# Near Media > Near Media is the go-to advisor for executives at multi-location brands and vertical agencies seeking to optimize their search strategy and tactics. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages - [About Near Media](https://www.nearmedia.co/about.md) - About Near Media We're an applied market research firm helping multi-location marketing and vertical agency executives maximize their SEO & paid search investments. Software vendors are unreliable advisors. Content forums are low-quality and primarily geared at SMBs. SEO is an afterthought for most… - [Clients](https://www.nearmedia.co/clients.md) - We've been fortunate to work with some amazing clients. - [Contact Near Media](https://www.nearmedia.co/contact.md) - Contact the Near Media Team - [Policy Statement on Google Search & DMA Regulation](https://www.nearmedia.co/dma-statement.md) - A potential framework to assess Google's compliance with the Digital Markets Act. - [Private Market Intelligence Hub](https://www.nearmedia.co/hub.md) - These reports and recordings are restricted to active subscribers of the Near Media Private Market Intelligence program only. By accessing these materials, you agree not to share them with anyone who is not an employee at your firm. - [The Near Memo](https://www.nearmedia.co/memo.md) - The Near Memo is a weekly conversation with thought leaders at the intersection of Local, Search, and Local Search. - [How, exactly, do clients choose a personal injury lawyer?](https://www.nearmedia.co/personal-injury-law-research.md) - Stay a step ahead of your competition with proprietary market research from Near Media. Invest in the right digital marketing techniques and convert more prospective clients from search. - [Near Media Privacy Policy](https://www.nearmedia.co/privacy.md) - Adapted from Automattic under Creative Commons License. [https://github.com/Automattic/legalmattic] Here are Near Media's privacy principles: * We are thoughtful about the personal information we ask you to provide and the personal information that we collect about you through the operation of our… - [The Search Gameplan](https://www.nearmedia.co/search-gameplan.md) - Near Media's primary client offering is a location-obsessed SEO & paid search roadmap, custom-built for multi-location brands and vertical agencies. - [Sign up for Near Media's newsletter(s)](https://www.nearmedia.co/signup.md) - Monthly insights into trends shaping digital marketing and advertising. - [Sign up for Near Media](https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe.md) - [Near Media Terms of Service](https://www.nearmedia.co/terms.md) - Adapted from Automattic under Creative Commons License. [https://github.com/Automattic/legalmattic] Terms of Service These Terms govern your access to and use of nearmedia.co, as well as all content and Near Media products and services available at or through this website (collectively, “Services”)… - [🙏 🤩 ❤️](https://www.nearmedia.co/thanks-all-access.md) - Thanks for becoming an All-Access subscriber. We're incredibly grateful for your support. If you have a few moments to share your thoughts about what you find most valuable about our content, we'd love to know so that we can do more of it! Email us directly via dm@nearmedia.co. Thanks again for sub… - [Thanks for subscribing!](https://www.nearmedia.co/thanks.md) - We appreciate you being part of our community. To get our up-to-the minute updates analysis, and for more interactive conversations, please also join us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or both. ## Posts - [EP 269 - Tactics for Building a Local Brand in the Age of AI Search — An Agency Panel](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-269-tactics-for-building-a-local-brand-in-the-age-of-ai-search-an-agency-panel.md) - We close the run of solo interviews with a working session on what "brand" means for a local business and which tactics move the needle now that answers are generated, not just ranked. Join Paula French, Joy Hawkins, Andrew Shotland, and Matt McGee to explore the tactics that helped the most - [EP 268 - AI Overviews, Brand Search & Local SEO: Cyrus Shepard on Earning the Click - from the archives](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-268-ai-overviews-brand-search-local-seo-cyrus-shepard-on-earning-the-click-from-the-archives.md) - Cyrus Shepard joins us on the Near Memo to connect what the Google antitrust trial and API leak revealed about click data to the questions local operators care about: how Google decides a result was good, why brand search keeps correlating with rankings, and what AI Overviews do to that ecosystem . - [Start with Google, Alexa+ Local, SEO v. AEO, Local AI Varies, Chat UI Wins](https://www.nearmedia.co/start-with-google-alexa-local-seo-v-aeo-local-ai-varies-chat-ui-wins.md) - [EP 267 - You Can't Outspend a Bad Intake Experience: Brand-Building for Legal](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-267-you-cant-outspend-a-bad-intake-experience-brand-building-for-legal.md) - Gyi Tsakalakis, of AttorneySync, joins us for Part 3 of our brand-building series — bringing the brand conversation down to earth in professional services, and specifically in legal, where a client hires once in a lifetime, can't judge quality, and every ad on the screen looks the same. - [LSA-Max, ChatGPT + Yelp, Legal Karma, Google Self-Preferencing Fine](https://www.nearmedia.co/lsa-max-chatgpt-yelp-legal-karma-google-self-preferencing-fine.md) - [EP 266 - Cyrus Shepard: What Local Brand Actually Means to Google and AI](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-266-cyrus-shepard-what-local-brand-actually-means-to-google-and-ai.md) - Cyrus Shepard, founder of Zyppy, joins Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal for Part 2 of the Near Memo brand-building series — this time on the technical side: how Google and AI systems actually model a brand, and what a local business can do about it. - [EP 265 - Decoding Local Branding with John Jantsch](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-265-decoding-local-branding-with-john-jantsch.md) - We explore local branding with John Jantsch, examining how to build trust through offline distinctiveness, mine customer interviews to identify primary differentiators and leverage programmatic referral loops to thrive in this bold new world. All with an eye towards increasing profitability - [Future of Websites, Review Abstracts, Search Shift, Apple Sues OpenAI](https://www.nearmedia.co/future-of-websites-review-abstracts-search-shift-apple-sues-openai.md) - [EP 264 - Why Small Businesses Need 'Trust Artifacts' in the Age of AI Search Friction - Raj Singh, Mozilla](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-264-why-small-businesses-need-trust-artifacts-in-the-age-of-ai-search-friction-raj-raj-singh-mozilla.md) - Discover why small business websites are shifting from growth engines to "trust artifacts" to battle AI search friction, click fraud, and generative slop. - [Gemini for GBP, Siri Is Better, Downstream AI, Yelp's Big Win](https://www.nearmedia.co/gemini-for-gbp-siri-is-better-downstream-ai-yelps-big-win.md) - [EP 263 - Stop Counting Stars: How to Mine Competitor Reviews for High-Converting Content Ideas](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-263-stop-counting-stars-how-to-mine-competitor-reviews-for-high-converting-content-ideas.md) - Learn how local brands use NLP APIs and modern scraping stacks to transform raw competitor review texts into high-converting website FAQs, operational updates, and definitive, cross-channel brand differentiators with Celeste Gonzalez of Last Mile Retail - [EP 262 - The $300 Billion Review Fraud Problem (And How the FTC is Fighting It)](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-262-the-300-billion-review-fraud-problem-and-how-the-ftc-is-fighting-it.md) - Former FTC attorney Michael Atleson reveals the high stakes of review fraud, platform accountability under Section 230, and the new wave of product liability lawsuits reshaping AI law. - [Facebook (Local) Search, Local Products, What's After Reviews, ChatGPT Erosion](https://www.nearmedia.co/facebook-local-search-local-products-whats-after-reviews-chatgpt-erosion.md) - [EP 261 - A Deep Dive Into Google Maps Lists, Local Gems, and the Impact on Restaurant Discovery with Craig Burton](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-261-a-deep-dive-into-google-maps-lists-local-gems-and-the-impact-on-restaurant-discovery-with-craig-burton.md) - Google Maps is rolling out dynamic lists using Gemini AI curation. These new lists features point towards local rankings dictated by unstructured user-generated context, real-world foot traffic, credit card transaction data, and Local Guides & 3rd party mentions rather than simple profile updates. - [Siri AI, Z-Click 68%, Gemini + GBP, AI Liability, Siri Search](https://www.nearmedia.co/siri-ai-z-click-68-gemini-gbp-ai-liability-siri-search.md) - [EP 260 - Goodbye Traffic, Hello Sales: The New Playbook for Local SEO Visibility with Cindy Krum, Gregg Gifford & Krystal Tang - Part 2](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-260-goodbye-traffic-hello-sales-the-new-playbook-for-local-seo-visibility-with-cindy-krum-gregg-gifford-krystal-tang-part-2.md) - Web attribution is fading, and search paths are fragmenting across alternative channels from Reddit to AI. Industry experts Cindy Krum, Krystal Taing, and Greg Gifford reveal how your business can build visible authority in an AI-driven search ecosystem. - [EP 259 - What Does I/O Mean for Marketers with Cindy Krum, Gregg Gifford & Krystal Tang - Part 1](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-259-what-does-i-o-mean-for-marketers-with-cindy-krum-gregg-gifford-krystal-tang-part-1.md) - Google I/O has confirmed a massive shift away from outbound website links toward a closed-loop, transaction-driven AI ecosystem. Learn how features like Ask Maps and custom AI agents will impact your brand's search visibility. - [Ask Maps Listicles, Links vs. Agentic Search, AI Referrals, Google's Antitrust Appeal](https://www.nearmedia.co/ask-maps-listicles-links-vs-agentic-search-ai-referrals-googles-antitrust-appeal.md) - [EP 258 - From Keyword Rankings to Brand Reverence: The New Local AI SEO Blueprint with Darren Shaw](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-258-from-keyword-rankings-to-brand-reverence-the-new-local-ai-seo-blueprint-with-darren-shaw.md) - Discover how Google’s Ask Maps and AI-driven local features level the playing field for local businesses, shift rankings toward non-deterministic visibility, and turn customer review responses into invaluable data for market research. - [EP 257 - Google Already Knows Everything About You — And Their New AI Features Make It Worse](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-257-google-already-knows-everything-about-you-and-their-new-ai-features-make-it-worse.md) - Google’s AI future is arriving fast. We unpack massive Google Business Profile fraud, inferred personalization, announcements from I/O: AI-native advertising, and how AI Mode could reshape search, local discovery, and consumer behavior. - [Google's AI Box, Siri & Spark, Gemini Trust, Zero Traffic](https://www.nearmedia.co/googles-ai-box-siri-spark-gemini-trust-zero-traffic.md) - Google Launches AI Powered Search Box AI Mode now has more than 1 billion users, according to Liz Reid today at Google I/O. Many SEOs had been predicting that AI Mode would become the new SERP. Google isn't doing that but it is much more deeply integrating AI into search with a new "intelligent sea… - [EP 256 P2 - The Death of Keywords: How Google’s Personal Intelligence is defining the future of Local Search](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-256-p2-the-death-of-keywords-how-googles-personal-intelligence-is-defining-the-future-of-local-search.md) - In Part 2, Garrett Sussman joins Near Media to explore how Google’s AI personalization could transform local search, reviews, SEO, attribution, and marketing strategy — and what businesses should start doing now before AI-driven discovery becomes dominant. - [ChatGPT Ads, Claude Goes Local, AI Ranking Factors, Google's 91% Ad Revenue](https://www.nearmedia.co/chatgpt-ads-ai-ranking-factors-google-91.md) - [EP 255 - How Google’s Personal Intelligence is Quietly Revolutionizing (Everyone's) Search Results](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-255-how-googles-personal-intelligence-is-quietly-revolutionizing-everyones-search-results.md) - In this episode we are joined by Garrett Sussman (iPullRank) to discuss his provocative 12-month study on AI personalization. We dive deep into how Google’s "AI Mode" uses your Gmail, Photos, and Calendar to tailor results—and why "unopened emails" might be influencing what you see next. - [5-Star Fraud: The FTC Targets Law Firms & Property Managers for Review Abuse](https://www.nearmedia.co/ftc-warning-letters-about-review-abuses-2.md) - No business is too small to be a target. Through a recent FOIA request, we’ve identified ten firms—ranging from boutique law offices to regional property managers—that the FTC recently flagged for review abuses like "gatekeeping" and employee-solicited fake ratings. - [EP 254 - Google Ask Maps Deep Dive: Ask Maps Is The Future of Local SEO Panel Discussion](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-254-google-ask-maps-deep-dive-ask-maps-is-the-future-of-local-seo-panel-discussion.md) - Join our celebrity local SEO panel—Claudia Tomina, Adam Dorfman, and Darren "The Canadian" Shaw—as they explore "Ask Maps," Google’s AI-powered conversational interface for local search. - [Local AI Trust, CTRs Up, Commodity Content, Agentic Search Vision](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-ai-trust-ctrs-up-commodity-content-agentic-search-vision.md) - [EP 253 - Yelp Strikes Back + The FTC’s Review Fraud Hit List](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-253-yelp-strikes-back-the-ftcs-review-fraud-hit-list.md) - Yelp leverages the Google antitrust ruling while the FTC targets small law firms for review fraud. Plus: Google’s new LSA scraping and the death of the Local Pack? - [FTC Warning Letters About Review Abuses](https://www.nearmedia.co/ftc-warning-letters-about-review-abuses.md) - 10 letters to the offending companies and details about the review violations committed - [Yelp Vs Google Filings](https://www.nearmedia.co/yelp-vs-google-filings.md) - Recent filings in the Yelp vs Google Anti-trust file - [Legal Hallucinations, Review Changes, 16% Mobile CTRs, Legal Ads in AI Mode](https://www.nearmedia.co/legal-hallucinations-review-changes-16-mobile-ctrs-legal-ads-in-ai-mode.md) - This is Near Media's new monthly legal marketing newsletter. - [EP 252 - Google Reviews Crackdown, Meta vs Google, and the AI Search Shift (What Marketers Are Missing)](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-252-google-reviews-crackdown-meta-vs-google-and-the-ai-search-shift-what-marketers-are-missing.md) - Google’s new review rules are triggering removals, Meta may surpass Google in ad share, and AI is quietly reshaping search behavior. Here’s what marketers need to understand now. - [Ask Maps, PoS Penalty, Short List, AIO Accuracy](https://www.nearmedia.co/ask-maps-pos-penalty-short-list-aio-accuracy.md) - [EP 251 - Google Lied About Click Data — Here’s What Actually Drives Rankings in 2026 with Cyrus Shepard](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-251-google-lied-about-click-data-heres-what-actually-drives-rankings-in-2026-with-cyrus-shepard.md) - Google said clicks didn’t matter. The antitrust trial, API leaks, and real-world testing say otherwise. In this episode, Cyrus Shepherd (Zyppy) joins Near Memo to break down how Google actually uses click data — including “last longest click” — and what that means in a world of AI Overviews. - [EP 250 - AI, Photos, Reviews & Intent Pages: What Actually Drives Multi-Location SEO Now (Part 2)](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-250-ai-photos-reviews-intent-pages-what-actually-drives-multi-location-seo-now-part-2.md) - AI search isn’t driving traffic—but it is reshaping visibility. Learn why intent pages, review signals, and brand awareness matter more than ever for multi-location SEO, and what actually works now. - [Apple Maps Ads, OpenAI's Retreat, GBP Benchmarks, Socially Addictive](https://www.nearmedia.co/apple-maps-ads-openais-retreat-gbp-benchmarks-socially-addictive.md) - [EP 249 - Why Multi-Location SEO Is So Hard (And What Actually Works) Part 1](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-249-why-multi-location-seo-is-so-hard-and-what-actually-works-part-1.md) - Multi-location SEO isn’t about tactics—it’s about execution. This episode, with Steve Wiideman, breaks down the real challenges brands face, from internal friction to content strategy, reviews, and shifting search behavior. Plus: what AI means (and doesn’t). - [EP 248 - State of Google Business Profile 2026: Impressions Are Down 54%—But Actions Aren’t with Adam Dorfman](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-248-state-of-google-business-profile-2026-impressions-are-down-54-but-actions-arent-with-adam-dorfman.md) - New data shows Google Business Profile impressions are down 54%—but conversions haven’t followed. Here’s what AI, Maps, and changing search behavior really mean for local businesses and marketers. - [EP 247 - From the Archives: Local Search Ranking Factors — Darren Shaw on Reviews, AI Search & What Drives Local Rank](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-247-from-the-archives-local-search-ranking-factors-darren-shaw-on-reviews-ai-search-what-drives-local-rank.md) - In this recently archived Near Memo episode, Darren Shaw explains the Local Search Ranking Factors study, why reviews and behavioral signals matter more than ever, and how AI search is reshaping local discovery. - [Yahoo Local, AI Bears, We Rewrite Your Site, AI Mode Self-Referencing](https://www.nearmedia.co/yahoo-local-ai-bears-we-rewrite-your-site-ai-mode-self-referencing.md) - [EP 246 - Inside the LSA Agency Model (Former Google Insider Explains)](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-246-inside-the-lsa-agency-model-former-google-insider-explains.md) - How are agencies turning Google Local Service Ads into a scalable service? In this Near Memo panel, experts from Leadwise HQ, Reputation Arm, Sterling Sky and Google’s product expert community discuss LSA strategy, pricing, lead quality and fraud. - [Attorneys Embrace AI, LSA Secrets, Lawyer Finding, Review Diversification](https://www.nearmedia.co/attorneys-embrace-ai-lsa-secrets-lawyer-finding-review-diversification.md) - The first issue of Near Media's new monthly legal marketing newsletter. - [EP 245 - AI, Strong-Arm Tactics & a Shifting Review Landscape Are Reshaping Local Search](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-245-ai-strong-arm-tactics-a-shifting-review-landscape-are-reshaping-local-search.md) - 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. - [EP 244 - AI Visibility vs Google Rankings: Rand Fishkin on the Future of Search, Zero-Click & Brand Measurement](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-244-ai-visibility-vs-google-rankings-rand-fishkin-on-the-future-of-search-zero-click-brand-measurement.md) - Rand Fishkin joins Near Memo to unpack AI visibility tracking, zero-click search, collapsing attribution models, and where brands should focus in 2026. A must-listen for marketers navigating AI’s impact on search and measurement. - [Webinar: What Really Drives (PI) Clients to Choose You](https://www.nearmedia.co/webinar-what-really-drives-pi-clients-to-choose-you.md) - Join us for our next webinar on February 24th: Before the Click: What Really Drives PI Clients to Choose One Lawyer Over Another. It's presented by GatherUp – next Tuesday. We'll unpack proprietary behavioral data that shows how consumers search for a PI lawyer today, what truly influences their ch… - [Google Slips, TikTok Local Feed, Ads Not AIOs, Social Media on Trial](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-slips.md) - [EP 243 P2 - The Truth About Google Local Service Ads: Rankings, Reviews & Photo Strategy (w/ Eric Levine)](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-243-p2-the-truth-about-google-local-service-ads-rankings-reviews-photo-strategy-w-eric-levine.md) - Former Googler Eric Levine explains how Google Local Service Ads aren’t just about reviews or budget. Ranking depends on review velocity, responsiveness, and visual trust. Here’s what actually drives LSA visibility — and why your photos may matter more than you think. - [EP 242 P1 - Inside Google Local Services Ads: Ranking Signals, Lead Costs, and Why LSAs Beat the Local Pack (w/ Eric Levine)](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-242-p1-inside-google-local-services-ads-ranking-signals-lead-costs-and-why-lsas-beat-the-local-pack-w-eric-levine.md) - Former Googler Eric Levine explains how Local Services Ads became Google’s most powerful local ad product—covering verification, ranking signals, lead pricing, reviews, and why LSAs increasingly crowd out organic and PPC results. Sign up for free to get access to this and our newsletters - [Local Pack Ads, Google Ka-Ching!, Claude Super Bowl Ads, AI Ankle-Biters](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-pack-ads-google-ka-ching-claude-super-bowl-ads-ai-ankle-biters.md) - [EP 241 - AI Isn’t Replacing Local Search, But It’s Rewiring How People Choose - with Crystal Carter](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-241-ai-isnt-replacing-local-search-but-its-rewiring-how-people-choose-with-crystal-carter.md) - With Crystal Carter, we unpack how AI assistants, & emerging agentic experiences are changing consumer behavior, local search & brand visibility. From ChatGPT & Google’s AI-driven results to personalization, intent modeling and task completion, we explore what actually changes and what doesn’t. - [Local AI Study, AI Mode Onramp, G-Queries Down, Squandered Tech Trust](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-ai-study-ai-mode-onramp-g-queries-down-squandered-tech-trust.md) - [Scout: Yahoo's New AI 'Answer Engine' (First Look)](https://www.nearmedia.co/scout-yahoos-new-ai-answer-engine-first-look.md) - Yahoo has been through a lot in the past 32 years. It dominated the internet for much of its early life, until being unseated by Google as the most visited US online destination in 2000. In 2008, Yahoo turned down a $45 billion ($68 billion today) buyout offer from Microsoft, only to turn around an… - [Local Agentic Commerce, AI Ads, Google Antitrust Appeal, Gemini Catches Up](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-agentic-commerce-ai-ads-google-antitrust-appeal-gemini-catches-up.md) - [EP 240 - Inside Google Local Rankings and the Review Purge](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-240-inside-google-local-rankings-and-the-review-purge.md) - Claudia Tomina joins us to break down what the Google API leak reveals about rankings and the role of business name and categories, why reviews are really disappearing, and how AI Overviews, Gemini, and AI Mode are reshaping local discovery and conversion. - [Agentic Shopping, GBP Agents, Gemini Share Surge, Siri-Google Deal](https://www.nearmedia.co/agentic-shopping-gbp-agents-gemini-share-surge-siri-google-deal.md) - [EP 239 P#2 - AI Is Breaking Local Search—But Google Still Decides Who Gets Chosen](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-239-p-2-ai-is-breaking-local-search-but-google-still-decides-who-gets-chosen.md) - AI-driven discovery is reshaping local search, but reviews, brand trust, and Google still drive decisions. This deep dive with Gyi Tsakalakis explains what’s changing, what isn’t, and how local marketers should adapt now. - [EP 238 P#1 - Why Local SEO Is Breaking for Law Firms (And What Actually Works Now)](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-238-p-1-why-local-seo-is-breaking-for-law-firms-and-what-actually-works-now.md) - Local SEO, Google visibility, reviews, & Google LSAs are no longer working the way law firms expect. In this episode, Gyi Tsakalakis of AttorneySync joins us to explain why rankings & traffic are misleading, how LSAs reshape legal demand, and how brand trust has become the real competitive moat. - [Looking Back at Local: 2025](https://www.nearmedia.co/looking-back-at-local-2025.md) - Some of the biggest themes, developments and issues we talked about in 2025 - [EP 237 P#2 - Google’s AI Mode Is Rewriting Local Search — What Businesses Must Do for 2026](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-237-p-2-googles-ai-mode-is-rewriting-local-search-what-businesses-must-do-for-2026.md) - Google’s AI Mode and ChatGPT search are reshaping local discovery. This Part 2 of a deep dive interview with Michel van Luijtelaar of GMBapi explains what’s changing, how users behave inside AI results, and what local businesses must do now to stay visible and trusted. - [ChatGPT Local Results Now Feature a Knowledge Panel](https://www.nearmedia.co/chatgpt-local-results-now-feature-a-knowledge-panel.md) - It appears when brand links or map buttons are clicked. - [EP 236 P#1 - Google’s Review Algorithms Are Tightening — Here’s What GMBapi.com's Data Shows](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-236-p-1-googles-review-algorithms-are-tightening-heres-what-gmbapis-data-shows.md) - We talk with Michel van Luijtelaar of GMBapi.com about what new data reveals regarding review removals, fraud detection, incentivized reviews, and regional legal differences across Europe and the U.S. Their new data shows Google is deleting reviews at ever increasing levels. - [Hacking Engagement, Review Deletions, Maps' Economic Power, Real Estate Ads](https://www.nearmedia.co/hacking-engagement-review-deletions-maps-economic-power-real-estate-ads.md) - [EP 235 P#2 - AI Agents Are Coming: Jes Scholz Reveals How to Prepare Your Business & Website NOW](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-235-p-2-ai-agents-are-coming-jes-scholz-reveals-how-to-prepare-your-business-website-now.md) - AI agents, content freshness, and database readiness are rewriting marketing. Jes Scholz explains what brands must do now to stay discoverable, trustworthy, and competitive as conversational interfaces reshape how people search and buy. - [Got Moats?, Google AI Training Probe, Agencies Are 'OK,' SMBs Are Social](https://www.nearmedia.co/got-moats-google-ai-training-probe-agencies-are-ok-smbs-are-social.md) - [EP 234 P#1 - Gemini 3, AI Mode & the New Search Reality: A Conversation with Jes Scholz](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-234-p-1-gemini-3-ai-mode-the-new-search-reality-a-conversation-with-jes-scholz.md) - AI search is evolving fast. Jes Scholz joins us to explain how conversational interfaces, Gemini 3, shrinking indexes and brand salience are reshaping SEO & Local SEO strategy. Here’s what matters — and what doesn’t — in 2025. - [ChatGPT 'Code Red', Dynamic SERP, Local AI Visibility, AI Shopping on the Rise](https://www.nearmedia.co/chatgpt-code-red-dynamic-serp-local-ai-visibility-ai-shopping-on-the-rise.md) - [Gemini Ascendant, Mapquest #1, Web Guide Appears, It's SEO + AEO](https://www.nearmedia.co/gemini-ascendant-mapquest-1-web-guide-appears-its-seo-aeo.md) - [EP 233 - Google Maps Gets AI, Reviews Get Aliases, Ads Invade AI Mode — And Google Uses Tech & Monopoly to Win the AI War](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-233-google-maps-gets-ai-reviews-get-aliases-ads-invade-ai-mode-and-google-uses-tech-monopoly-to-win-the-ai-war.md) - Google is pushing deeper into AI: Maps gets new AI features, reviews get aliases, ads creep into AI Mode, and Google changes the reality of search and leans on its monopoly power to steer users toward Gemini as it battles ChatGPT for AI dominance - [Gemini 3 Excites, Local Ads in AI Mode!, Holiday Shopping, Review Nicknames](https://www.nearmedia.co/gemini-3-excites-local-ads-in-ai-mode-holiday-shopping-review-nicknames.md) - [LSRF, Local Inventory Calls, Social Double Duty, AI & Yelp](https://www.nearmedia.co/lsrf-local-inventory-calls-social-double-duty-ai-yelp.md) - [EP 232 - What #1-Ranking Personal Injury Lawyers Are Doing Right With GBP— Greg Gifford’s Local Ranking Study](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-232-what-1-ranking-personal-injury-lawyers-are-doing-right-with-gbp-greg-giffords-local-ranking-study.md) - Greg Gifford shares his massive study of 3,000 personal injury GBPs, revealing which tactics truly separate high-ranking firms from the rest—and what it means for local SEO in the AI era. - [EP 231 - Local Search in the Age of AI: Darren Shaw on the 2026 Ranking Factors](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-231-local-search-in-the-age-of-ai-darren-shaw-on-the-2026-ranking-factors.md) - Darren Shaw joins Near Media to discuss the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors report — revealing how AI search, reviews, and behavioral signals are reshaping local SEO. Discover what really drives visibility in the age of AI. - [G-Maps AI Makeover, Google Unbowed, Hidden Decision Engines, CTRs Down Again](https://www.nearmedia.co/g-maps-ai-makeover-google-unbowed-hidden-decision-engines-ctrs-down-again.md) - [Near Media will be free next month and beyond](https://www.nearmedia.co/near-media-will-be-free-next-month-and-beyond.md) - Near Media is unlocking all newsletters and analysis starting on December 1, 2025. - [EP 230 - TikTok’s Local Play: How Gen Z Is Rewriting Local Search](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-330-tiktoks-local-play-how-gen-z-is-rewriting-local-search.md) - Gen Z’s search habits are changing fast — 62 % now use TikTok to find local businesses. Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal, and Celeste Gonzalez (Rickety Roo) Explore how TikTok’ and their Local Explorer program could redefine local SEO and authentic review discovery. Sign up to access for free. - [Apple Map Ads, LSA's 'Economic Rents,' Yelp's Uphill Battle, AI for B2B](https://www.nearmedia.co/apple-map-ads-lsas-economic-rents-yelps-uphill-battle-ai-for-b2b.md) - [EP 229 - Google’s Local Antitrust Battle with Yelp Moves Forward, Gemini’s “Grounded” Local AI, and ChatGPT’s New Local Results](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-229-googles-local-antitrust-battle-with-yelp-moves-gorward-geminis-grounded-local-ai-and-chatgpts-new-local-results.md) - We discuss Yelp’s revived antitrust lawsuit, Google’s confusing new ad labeling, Gemini’s flawed “grounding” in Maps, and ChatGPT’s evolving local search results — plus why trust in AI is starting to crack. Sign up to access for free. - [ChatGPT Local Pack, Atlas Browser, Local Product Inventory, Rapid Response](https://www.nearmedia.co/chatgpt-local-pack-atlas-browser-local-product-inventory-rapid-response.md) - [AI Mode Subtext, Link Quality, Google Ad Labeling, Gemini Success](https://www.nearmedia.co/ai-mode-subtext-link-quality-google-ad-labeling-gemini-success.md) - [EP 228 - AI & Local: How AI Is Rewriting Location Management; Interview with Ana Martinez, P2](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-228-ai-local-how-ai-is-rewriting-location-management-interview-with-ana-martinez-p2.md) - In Part 2 of our interview with Ana Martinez of Uberall we discuss how AI is changing local visibility. From adoption curves to Google’s AI Overviews, shifting consumer behavior, and the renewed value of citations, we explore what businesses must do to stay visible in an AI-driven marketplace. - [Local AI Citations, TikTok Explorers, Worthless Reviews, Global Opt-Out](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-ai-citations-tiktok-explorers-worthless-reviews-global-opt-out.md) - [ChatGPT Local Apps, Brands Beat AIOs, Deceiving SMBs, AI for the Holidays](https://www.nearmedia.co/chatgpt-local-apps-brands-beat-aios-deceiving-smbs-ai-for-the-holidays.md) - [EP 227 - Inside Uberall’s Local AI Shift: From Culture Shift to Client Tools; Interview with Ana Martinez -- Part 1](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-227-inside-uberalls-local-ai-shift-from-culture-shift-to-client-tools-interview-with-ana-martinez-part-1.md) - Uberall CTO Ana Martinez explains how AI is reshaping culture, products and customer engagement in their Location Management tools—from rethinking roles and workflows to launching UB-I and the Location Performance Score. - [EP 226 - Google GBP Suspension Increases?, The Future of Reviews, and Liz Reid’s AI Vision for Search](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-226-google-gbp-suspension-increases-the-future-of-reviews-and-liz-reids-ai-vision-for-search.md) - From GBP suspension increases to the future of reviews to Liz Reid’s AI roadmap, the Near Memo breaks down what Google’s latest moves mean for small businesses, SEOs, and consumers navigating an increasingly AI-driven search world. - [Local Agents, Alexa's Do-Over, Google Dark Ad Patterns, Reviewpocalypse](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-agents-alexas-do-over-google-dark-ad-patterns-reviewpocalypse.md) - [Review Extortion - A Growing Threat to Your GBP Profile](https://www.nearmedia.co/review-extortion-a-growing-threat-to-your-gbp-profile.md) - Review extortion has become increasingly common on Google Profiles since WhatsApp was added as a messaging option. What you can do to limit the risk. - [EP 225 - Google Review Extortion, Maps AR Experiment, What ChatGPT is Missing & YouTube’s Strategic Power](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-225-google-review-extortion-maps-ar-experiment-what-chatgpt-is-missing-youtubes-strategic-power.md) - From review extortion scams to new AR tools in Google Maps, ChatGPT’s local blind spots, and YouTube’s rise as a strategic powerhouse — here’s what’s shaping the future of Google and local marketing. - [Local Users Want More, Google vs. Web, Local Ranking Variables, TikTok Survives](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-users-want-more-google-vs-web-local-ranking-variables-tiktok-survives.md) - [Local Blindspot, ChatGPT Users, AIOs on Trial, Smart Glasses](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-blindspot-chatgpt-users-aios-on-trial-smart-glasses.md) - [EP 224 - Review Extortion, Google’s Double Talk on the Open Web, The Open Web Future — with Barry Schwartz](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-224-review-extortion-googles-double-talk-on-the-open-web-the-open-web-future-with-barry-schwartz.md) - Barry Schwartz joins The Near Memo to discuss review extortion, contradictions in Google’s “open web” claims, the decline of publisher traffic, affiliate content debates, and how AI overviews are reshaping perceptions of search quality. - [Does Local Really Need AI?, AIO Trust, Engagement Channels, Break Up Google](https://www.nearmedia.co/does-local-really-need-ai-aio-trust-engagement-channels-break-up-google.md) - [Office Hours: 'AI Optimization for Local' (Sept. 17)](https://www.nearmedia.co/office-hours-ai-optimization-for-local-sept-17.md) - Google says, “Good SEO is good GEO.” - [EP 223 - Google’s Action Links Crackdown, The “Declining” Open Web, and Siri + Gemini](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-223-googles-action-links-crackdown-the-declining-open-web-and-siri-gemini.md) - Google tightens business action link rules, calls the open web “in decline” in court and then retracts, and we explore an AI deal with Apple’s Siri. We break down what these moves mean for businesses, publishers, and the future of search. - [Google-AI Overlap, Changing User Behavior, AI Mode, SiriGPT](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-ai-overlap-changing-user-behavior-ai-mode-sirigpt.md) - [EP 222 - AI Overviews in Local: When & Where, DOJ Remedies (?), and an SMB GBP Case Study](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-222-ai-overviews-in-local-when-where-doj-remedies-and-an-smb-gbp-case-study.md) - New data on AI Overviews in local search: where AIOs appear, how people actually use Google vs ChatGPT, what DOJ’s remedies mean, and a real client case where a brand-new ‘Summit Holiday Lighting’ triggered an AIO. Tactics & takeaways. - [Court Chickens Out, Bigger Pie, Bottom Ad, EU Blinks](https://www.nearmedia.co/court-chickens-out-bigger-pie-bottom-ad-eu-blinks.md) - [EP 221 - AI Overviews & Why consumers like them, Reviews V. Reality & Why Search Volumes Aren’t Falling](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-221-ai-overviews-why-consumers-like-them-reviews-v-reality-why-search-volumes-arent-falling.md) - We explore consumer acceptance of AI Overviews, how consumer review behavior differs from survey expectations, and why Datos data shows Google search remains strong despite AI adoption.Sign up for free to read - [Bing Places, AIO Love, No Google Killer, Where's the Decision?](https://www.nearmedia.co/bing-places-aio-love-no-google-killer-wheres-the-decision.md) - [Google Inertia, AI Shopping Surge, New 'Verified' Badge](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-inertia-ai-shopping-surge-new-verified-badge.md) - [EP 220 - Google’s LSA Shake-Up, Google LSA Dark Patterns & BrightLocal SMB Marketing Insights](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-220-googles-lsa-shake-up-google-lsa-dark-patterns-brightlocal-smb-marketing-insights.md) - Google is consolidating LSA with a single badge - we cover other recent LSA changes, the degradation of organic results, the dark patterns that elevate LSA usage and new BrightLocal data showing less than half of small businesses have claimed their Google Business Profiles. Sign up for free to read - [LSAs Dominate, AI Failures, Common Local SEO Mistakes](https://www.nearmedia.co/lsas-dominate-ai-failures-common-local-seo-mistakes.md) - [Trust Gap, Search Expansion, Local Signals, Apple's AI Comeback](https://www.nearmedia.co/trust-gap-search-expansion-local-signals-apples-ai-comeback.md) - [EP 219 - Barnacle SEO in the AI Era: Will Scott on Tools, Automation & Content Strategy - Part 2](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-219-barnacle-seo-in-the-ai-era-will-scott-on-tools-automation-content-strategy-part-2.md) - In Part 2 of this interview, Will Scott of Search Influence explains how AI is changing Local SEO. Learn how to use semantic SEO, no-code tools, and content repurposing to “barnacle” onto authority sites, boost brand visibility, and thrive in an AI-first search world. Sign up for free to read. - [Search Beats AI, Google 'Gaslighting,' Double Pack, GBP Slackers](https://www.nearmedia.co/search-beats-ai-google-gaslighting-double-pack-gbp-slackers.md) - [EP 218 - Part 1: Barnacle SEO in the AI Era: Will Scott on Leveraging AI for Search & ChatGPT Visibility](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-218-part-1-barnacle-seo-in-the-ai-era-will-scott-on-leveraging-ai-for-search-chatgpt-visibility.md) - Will Scott joins Near Memo to reframe Barnacle SEO for the AI era. Learn how to stay visible in AI overviews, leverage trusted sources, and why “garbage engine optimization” might be the new SEO enemy.... Sign up for free to read. - [Apple 'Answer Engine,' Google Engagement Down, AI Threat to Shopping Ads](https://www.nearmedia.co/apple-answer-engine-google-engagement-down-ai-threat-to-shopping-ads.md) - [New Yelp Relevance, AIO Contrarians, AI Browsers, ChatGPT 700M](https://www.nearmedia.co/new-yelp-relevance-aio-contrarians-ai-browsers-chatgpt-700m.md) - [EP 217 - The Future of Maps: User Focused, Contextual & Integrated AI with Goetz Weber](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-217-the-future-of-maps-user-focused-contextual-integrated-ai-with-goetz-weber.md) - We talk with map expert Goetz Weber about why today’s maps fail to deliver personal, contextual experiences & what needs to change. From intent modeling to the limits of monetization, from ChatGPT to Snap, he lays out a compelling vision for mapping 2.0: visual, social, & AI powered. Sign up to read - [Google Web Guide, ChatGPT Domination, Local Graph 2.0, Great Betrayal](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-web-guide-chatgpt-domination-local-graph-2-0-great-betrayal.md) - [EP 216 -AI Overviews vs. Local SEO: Are Users Clicking Less? Who Will Win the Name Game?](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-216-new-data-shows-ai-overviews-reduce-website-clicks-and-disrupt-the-local-pack-greg-and-mike-explore-the-implications-for-search-traffic-and-branding-in-the-ai-era-plus-some-fun-wi.md) - New data shows AI Overviews reduce website clicks and disrupt the local pack. Greg and Mike explore the implications for search, traffic, and branding in the AI era—plus some fun with burritos and Bosch dishwashers. Sign up for a free account to read. - [Pew: Click-Death Real, Local Pack in Danger, Google Q2 Growth, Local AI lags](https://www.nearmedia.co/goo.md) - [Google Ask for Me, Agentic Shopping, Ask Maps Moves](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-ask-for-me-agentic-shopping-ask-maps-moves.md) - [EP 215 - Google Fixes GBP Alerts Sort Of, Expands "Ask for Me" Local Quotes, Is ChatGPT Becoming a Local Search Disruptor?](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-215-google-fixes-gbp-alerts-sort-of-expands-ask-for-me-local-quotes-is-chatgpt-becoming-a-local-search-disurptor.md) - Google improves GBP notifications—finally. “Ask for Me” AI quote tool rolls out more broadly, but UX is messy. ChatGPT’s new product search and agent features point to OpenAI’s e-comm/local ambitions and raising big trust + data questions.... Sign up for free to read. - [Nextdoor 2.0, Prominence, ChatGPT's Memory, Google's Trust Advantage](https://www.nearmedia.co/nextdoor-2-0-prominence-chatgpts-memory-googles-trust-advantage.md) - [Local Guides Swell, 'Near Me' Impressions, Most Content AI-Aided, Google Wins!](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-guides-swell-near-me-impressions-most-content-ai-aided-google-wins.md) - [EP 214 - AI Overviews, ChatGPT's Google Shift & Google's Secret Weapon](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-214-ai-overviews-chatgpts-google-shift-googles-secret-weapon.md) - New insights on AI Overviews in Local, is ChatGPT using Google index results, and the scale and impact of Google's 500 million Local Guides on Maps and reviews.... Sign up for free to read & to get future episodes in your in-box. - [ChatGPT ❤️ Google?, Winning Local AIOs, Search Fragmentation, Antitrust-IO](https://www.nearmedia.co/chatgpt-google-winning-local-aios-search-fragmentation-antitrust-io.md) - [EP 213 - GBP Suspensions, AI Overviews & New Best Practices for AI-Era Local SEO and Reviews](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-213-gbp-suspensions-aio-overviews-new-best-practices-for-ai-era-local-seo-and-reviews.md) - From Google's crackdown on suspensions to AI overviews reshaping the SERPs, Greg and Mike explore what's changing in local search—and why just answering your phone might be your best marketing move yet. Sign up for free to read. - [AI Mode Study, Gemini in Chrome, ChatGPT Search, PPCrawl](https://www.nearmedia.co/ai-mode-study-gemini-in-chrome-chatgpt-search-ppcrawl.md) - [Review Diversification, AI & Local, AI Click Quality, Content Chunking](https://www.nearmedia.co/review-diversification-ai-local-ai-click-quality-content-chunking.md) - [EP 212 - AI, Reviews & the Future of Local SEO: What Darren Shaw Says You Need to Know](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-212-ai-reviews-the-future-of-local-seo-what-darren-shaw-says-you-need-to-know.md) - AI is reshaping local SEO, but most small businesses are still focused on Google. Darren Shaw shares how to prep for what’s next—diversified reviews, smarter content, and YouTube visibility for Search Everywhere Optimization (SEO). Sign up for free to read. - [Near Me Results, Google Says Web Is 'Thriving,' AIO Liability, SEO Is Dead - Again](https://www.nearmedia.co/near-me-results-google-says-web-is-thriving-aio-liability-seo-is-dead-again.md) - [EP 211 - Avoiding Google Suspensions, Understanding AI-Driven Search Trends, and Why Siri Is Still on the Sidelines](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-211-avoiding-google-suspensions-understanding-ai-driven-search-trends-and-why-siri-is-still-on-the-sidelines.md) - 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. - [June Office Hours](https://www.nearmedia.co/june-office-hours.md) - Greg Sterling shares new survey data on Google & AI usage. Despite media negativity, users say Google search quality is improving. AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping search habits, especially for research & discovery, with local search still Google’s stronghold. Full access members only. - [Local Data Advantage, AI Traffic to Beat Organic, the 'Google of AI'](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-data-advantage-ai-traffic-to-beat-organic-the-google-of-ai.md) - [Apple's Siri Silence, Citations 2.0, Breaking Up with Google](https://www.nearmedia.co/apples-siri-silence-citations-2-0-breaking-up-with-google.md) - [Gemini Usage, AIO & News Content, More Google Spin](https://www.nearmedia.co/gemini-usage-aio-news-content-more-google-spin.md) - [EP 210 - Google’s AI Shell Game: Gemini Hype, Antitrust Heat, and The Fight for the Future of Search](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-210-googles-ai-shell-game-gemini-hype-antitrust-heat-and-the-fight-for-the-future-of-search.md) - Google says Gemini has 350M monthly users—but is that real usage or baked-in bloat? We dive into AI inflation, DOJ’s push to break up Google, and why YouTube (not Search) may be the future. Plus: local guides, scraped content, and Google’s shifting deal with the web - Sign up for free to read. - [Google Breakup, Maps Spinoff, Just Brand It, Alphabet Soup](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-breakup-maps-spinoff-just-brand-it-alphabet-soup.md) - [EP 209 - Rewriting the Rules: AI, Search, and the Future of Local](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-209-rewriting-the-rules-ai-search-and-the-future-of-local.md) - AI is transforming local search—and not always in helpful ways. Long-time local expert Adam Dorfman breaks down what’s changing with Google’s AI Overviews, why clicks are fading, and what still matters for visibility today. Reviews, schema, and smart strategy lead the way. - [Whither Local Pack, Brandz, Social Only Looks Easy, Google Then & Now](https://www.nearmedia.co/whither-local-pack-brandz-social-only-looks-easy-google-then-now.md) - [Surviving AI Mode, Sundar Again, Back to Maps](https://www.nearmedia.co/surviving-ai-mode-sundar-again-back-to-maps.md) - [Local AIO Visibility, No Ad-Free Zones, Local Ad CPCs](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-aio-visibility-no-ad-free-zones-local-ad-cpcs.md) - [EP 208 - SEO Tactics from the Frontline: Real User Behavior in AI Overviews - Part 2 of the UX Study Analysis](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-208-seo-tactics-from-the-frontline-real-user-behavior-in-ai-overviews-part-2-of-the-ux-study-analysis.md) - Kevin Indig joins the Near Memo to reveal why SEO is now all about trust, not traffic. Users pick what they recognize, not just what ranks. Clicks are down, but buying behavior hasn’t changed. Learn how to adapt your SEO to this new reality. - [Google I/O Mode, What Innovator's Dilemma?, PR's Second Act](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-i-o-mode-what-innovators-dilemma-prs-second-act.md) - [Office Hours May 23: 'What's Working Now?'](https://www.nearmedia.co/office-hours-may-23-whats-working-now.md) - [Local AIOs, Apple Maps Content, Swallowing the SERP, Ad Tracking Illegal](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-aios-apple-maps-content-swallowing-the-serp-ad-tracking-illegal.md) - [EP 207 - Trust Before Clicks: What Google’s AIO UX Study Reveals About Real User Behavior](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-207-trust-before-clicks-what-googles-aio-ux-study-reveals-about-real-user-behavior.md) - Users aren’t clicking like they used to—and trust is the new filter. In Part One of our deep dive, we unpack what a first-of-its-kind UX study reveals about how people really interact with Google’s AI Overviews. Spoiler: skimming wins, reviews matter, clicks lie. - [Local SEO Theory & Praxis](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-seo-theory-praxis.md) - A presentation fro the GatherUp AmpUp conference - [ABC Ranking Factors, AIOs & Your Brand, Worried Google](https://www.nearmedia.co/abc-ranking-factors-aios-your-brand-worried-google.md) - [EP 206 - Google's Power Grab: AI Journeys, Monetized Moments, & the End of SEO as We Know It with Cindy Krum](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-206-googles-power-grab-ai-journeys-monetized-moments-the-end-of-seo-as-we-know-it-with-cindy-krum.md) - Google's next big move? Hyper-personalized AI search journeys that monetize your every click. On Near Memo, Cindy Krum explains how SEO must evolve fast—or fade. Discover, MUM, AI Overviews, and privacy tradeoffs all collide in a new search battleground. - [Google Panics, Mega-Local AIO, Top o' the Funnel](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-panics-mega-local-aio-top-o-the-funnel.md) - [AIO Pack, AIn't No Threat, Double Divestiture, Automation Blues](https://www.nearmedia.co/aio-pack-aint-no-threat-double-divestiture-automation-blues.md) - [ChatBP, AI Mode, Yelp Gets SaaSier, Google Remedies Trial Disclosures](https://www.nearmedia.co/chatbp-ai-mode-yelp-gets-saasier-google-remedies-trial-disclosures.md) - [EP 205 - AmpUp Conference, Yelp’s Antitrust V. Google, Google AIO for Local Reviews, ChatGPT Gets Product Search](https://www.nearmedia.co/ep-205-ampup-conference-yelps-antitrust-v-google-google-aio-for-local-reviews-chatgpt-gets-product-search.md) - AmpUp conference dives into the strategies & nitty gritty tactics of reputation. Yelp’s antitrust case against Google could blow up local search. Google’s AI review overviews don't dazzle with brilliance, just baffle users. And ChatGPT? It's turning into a shopping mall. Sign up for free to read. - [Local Search Survey, ChatGPT Shopping, Bing Bribery](https://www.nearmedia.co/local-search-survey-chatgpt-shopping-bing-bribery.md) - [Yelp vs Google Antitrust Case Survives First Big Test](https://www.nearmedia.co/yelp-vs-google-antitrust-case-survives-first-big-test-2.md) - Yelp’s antitrust case against Google just survived a critical test. A judge tossed some claims but kept Yelp’s core attack on Google’s local search monopoly alive. The battle over Big Tech’s power isn’t cooling off anytime soon. This report is available to anyone with a free membership. - [Google Remedies, 1.5B 'Use' AIOs, Smart Glasses, Apple Ads and Brand Trust](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-remedies-1-5b-use-aios-smart-glasses-apple-ads-and-brand-trust.md) - [EP 204 - Know Before You Go: New Ai Feature on GBP Profiles, G in Antitrust Cross Hairs & the Coming Shift in Search](https://www.nearmedia.co/know-before-you-go-new-ai-feature-on-gbp-profiles-g-in-antitrust-cross-hairs-the-coming-shift-in-search.md) - We explore a never before seen feature on your Google Business Profile, breakdown the remedy phase proposals of the Google Anti-trust trial & discuss how AI might bridge search to what it might become. Sign up for free to read. - [Upgrade Your Membership to Receive Great Content](https://www.nearmedia.co/upgrade-your-membership-to-receive-great-content.md) - We moved Near Media's content behind a paywall to continue doing our work. Please upgrade to our All-Access plan to help us keep pushing the state of local knowledge forward. - [Google 0 for 2, AIO-Zero, Search Dominates Spend, SEO Bad Practices](https://www.nearmedia.co/google-0-for-2-aio-zero-search-dominates-spend-seo-bad-practices.md) ## Optional - [RSS Feed](https://www.nearmedia.co/rss/) - [Sitemap](https://www.nearmedia.co/sitemap.xml) - [Full content of pages and posts](https://www.nearmedia.co/llms-full.txt)