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EP 245 - AI, Strong-Arm Tactics & a Shifting Review Landscape Are Reshaping Local Search

Google is replacing GBP data with AI summaries, ads are siphoning clicks, review fraud is rising, and scraping is being blocked. Here’s what it means for local search, LSAs, and the future of trust in 2026.

Near Media, Mike Blumenthal

Feb 25, 2026

Episode 245 examines Google’s expanding AI integration into local search, evidence that LSAs — not AI Overviews — are draining clicks, new restrictions on scraping review data, and new data from Yelp and Bright Local showing emerging consumer frustration with review fraud. The episode explores how trust, monetization, and AI personalization are reshaping local marketing.

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The Podcast Deets

1️⃣ Google AI & Click Economics (00:00–14:00)

Google is replacing structured GBP data with AI-generated summaries, nudging users into AI Mode, and expanding monetization pathways. Aleyda Solis’ study and Near Media research show ads — especially LSAs — are siphoning clicks.

2️⃣ Data Moats & Scraping Crackdowns (14:00–22:00)

Google restricts scraping, disrupting SerpAPI. The move reinforces Google’s data advantage against ChatGPT and Perplexity while signaling an increasingly closed ecosystem.

3️⃣ Reviews, Inflation & Consumer Backlash (22:00–36:00)

Yelp’s Trust Report and BrightLocal’s 2026 study show persistent fraud, rising consumer anger, review inflation in legal, and AI becoming the third source of recommendations.

Key Takeaways

Google is integrating more AI in the Local Brand Panels
LSAs are the real click siphon — not AI Overviews.
Google is tightening control over review data.
Review inflation is undermining trust.
Consumers want harsher penalties for fraud.
AI search is increasing awareness but not eliminating click behavior.
Local marketers must diversify trust signals beyond Google.

👇 Watch by topic:

00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview
01:30 Google Replacing GBP Content with AI
08:30 AI Mode & Monetization Signals
10:30 Are AI Overviews Killing Clicks?
14:00 LSAs as the Real Click Drain
16:00 Google Blocking Review Scraping
19:00 Yelp Trust & Safety Report
22:00 BrightLocal 2026 Review Survey
25:00 Consumer Anger Over Review Fraud
27:00 Legal Vertical Review Inflation
31:00 AI as the Third Source of Recommendations
35:00 Multi-Platform Validation Behavior
36:00 Final Thoughts