?
• How do I make sure I show up in local AI search?
• What are some best practices for local heat map software or competitor analysis?
• How do I get access to a GBP?
• Do hotels and villas qualify for a GBP?
• Are GBP Activities similar to GBP Posts?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• AI analysis for GBP reviews in Google Chrome.
• Google sends information edit rejection notices for GBP.
• Google tests replacing local map pack with AI overview.
• Can you get positive reviews from a community event if they didn’t do business with you?
• Why did my GBP get unverified when I changed the primary category?
• Are certain industries harder to get approved by Google for an SAB in a residential address?
• Is it important that customers don’t leave reviews while connected to the location’s wifi?
• Can I get a suspension turned over with only one document?
• How do I use AI, and what tools should I use? 
• Why are reviews not showing up in my GBP?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Reviews for schools are going away.
• Q&A feature is being removed.
• Meta keywords impact ranking!?
• What should I do if my Phone number verification code won’t go through?
• How do I know why my verification was taken away if Google won’t tell me?
• If I’ve switched from brick and mortar to service area business, is it safe to hide my address on my GBP?
• How can you tell if a review is not within guidelines?
• How do I get reviews to show up on my GBP?
• Is reverification being triggered because of making changes on a new account?
• How do I get hours to show for another department without having to click on “more hours”?
• Is there a fix for things showing up as obsolete when requesting access through the agency dashboard?
• How do I create a successful GBP post?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Google sues for fake listings.
• What should I do if my video verification doesn’t go through?
• Does adding the address to the website footer help with rankings?
• How do I remove spam reviews from my GBP?
• Why won’t GBP let me add a website?
• What should I do if I’ve been suspended and my appeals have been denied?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Google Map pin attacks exploit has finally been fixed.
• Chat through Text and WhatsApp has been implemented into GBP.
• China rolls out DeepSeek AI chatbot.
• New fast way to get access request for SABs in Google Maps.
• Google search launches “Ask for me” AI that calls businesses for you.
• What is the new chat feature?
• How do I remove spam reviews from my GBP?
• What should I do if my reinstatement appeal has been rejected multiple times?
• If I’m closing one location, is it possible to merge the profile of the closing location with the other in order to keep the reviews?
• Can I verify a GBP if the location is at a residential sober living home without signage?
• Why is my GBP not showing up in search results?
• How can I shift my business into a new name and category without getting suspended?
• How does the new “Ask for me” AI work?
• Does adding backlinks to the schema "sameAs" code work?
• Should I link to my GBP from my blog?
• Are there resources for the process of uploading internal 360 virtual tours to GBP?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Google updates review guidelines.
• ChatGPT opens self-serve ad access in April.
• Google announces Search Live has launched globally.
• GBP performance metrics on Offer Posts.
• Ads are coming to Apple Maps.
• What should I know about AI review responses?
• Is there anything I can do if a fake listing I’ve reported keeps getting reinstated?
• How do I change my business name on my GBP without getting suspended?
• How do I enable Offer Posts if I don’t have the option to do so?
• Should I use AI phone assistants to handle calls?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Can the issues of one GBP cause problems by association if it’s on an agency dashboard?
• If I’m closing one location, is it possible to merge the profile of the closing location with the other in order to keep the reviews?
• What should I do if I can’t find a GBP listing because the owner deactivated the email account attached to it?
• Is there a way to do bulk verifications?
• What tools are good for managing lots of clients?
• Can I have two listings at the same address with the same category if I have separate signage, phone numbers and staff?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• GBP car dealer map pack study released on searchlab digital.
• If I can’t get reinstated after appealing, is there no other option than to create a new listing and merge it?
• How should I document reviews to submit to Google if there happens to be a problem?
• How do I get rid of a duplicate listing that is unclaimed and unverified?
• Will creating a better bureau listing for a GBP help with visibility?
• Should I register a new suite number for a building with multiple GBPs at the same suite number?
• How do I move reviews from  a GBP at one location over to a GBP at another location?
• Does the difference between 3.9 star reviews and 4.0 star reviews matter?
• Can I have a separate GBP for a separate home business?
• Can I move reviews from a deleted GBP?
• If a GBP gets suspended, should I appeal it, or make a new one?
• When is it safe to make changes and edits to a GBP?
• What are the best practices when making changes to a business name to avoid suspension?
• If a GBP was accidentally claimed by trying to set up a new one, will I lose content if I lost access as a manager?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• ChatGPT launches SearchGPT.
• You can now select multiple reviews to report with Google Reviews tool.
• What can I do to get my missing reviews back after several months?
• How do I create a second GBP for a business inside a business by the same owner without getting suspended?
• What should I do if my reviews are stuck in pending?
• How do I prove that links help with rank?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• FTC new rules on fake reviews are now in effect.
• AI overwriting business descriptions.
• Local Service Ads will soon require a Google Business Profile.
• How do I rescue a GBP that got suspended for breaking guidelines?
• How do I claim ownership of a Service Area Business?
• Is it possible to have GBPs for multiple businesses at the same address?
• How do I get rid of bad reviews from non-customers?
• Do I need to be on site at the business location to film for video verification?
• How do I resolve a suspension caused by a name change from an unknown user?
• Is there anything I can do to further the verification process while it’s pending?
• Should I split my business into two entities to increase ranking?
• Can I get suspended from making GBP posts?
• What do I need for my GBP to have multiple businesses at one location?
• How do I make sure the right category comes up in search?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• GBP appeals are no longer delayed.
• LSA review links are going away.
• Google confirms Exif data does not affect ranking.
• Should I change my business name through the GBP dashboard or the API?
• What are some good resources on if backlinks still work?
• What are the best tools for Geogrid ranking?
• Why is my GBP category not showing?
• If I switch to a new SEO company, will I lose progress I made with the old one?
• What should I do if my edits have been pending for weeks?
• What is the ‘show business address to customer’ slider meant for?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• GBP appeal delays for longer than normal.
• Google Local Services Ads review links expire.
• Can you nest a service department under the primary sales profile if the service department is in a different location?
• What should I do if I missed the GBP suspension notice email?
• Why is Google Maps showing the wrong location when the address is correct?
• Is Yelp Connect worthwhile for update features?
• How do I remove reviews that violate GBP guidelines?
• What should I do if I get suspended trying to fix a Google Map pin attack?
• Does embedding Google Maps into my website help me rank better?
• How can I avoid my images getting flagged?
• How many reviews a day will get Google’s attention for possible deletion?
• Does making too many edits on my GBP cause suspension?
• Are customers allowed to leave identical reviews?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• FTC announces final rule on banning fake reviews.
• GBP reinstatements may be severely backlogged.
• How do I get Google to recognize my missing reviews?
• How do I geotag my photos?
• Should I expand my open hours to improve visibility?
• Is there a list of GBP categories that are blocked from reviews?
• Why would someone offer to write free five-star reviews for my company?
• How do I deal with the SAB address change “bug”?
• Does geotagging images on my website impact SEO ranking?
• Why do my Product descriptions on my GBP keep getting overwritten?
• Does anyone still use locations.kml?
• Is it worth setting up an agency account?
• Why do some childcare places allow reviews and others don’t?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• GBP Fields that impact ranking.
• Consumer alerts appearing on GBP listings.
• Google update states verification videos disappear from GBP after a certain amount of time.
• How do I get primary ownership of my GBP?
• How do I recover deleted GBP pages?
• What are the “dos” and “don’ts” for internal linking on a single location local business website?
• Should I put blog posts on my website’s homepage?
• How do I encourage reviews for a mental health clinic without compromising patient confidentiality?
• Why am I getting errors after trying to upload more than 10 Q&A’s to clients’ GBPs?
• Should I focus on Yelp listings since Perplexity AI serves local on Yelp?
• Why are images being rejected from my GBP?
• Is keyword stuffing still a thing, or is Google cracking down on it?
• Is there documentation to qualify for map icons on Google Maps?
• What is the difference in category for “Dental Clinic” vs. “Dentist”?
• Has Google done anything to counter pin moving in Google Maps by nefarious actors?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Upcoming LocalU events in 2024.
• AI overview descriptions showing up on GBP.
• Google Maps tests QR codes on GBP.
• Local Service Ads on Google Maps for iOS.
• Google Maps fake engagement policy update.
• Google Map Pin moving attacks leaves GBPs vulnerable to suspension.
• Google Algorithm leak.
• Does Google give more support to those who pay more for advertisers?
• Have there been any changes to the reinstatement process?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• GBP now allows you to select a preferred menu source.
• OpenAI plans to release a new search engine.
• Google tests local-only results for searches “near me”.
• How do you update the order link on a car dealership GBP?
• How do I acquire worthwhile backlinks?
• How do I get the best output from AI image generation software?
• Are apartment buildings eligible for GBP?
• What should I do if I got suspended for changing branding of a gas station?
• Will having AI generated images on my GBP trigger a suspension?
• Can I rearrange the product section on my GBP?
• What should I do if a business says it’s “located in” my business when it’s not?
• How do I take down Service Area Businesses GBP locations that were created solely for SEO?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• AI and Local SEO Webinar on March 4.
• Google Knowledge panel filled with AI driven services/GBPs.
• How do I reinstate a GBP that was voluntarily disabled by request?
• Google has stopped showing the opening date for a new business location on the GBP - is this a bug?
• What are some tips on how to film a video for verification?
• How should I manage a corporate Facebook account vs. the individual store location pages?
• What should I do if Google keeps asking for re-verification?
• Can I use my GBP to advertise for a new business?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Upcoming Local U events in 2024.
• Teaser for upcoming changes to a yet unknown GBP category.
• GBP multi-media manager interface has been streamlined.
• How do I get a negative review from a competitor removed?
• Is it acceptable to use AI generated images in a Google Post?
• Can I transfer reviews from an old deleted GBP to a new one?
• How do I tell if a GBP listing is keyword stuffing?
• What should I do if an edit is verified, but still pending?
• How do I get my ads sponsored on Google Maps?
• Are kiosks allowed to have GBP listings?
• Will changing the name on my GBP affect my rankings?
• What should I do if the Post Office refuses to add a suite for my business, and my GBP gets suspended?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• New GBP suspension appeal process fully rolled out.
• New Re-review precess for if you fail the appeal.
• Should I extend GBP hours beyond actual business hours to increase search visibility?
• Is it worth it to manage Apple Maps listings?
• Why has my GBP been suspended right after verification?
• Is it possible to have two locations for one business show up in search when searching for the company name?
• What should I do if I receive a request for ownership transfer?
• Are GBP Posts going away?
• Why aren’t all my locations showing up when I do a branded search?
• Is it possible to combine GBPs and transfer reviews to one GBP?
• What do I do if I purchased a company but Google won’t verify the location?
• Should I make a GBP for each of my locations if they are in the same city?
• How does the Google update affect leads and rankings?
• Can I set up a GBP for a service that does tele-health calls?
• Is Google Search Console useful for tracking click-through rate?
• Is an organic listing as important for local search?
• Is using 24/7 for a call center high risk for suspension?
• How do I change a tracking number without triggering a suspension?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• New reinstatement process rolled out.
• Google shuts down GBP websites.
• Should I use several categories for my GBP?
• Why is a Google phone number showing up in my GBP?
• Why can’t I add updates or posts on my GBP?
• How do I get reinstated if I can’t put up permanent signage?
• Does a co-working space qualify for a GBP?
• Why am I getting emails from Google about changing my business name?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• New Verticals for Local Services Ads.
• The State of Local Search 2024 webinar on January 10th.
• GBP Q&A section has been moved down to the bottom of the profile.
• How do I stop GBP from correcting the business name to an old name?
• How do I legitimately claim a second location for a Service Area Business?
• Does a 1 star review that doesn’t have any text still affect your ratings?
• Will adding a UTM to a GBP cause suspension?
• Is postcard verification still viable?
• Is it okay to use a photo that is already in the listing photos or is that considered duplicate?
• What is a no-follow link?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• GBP agency dashboard bug prevents accepting invites.
• Keyboards and mouse can cause suspension.
• New Ranking Factor based on “openness”.
• How do I know if leads are coming from ads or from organic ranking?
• How do I fix a GBP I’ve acquired that has lots of bad reviews?
• Is is possible to have 30 categories on my GBP?
• How do I avoid suspension when I move locations?
• Should I add text to photos in a post?
• Are GBP entries with the note “Own this business” unclaimed?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Google sends notifications to Google Business Profiles on reviews and suspensions.
• Verification bug for new GBPs.
• Google launches a “small business” attribute.
• Google adds new “activities” section to GBP.
• If a reinstatement email comes in a no-reply email, what should I do next?
• Does Google allow emojis to be used in reviews?
• What does it mean if Google gives me all three verification options?
• How can I reclaim an old GBP if I’ve forgotten the email?
• Can I verify a GBP before the location is built?
• What are verification options other than video verification?
• What should I do if Google won’t remove a negative review from a competitor?
• Does it matter the order in which additional categories are added to a GBP?
• If an address has had issues with fake GBPs in the past, will that affect verification for the current legitimate account?
• Should I add service areas to my GBP?
• Why is the chat button appearing on my GBP when I don’t have chat turned on?
• What should I do if I don’t have access to my Service Area Business account?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Bright Local’s SEO house of horrors for Friday the 13th.
• You can now text message Google Local Services Ads leads.
• Google tests a lite version of Search Generative Experience.
• Google SGE can now create images and text.
• How do I change the address when I go from brick and mortar to a Service Area Business?
• Should I use Yext?
• What is the difference between Suggest an Edit and using a redressal form?
• How do I delete a duplicate listing?
• Should I add EV Charging as a category?
• Is a band eligible for a GBP?
• Does the order of additional categories on a GBP matter?
• Are the metrics from GBP insights still inaccurate?
• Is there any benefit to using Apple Business Connect’s Showcase feature?
• Is there a way to check interaction with website clicks from Apple Maps in GA?
• Is there a way to see a list of all GBP listings at an address?
• Do citations matter for ranking?
• Should I move my ecommerce site to my main website?
• How do I not get suspended if I am changing my business name and moving locations?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Google Maps tests third party reviews.
• New reinstatement process for GBP.
• Are the AI features in GBP new?
• Is AI useful for things like GBP posts and metadata?
• Can I use an SAB for a virtual service?
• How do I resolve a suspension due to suspicious activity from another account with access?
• Do I qualify for a GBP if I’m not allowed signage at my location? 
• If you are strictly a service area can you verify residential addresses?
• How do you un-verify a duplicate listing?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• You can now edit social media links in GBP.
• Google adds links to Search Generative Experience .
• Google shares SGE feedback and expands to Japan and India.
• Bug with photos for desktop users.
• How do I add new locations in my GBP?
• Is Google unverifying practitioner listings?
• Why can’t I add pictures to a Google Post?
• Why is the chat feature not showing up?
• How do I have multiple services on multiple location pages?
• When will Google roll out SGE to the general public?
• Is adding in information for auto-complete addresses in maps new?
• Is it an issue to have the same social media links for several different locations on separate GBPs?
• In the health care field, is it better to set up a listing as a practice or practitioner?
• How do you optimize secondary categories so that you rank for associated terms for "near me"?
• If I manage an AdWords account with disapproved ads, can that effect the GBP profiles that I manage with the same email?
• If a past client/lead contacts you through Local Service Ads and you are charged for it, are you able to dispute it with Google?
• Will email verification for SABs become more common?
• How do I access my GBP when it has been suspended for “suspicious activity”?
• Why does Google not show a positive review?
• How long does it take for a GBP listing marked as permanently closed to disappear from search results?
• Where do you add the social links on GBP?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Local Services Ads adds new categories.
• New appeal form for rejected images and videos on GBP.
• New image guidelines for Local Services Ads.
• New GPB attribute of “are dogs allowed”.
• Is Google removing reviews?
• Google adds social media links for GBP.
• What should I do if I’m not getting verified even with a live call?
• How do I remove incorrect information from my GBP?
• Is there a way to continuously strengthen the ranks in Google Maps?
• What should I do if I want to move to a new location?
• Is the option for the GBP website builder gone?
• Is Google going to remove the ability for Services to add products?
• Why can’t I see anything on the right side of the screen when I log onto GBP?
• What should I do if I upload a video that doesn’t get approved?
• Should I focus on building up my Apple Business Connect?
• How do I access my GBP when there’s been a change in ownership?
• How do I improve the location pin on Google Maps?
• How do optimize for geo-specific locations when proximity isn’t a factor?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Local Searches on Google Chrome on mobile are disappearing in the Personal Injury space.
• Purchases from Etsy can now be made directly from AI Mode.
• Google deprecates short names for GBP.
• You can access LocalU Nashville video content by paid subscription.
• LocalU in Dallas in October 2026.
• New “Insights” feature in GBP.
• Google Posts bug now fixed.
• Can “Popular times” apply to an SAB?
• Is Bing still worth optimising for?
• How do I verify my business if my lease doesn’t allow me to put up permanent signage?
• What is the most I can do to fully optimize my GBP?
• What would cause a listing to become unverified?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• New categories in Local Services Ads.
• Google adds a ‘view as customer’ link to GBP dashboard.
• “Local SEO for Good” online fundraiser by Bright Local coming up on August 30-31.
• How do you manage multiple listings for a business?
• What’s the best way to advertise on Google Ads?
• If there’s no predefined service for a category should we add them to match the services listed on our website?
• If I have a home business is it okay to use my home address?
• Is there a problem with reposting a GBP post at a later date?
• Google seems to be ignoring the redressal forms I’ve submitted for fake businesses - what should I do?
• Do Google Reviews fall off because of age?
• Between Bing Places and Apple Business Connect, which is better?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Google reveals charity incentivized reviews are not allowed.
• Google adds implicit code execution and export tables to Google Sheets.
• Is there a way to force a video for a cover photo?
• Will email verification become more common?
• Is the Pointy app useful for adding products to my GBP?
• Is my GBP at risk of being suspended if I have the city in my business name?
• Why is my business marked as “temporarily closed”?
• If my GBP got suspended because of changes, should I get it reinstated, or try with a new listing?
• Are Google AI search results good?
• How can I use GBP with two churches in the same building?
• What should I do if Google Ads isn’t accepting my business because the name isn’t the same as the domain?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Bing is now the default web scraper for ChatGPT.
• Bing updates character limits for prompts to 4000 characters.
• Google rolls out new Search Generative Experience (SGE) AI.
• Google’s Bard now has images.
• GPB Services are now being displayed on desktop.
• Health Care providers need to fill out insurance information for GBP.
• Does Apple Maps get its data from Yelp?
• Is Bing relevant?
• Why do my GBP services keep changing?
• How do illegitimate listings manage to rank so high?
• How do I reinstate a suspended SAB when the appeal has been rejected?
• What are the best practices for uploading videos to GBP?
• Will there be sponsored results within SGE?
• Does posting on socials help with ranking?
• What level of access is best to manage GBP as an agency - manager or owner?
• How should you deal with a duplicate if your listing is suspended and a new duplicate popped up?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Updates and Questions

• Bing Chat will be showing referrer analytics data.
• Google sending texts to validate GBP.
• Local search ranking factors survey results.
• Do changes to my GBP impact local organic rankings?
• Is there a way to reclaim a permanently closed listing?
• How much weight does a website redirect hold on affecting local rankings?
• Are there GBPs getting verified without any verification method?

Links mentioned in this session are available on our website at https://localmarketinginstitute.com