April Round-Up
We round up April for you in one spot.
April always makes me realize that renewal is possible and nothing says that louder than wild leeks (aka ramps). They burst into view as a hearty, tasty & short-lived green long before other plants even realize that winter has finally ended.
Analysis
We looked at two broadly related themes throughout the month: the increasing role of images AND products in Google's local search results. Along the way we spotted some new local SERPS and highlighted some interesting local ranking info.
Products in the Local Pack
Google: Adding In-store Products Can Improve Local Rankings
Google Local Finder Becomes a Product Finder
Images and Local
Google's increasing use of images in search results
Google's increasing understanding of image content & its impact on the SERP
The impact of images on rank & conversions + how to take advantage of the image landscape for your local SEO (If you are only going to read one, this is it.)
Our Most Read Article from the Archives
The ten review management platforms that were put on notice by the FTC
Podcasts
Each week we discuss three topics that interested us and we have a lot of fun doing it.
Ep 58: Antitrust Laws Closer, Google partners with CVS on appts, Consumer review trust down but usage is up
Ep 59: Live Inventory Improves 3-Pack Rank, LocalU-Spam Study, Review takedowns & Vicinity Update, GA4 Sucks-what’s next?
Ep 60: Paid-Search Ad Domination, 'Self-Updating Maps' and the Failure to Engage, Mobile SERPs Are Image SERPs
Ep 61: Amazon’s new Buy Prime looking to push Prime across much of e-commerce, What is the future on-online content? Will it be AI generated? What content works best for SMB research when buying SAAS products?
Ep 62: Ratings vs Review Text - Which is more important for buyer conversions? Performance Max - Is Google’s newly updated automated ad product good enough to replace agencies? What is the future of advertising on Twitter under a Musk regime?
Will you do us a favor?
Share this with a friend or colleague and encourage them to sign up for the newsletter and our podcast.
As always, we love hearing from you. Reach out and let us know what is on your mind: gsterling@nearmedia.co