I'm interviewing James Dooley for our May podcast - now is your chance to submit questions!
Just complete the form and get you biggest SEO questions on the list
https://localu.org/podcast-question-form/
Join Elizabeth Rule and I this week on Wednesday, March 11th for a LIVE webinar
We'll be doing site audits designed to help you boost your Google rankings...
Register for a reminder: https://localu.org/boosting-google-maps-ranking-live/
Can you boost your best reviews visibility in Google?
Sort of...
We explain here: https://www.sterlingsky.ca/google-most-relevant-reviews/
If you don't like opening hours being a ranking factor, it doesn't look like the AI-powered local packs care about them as much.
Join Elizabeth Rule and I this month on March 11th for a LIVE webinar
We'll be doing site audits designed to help you boost your Google rankings...
Register for a reminder: https://localu.org/boosting-google-maps-ranking-live/
Joy will be interviewing James Dooley for our May podcast - now is your chance to submit questions!
Just complete the form and get you biggest SEO questions on the list!
https://localu.org/podcast-questions
We share our proven 7-step strategy to quickly reinstate your GBP. Learn how to identify your suspension type, audit for red flags, gather crucial evidence, and file a successful appeal.
We also cover how to prevent future suspensions.
⏯️.
This might be the largest AI-powered local pack I've seen yet.
Google filed for a new patent- where they'll create AI generated pages based on a query and tailored to a specific user...instead of sending users to an actual website...
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joshsquiresrva_us12536233b1-ai-generated-content-page-activity-7432780615231614976-7fqz/
Ads are everywhere - I wouldn't be surprised to see them IN the AI Overviews by the end of the year...
https://www.semrush.com/blog/serps-with-ads-and-ai-overviews/
Bookmark our 10-Step Local SEO Audit Checklist to Boost Small Business Rankings
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw-hmZXJc84
Google Search Console and Google Business Profile data rarely match—and that’s OK.
We studied 78 listings found 66% of “top” queries were different between the two tools.
Here's why: https://www.sterlingsky.ca/search-console-vs-google-my-business/
It's no secret that more reviews is better than no reviews, nor not very many...
Greg and Elizabeth are going to help business owners develop a review strategy on March 10th.
Register for free! https://www.brightlocal.com/webinars/review-strategy-2026/
Incredibly detailed post by Darren Shaw on how to build a stellar contact page on your website!
https://searchengineland.com/perfect-local-business-contact-page-469892
DFW - We're coming your way in October!
Join us in Grapevine on October 20th for a full day LocalU event!
Grab your ticket now - speakers and agenda coming in a few months!
https://localu.org/etn/localu-dallas-october-20-2026/
We updated this post recently - and it's definitely worth sharing again.
GBP insights and Search Console will never match...
Here's why: https://www.sterlingsky.ca/search-console-vs-google-my-business/
I'm speaking with a great lineup at SEO Spring Training near Phoenix in April. I'm ready for sun warm weather & sun!
Will we see you there?
Tickets: https://seospringtraining.com/purchase-2026-tickets/
Use promo code "JHAWKINS26" for 15% off all tickets!
We found out where the "click to call" in the local pack went.....
... behold the giant Local Pack Ad....
AI Generated services and warranty info in this GBP - Interesting that the sections are not "standard" and seem to changed based on what users are searching for?
The warranty info seems to be sourced from Angi primarily....
Right now over on Reddit, Join Krystal Taing from Uberall & a Google Platinum Product Expert - Be sure to bring ALL of your questions about Google Business Profile and general online management for growing brands...
https://www.reddit.com/r/localsearch/
Did you miss our LIVE webinar last week? You can watch it on demand now!
Get the scoop on what's goingto work in 2026 from Darren Shaw, Elizabeth Rule, and me!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx8JKoFdfac
Do you have a reviews or GBP question for Claudia Tomina? I'll be interviewing her in March for April's Local SEO: The Expert's Guide podcast, and NOW is the time to get your question on the list!
🚨 https://localu.org/podcast-question-form/
Download our 10-step Local SEO Checklist here - or bookmark our blog post!
https://www.sterlingsky.ca/local-seo-audit-checklist/
10-Step Local SEO Audit Checklist to Boost Small Business Rankings
Colan and I review these 10 steps that can boost your small business! Be sure to bookmark our checklist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw-hmZXJc84
I'm live NOW with Elizabeth Rule & Darren Shaw! Join us on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx8JKoFdfac
There's still time to submit a question for Claudia Tomina! I'll be interviewing her in March for April's Local SEO: The Expert's Guide podcast, and NOW is the time to get your question on the list!
🚨 https://localu.org/podcast-question-form/
Did you miss my webinar with Ben Fisher last week? We went over the violations that will actually get your Google Business Profile suspended...
Watch OnDemand 👉
Are you joining Darren Shaw, Elizabeth Rule and I on Thursday at 12:30pm ET?
If you care about ranking in Google Maps next year, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
Register for a reminder 👉 https://localu.org/live-10-signals-maps-2026/
Starting at 2PM ET today, Tuesday, February 17th - Welcome Brad Wetherall to the r/localsearch subreddit for another AMA
https://reddit/com/r/localsearch
From Claudia Tomina on the Sterling Sky blog...
Review Posting Blocks Are Surging. Here’s the Data Plus the Patterns Behind Them
https://www.sterlingsky.ca/review-posting-blocks-are-surging-heres-the-data-plus-the-patterns-behind-them/
