It’s that time of year again. 🔮 We asked leading experts what the year ahead could hold, and how those working in local search can stay one step ahead. Dive in to see what to leave behind, and where to focus your efforts in 2026. ⬇️ www.brightlocal.com/blog/experts...

Google Maps drops the Q&A feature for the AI-powered Ask feature www.seroundtable.com/google-maps-...

Google with real estate listings - full property sales listings in the search results www.seroundtable.com/google-searc...

If you’ve set up a Google Business Profile, you know the basics. But are you confident handling the complex stuff? 🤔 We've teamed up with Stefan Somborac for a new Academy course to help you resolve challenges and keep your profiles compliant. 🎓 Enroll for free: www.brightlocal.com/blog/new-aca...

PSA to update your business hours this week! 🚨

🚨 The 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors are OUT NOW! Read the full report and my analysis on the Whitespark website. Watch my new video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDeA...

Your brand reputation isn't built on stars alone. It's built on tone & that tone shows up everywhere! In reviews, content, & how people talk about you online It shapes trust, conversions, rankings, and even how LLMs interpret your brand. Here’s why it matters more than ever👇

Google Business Profiles review extortion scams are a big deal and it is great to see Google just added a new help document on how to handle and report these scams www.seroundtable.com/google-busin... #googlebusinessprofiles #googlelocal #reviews #googlereviews #google #scam #extortion

Curious where LLMs get their info? 🤖 Our latest research reveals that Yelp shows up in over a 1/3 of AI searches. Don’t underestimate Yelp’s influence. It’s still a powerhouse! Read the full report: www.brightlocal.com/blog/ai-sear...

📍Local SEOs, if you’re not paying attention to TikTok’s Local Explorer Program, it’s time to start. TikTok has been building local discovery features, and this program shows the platform is serious about local search

🚨 Google has removed the “100 results per page” option, impacting many rank trackers. We’ve already updated our Local Rank tracker with a temporary fix, so your data stays accurate and reliable. Read the full article: www.brightlocal.com/blog/google-...

Thank you for being a part of something incredibly special. 💚 Local SEO for Good 2025 was a huge success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Together, we've raised $53,450. Watch the replay by registering at: www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo...

Tired of using the same generic audit for every client? It's time to build something that truly wows them. In our new course, the brilliant @greggifford.bsky.social will guide you in creating powerful, custom local SEO audits. 🎓 Enrol in the course today. www.brightlocal.com/blog/new-aca...

Day 2 of Local SEO for Good starts SOON! 💚 Join us from 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET / 4 p.m. BST, and we can't wait. See you there! 🎟️ www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo...

Today! 💚 Local SEO for Good kicks off at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET / 4 p.m. BST, and we can't wait. See you there? 🎟️ www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo...

Local SEO for Good kicks off tomorrow! Talk topics include: Google Business Profile AI Content Marketing Technical SEO Marketing Strategy Customer Reputation and Feedback ... and so much more. ✨ Get your FREE ticket: www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo...

In just one week, Local SEO for Good kicks off, and yes, it really does live up to the hype. 🚀 It’s packed with expert insights, driven by purpose, and best of all, completely free. 💚 🎫 Get your FREE ticket today to avoid missing out. www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo...

Review volume has become a ranking factor - Elizabeth and I explained what WE are seeing during our LIVE webinar on August 20th. Rewatch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/QJU3-nCUbvQ

You want to adapt your local content for every platform? I've got you. You want your learning to matter? Let's raise some money for good causes. #LocalSEOForGood is where we do both. I'm Team @hrc.org. Join me! Get your free ticket here: buff.ly/0hHBJo5

Let's make local marketing do more than fill report columns. Let's use it to fuel real change. Join @brightlocal.com for #LocalSEOForGood, learn from an awesome lineup, and raise money for causes that matter. Did you get your free ticket, yet? buff.ly/0hHBJo5

Are SMBs choosing followers over foot traffic? Our latest data tells us that SMBs are more likely to have a social media presence than a website or a Google Business Profile. ‼️ Read on to learn what small businesses can do to improve their presence. www.brightlocal.com/research/smb...

Local Pack with ad, which duplicates the organic listing immediately above it. Also: bottom ad placement (vs. top where most Pack ads have been historically).

Spotted by Bill Hartzer... "Have AI Call" button spotted in the wild....  Has anyone else seen this?

This isn't your usual local SEO shindig. I'm teaming up with @brightlocal.com raising real money for real causes. I'm in, flying the flag for @hrc.org. Come learn and walk away from my session with content repurposing tactics you can use on Google Maps to TikTok and more. Get your free ticket below!

Our new research shows 🔹 Only 40% SMBs have a dedicated website. 🔹 A shocking 35% have claimed their Google Business Profile. Find out why this is happening and how SMBs can implement some valuable tactics. Read the full report 👉 www.brightlocal.com/research/smb...

Perplexity has introduced the functionality to make a reservation through OpenTable. 👀 www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/boo...

It's not just about SEO. 💚 Instead of selling tickets to our two-day virtual event, Local SEO for Good, we’re donating to incredible charities on your behalf—each one picked by our speakers. Help us create a better future. Get your ticket today. www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo...

Here's what to expect at Local SEO for Good: 📺 A high-energy livestream packed with ideas you’ll want to steal 💬 A lively chat where insights, emojis, & hot takes fly 🎤 Q&As 💚 and more! Bonus: You don’t need to wear shoes. Or leave your house! www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo...

Is your GBP verified, but you're getting messages saying your listing isn't live?  Your listing may actually BE live.  Google has flagged this as a known issue Read more 👉 https://support.google.com/business/thread/360034022

Google Web Guide/AI Organized SERPs looks like a potentially better blending of AI and traditional link-based SERPs.

The agenda for Local SEO for Good is top-notch! Dive into sessions on AI, GBP, user behavior, TikTok, technical SEO, and more—delivered by 16 expert speakers over two unforgettable days. 🧠 🎟️ www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo... 🎟️

I'm excited to be speaking at Local SEO for Good, and I'm also stoked to be raising money for @hrc.org. Get your free ticket here: www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo...

Local SEO for Good is back and better than ever! 💚 🎉 Get expert local SEO tips and strategies in just two action-packed days—don’t miss out! 🧠 📅 September 3-4 💻 Streaming virtually 🎟️ 100% FREE Register now (and tell your friends!) www.brightlocal.com/local-seo-fo...

Back to your desk after a summer vacation? 🏄‍♂️ 🎆 You won't need to go far to find out the latest goings on. We've gathered everything you should catch up on right here. 👇

Service-area businesses face unique challenges when it comes to ranking in local search. 🤯 That's why we've teamed up with @amandajordan.bsky.social for our new course: Get Found Online: Local SEO for Service-area Businesses. Enroll for free today! 🎓 academy.brightlocal.com/course/local...

Everyone's obsessing over keywords and rankings. Here's what they're missing: creative content is what gets clicked, shared, and remembered. You can have perfect SEO, but if your content's boring? Good luck.

Looking to set up your own local SEO agency and need to know where to start? 🚀 The Agency Growth Handbook details how, with guides written by agency folks—aka, those who have been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and are ready to share their advice. ✨ www.brightlocal.com/agency-growt...

How many GBP categories should you have? 🤔 Back in 2023, we studied the local rankings of 1,050 business locations to answer the age-old question. ⬇️ www.brightlocal.com/research/stu...

Tracking your local rankings is useful for a number of reasons, and our latest guide shows you exactly how. From choosing the right tools to spotting where you’re slipping, we’ve got everything you need to monitor and improve your local search performance. www.brightlocal.com/learn/local-...

Your Google Business Profile is one of the fastest ways to put your business on the map (literally!) For anyone new to local SEO, we've created a free online course on managing and optimising your GBP. ⬇️ academy.brightlocal.com/course/googl...

At Google I/O this week, we learned more about Google’s vision for AI search. The direction is clear. Google is doubling down on AI and trying to improve the user experience of search, including local. 🗞️ www.brightlocal.com/blog/google-...

We're often asked who you need to follow to stay up to date with local SEO. 🔎 The answer is a marvelous community of experts who share their findings and insights on social media.🧠 Check out the full list: www.brightlocal.com/learn/top-lo...

Volatility in the SERPs started on Friday, but Local SEO seems pretty quiet today, according to the Local Rank Flux tool from BrightLocal.  What are you seeing? 👉 https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-ranking-volatility-may-16-39433.html

NEW: Google has released a "What's Happening" feature for GBPs, allowing food and drinks businesses to display timely updates, like "Today's Special" or "Live Music on Saturday," front and center. You can use it through Google Posts or your social media accounts. www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

How does local search behavior change between generations? ➡️ 10% of Gen Z use TikTok ➡️ 5% of Millennials and Gen X use YouTube ➡️ 4% of Boomers use DuckDuckGo With this, we're starting to understand where else your customers might be searching. www.brightlocal.com/research/con...

The Complete Guide to Google Business Profile Video Verification 🎥 If you manage GBP listings, bookmark this. It’s the guide you’ll want to reference again. Read it here: reputationarm.com/the-complete...

🔎 Where are your customers searching? And how does this vary from generation to generation? Uncover the data in the Consumer Search Behaviour 2025 report and find out how you can meet your customers where they are. 💡 www.brightlocal.com/research/con...

Zero-click searches, AI Overviews, and evolving algorithms mean one thing: your brand matters more than ever. 🧩 Explore the takeaways from our recent Live Masterclass with @elizabethrule.bsky.social to unpack why building a recognizable, trusted brand is key. www.brightlocal.com/learn/brand-...

We've been seeing reports that GBP Posts are not showing up. Does anyone have any intel? 🤔

NEW from Google.