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EP 211 - Avoiding Google Suspensions, Understanding AI-Driven Search Trends, and Why Siri Is Still on the Sidelines

Google’s AI-led verification is rigid and heading your way, be prepared. Survey data shows AI is taking over early search, but users still rely on Google to act. Meanwhile, Apple bets on private AI—but Siri is still stuck in 2015.

Near Media, Mike Blumenthal

EP 211 - Avoiding Google Suspensions, Understanding AI-Driven Search Trends, and Why Siri Is Still on the Sidelines

The Podcast Deets

🛑 1. Google Business Profile Suspensions (00:00–10:20)

⏱️ Timestamps:

  • 01:30 – Suspensions and the role of AI in verification
  • 03:00 – Video verification process and issues - getting ready for the inevitable suspension

⏱️ Timestamps:

  • 10:20 – Survey: AI use in local search is rising
  • 12:45 – Users return to Google for final steps and Complementary funnel behavior emerges
  • 17:00 – Google risks losing mid-funnel ad value
  • 18:30 – AI Overviews are surprisingly well-received by users

🍏 3. Siri and Apple’s AI Strategy (21:40–34:15)

⏱️ Timestamps:

  • 21:40 – Apple Intelligence and Siri’s absence at WWDC
  • 23:00 – Apple’s utility-focused AI vs. chatbots
  • 25:20 – Siri’s continued shortcomings
  • 29:30 – Challenges of merging LLMs with legacy assistants
  • 33:00 – Predicting the future of conversational AI
Apple Retreats
Apple’s WWDC was a retreat from not just last year’s WWDC, but potentially a broader reset for the company. That’s why it was a great presentation.
Stratechery by Ben Thompson

Takeaways

  • Google Business Profiles continue being suspended at high rates by an AI-driven verification process
  • Legitimate businesses need to be ready for suspension and be prepared for the more rigorous process.
  • Video verifications now rely primarily on AI, with human fallback difficult to get to.
  • AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) are increasingly used for local business research.
  • Users still return to Google Maps or Search to complete actions like calls or directions.
  • AI excels at top-of-funnel; Google dominates bottom-of-funnel.
  • Google risks losing ad revenue if it loses relevance in research phases.
  • AI Overviews are surprisingly popular with consumers despite SEO criticism.
  • Apple unveiled “Apple Intelligence” at WWDC, but didn’t yet upgrade Siri.
  • Siri remains weak in conversation and functionality compared to ChatGPT voice mode.
  • Apple’s focus is on private, on-device AI for utility, not chatbot competition.
  • Retrofitting legacy assistants like Siri and Alexa with LLMs is a major challenge.
  • Seamless conversational AI is still 2–3 years away.
  • Despite AI growth, Google Business Profile accuracy and reviews remain essential.

Full transcript on-line