Where customers look now, from the map pack to the assistants, and what shows up when they do.
When someone needs a plumber, the search barely resembles what it did five years ago. Two out of three Google searches never leave Google, so the map card with your hours, your photos and your newest review is the storefront. Nearly half of customers now ask an assistant instead, and the assistant reads your profile, your site and your reviews, then checks whether they agree. Most people compare three businesses before they call. The whole game is being one of the three.
Search3 min read
A caller who threatens to remove a business listing unless the owner pays is not following Google’s stated rules. Owners and staff can check the listing directly and avoid handing over money or account details.
Read more →Search4 min read
Most people compare three or fewer businesses before they decide. If you are not one of the three, you are not in the running.
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In one year, the share of people using AI tools to find a local business went from 6% to 45%. Here is what those tools look at before they say your name.
Read more →Search4 min read
About two out of three Google searches end on Google. For a service business, that makes the free profile the front door and the website the back office.
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