I’ve noticed something exciting: Google is testing an innovative feature that enhances the local feel of Shopping ads. Some ads that utilize local inventory feeds now showcase the merchant’s city or town just above the product title. Imagine seeing ‘London’ or ‘Tonbridge’ alongside your favorite product, giving you an instant connection to where the store is located.
Why this matters to me. The addition of these location labels makes Shopping ads significantly more personable and trustworthy. For retailers in my vicinity, this could be a game-changer, as it helps them stand out against a sea of competitors. By clearly indicating a store’s location, there’s a greater likelihood of increased click-through rates and more in-store visits from shoppers, just like myself, who prefer supporting local businesses.
This feature also offers merchants using local inventory feeds a competitive advantage by promoting their proximity without the need for new ad formats or extra configuration.
How it operates. These labels are integrated into Shopping ads that already incorporate local inventory data. This addition complements existing tags like:
In-store
Pickup later
Curbside pickup
What’s unique about this label is its exclusive focus on the store’s location, as opposed to fulfillment options.
The drawback. Google hasn’t officially announced this feature, and details about its rollout, eligibility, and technical requirements are still under wraps.
Reading between the lines. For merchants operating in renowned or high-trust locations, this could significantly boost visibility. As a customer, I’m nudged to prefer nearby retailers over expansive marketplaces or distant sellers, which is a win for local communities.
Spotted first. This update was originally reported by Hana Kobzová, founder of PPC News Feed. Her keen eye on these developments certainly keeps us informed.
I recently dug deep into the world of pest control SEO companies across the U.S., starting with a list of 112 agencies and narrowing it down to the top 8. My criteria? A laser focus on what brings real results to clients. Here’s the algorithm I used:
Average Review Score (35%): I averaged scores from various review sites to gauge overall client satisfaction.
Notable Clients (25%): Examining the client list, I sought evidence of pest control industry expertise.
Leadership Experience (15%): I assessed the companies’ executive experience in SEO with a focus on pest control, rating them on a scale of 1 to 5.
Year Founded (15%): Consideration of their establishment year proved their resilience and ability to adapt to Google’s evolving algorithms.
Company Size (10%): While less critical, I believe company growth often correlates with successful outcomes for clients.
Below is my carefully curated list of top contenders, complete with their headquarters and focus areas for those interested in geographically targeted services.
First Page Sage is at the pinnacle of pest control SEO firms in the U.S. They blend SEO with AI optimization and top-tier thought leadership content to position clients as industry leaders. Their team crafts content targeting each stage of the marketing funnel, which is key for converting potential clients into loyal customers. They focus primarily on long-term strategies to transform client sites into organic lead magnets. A newer option allows clients seeking blueprints for success through a strategic roadmap.
Notable Clients: Terminix, Greenix, Truly Nolen
Leadership Experience Score: 4.8
Company Size: 100-250
Year Founded: 2009
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
Main Focus: Lead Generation, SEO, GEO, Web Design, Paid Search
First Page Sage “takes thought leadership to the next level.” Their account managers are “remarkably responsive” and their content results in “hundreds of new sales leads for [client] companies.
Lemonade Stand
Lemonade Stand shines in backlinking and web design services for pest control firms, enhancing Google visibility. They boast extensive experience in the pest control sector with a strong team to meet client demands, although their website shares limited prior client experiences, impacting their ranking slightly.
Notable Clients: Rightime Home Services
Leadership Experience Score: 4.5
Company Size: 51-100
Year Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Riverside, CA
Main Focus: Backlinking strategy and reputation management
I’ve explored recent UX testing that reveals Google AI Mode doesn’t eliminate high-value clicks. Users still visit websites when choosing services like doctors and dentists.
In the SEO world, there’s a prevailing belief: Google’s AI Mode fails to drive traffic. The worry is that if it becomes the default search tool, websites might miss out on crucial clicks.
However, there’s a catch—most studies highlighting traffic loss focus on informational queries.
Imagine someone curious about the appearance of basal cell carcinoma; AI might indeed reduce those clicks.
But what about when someone needs to book an appointment with a dermatologist?
No studies had ventured into this territory yet, so I took the initiative.
I conducted the first UX study focusing on transactional intent within AI mode, observing 52 participants across the U.S. and Canada over nearly 22 hours as they searched for high-commitment services.
Here’s what I uncovered.
1. 69% of AI Mode Users Visited a Website
During transactional searches, such as finding a dentist or dermatologist, 69% of sessions in AI Mode led to a website visit.
Through our study, only 27% felt “ready to make a decision” solely from the AI summary, with 4% checking traditional Google Search and social media for more info.
Users rely on AI Mode to form a consideration set rather than to follow its directive blindly.
2. Being Ranked #1 Isn’t the Ultimate Win
For decades, holding the top SEO spot was like hitting the jackpot.
AI Mode has redefined this dynamic: in our study, 89% of users clicked on multiple businesses.
Users aren’t looking for just one suggestion; they want a selection to consider. On average, participants checked 3.7 results per session, and only 10% looked at just one business.
This shift is enormous.
You no longer need to expend all efforts to be at the top but rather aim to secure a spot within the top three to five results. Clicking the competitors is common, too.
3. 16% of Users Trust Above-the-Fold Content
It’s often assumed users don’t scroll.
This isn’t true for AI Mode users. 84% of participants scrolled down to explore options.
Because AI results are seen more as curated lists, users are keen to browse and find the best fit.
4. Reviews Outweigh Photos in Influence
Only 21% of users looked at photos in Google Business Profiles, even for services like Botox, which saw a slight increase to 24%.
What’s the main draw for clicks? Social proof.
74% of users read reviews before deciding, emphasizing the weight of textual information over visuals.
The Verdict: AI Mode Won’t Take All Your Traffic
Crucially, AI Mode won’t strip you of your most valuable traffic: those ready to invest in your services.
With AI Mode, it’s essential to reframe how we view SEO goals:
Old goal: Rank #1 or risk being overlooked.
New goal: Aim for the top 5 and secure the click with strong social proof (via reviews).
If your business depends on ‘how-to’ traffic, there might be cause for concern.
However, if you’re a local business leveraging local SEO, remain calm.
Voice search has radically changed the way I interact with technology. The hands-free, conversational queries I can make through my smartphone, smart speaker, or virtual assistant feel incredibly intuitive. As voice search continues to gain prominence, I’ve realized the critical importance of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). This strategy is all about making sure my content directly answers user queries in a clear and concise manner. By understanding how voice search operates alongside AEO, I can significantly enhance my online visibility and engagement.
The Mechanics of Voice Search
When I speak to a device, voice search kicks into action using a combination of advanced technologies. It all starts with speech recognition, where the device records my voice and uses Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) to convert those sounds into text. Essential to this process is analyzing sound waves, identifying phonemes, and mapping them to words—all while accommodating my accent, any background noise, and my unique speech patterns.
Next up, Natural Language Processing (NLP) takes the stage to decode my words. This involves breaking down my queries to understand their intent, context, and meaning. For instance, if I ask, “What’s the best Italian restaurant nearby?” NLP identifies “best Italian restaurant” as the primary inquiry and “nearby” as a location-specific modifier. Over time, machine learning models trained on vast datasets refine this understanding to deliver more accurate responses.
After understanding my query, the system queries a knowledge graph or search index to fetch the most relevant information. In voice search, the aim is to give me one precise answer, instead of a list of possible links. Using Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, the system provides a natural-sounding reply, like, “The top-rated Italian restaurant near you is La Trattoria, located at 123 Main Street.”
The Role of AEO in Voice Search
AEO, or Answer Engine Optimization, is crucial for tailoring content to serve as the authoritative answer to voice and search queries. Unlike traditional SEO that focuses on ranking for keywords, AEO is all about delivering concise, structured, and contextually relevant responses that fit well with conversational questions.
Key AEO Strategies for Voice Search
Optimize for Conversational Queries: I’ve noticed voice searches often sound like actual questions or full sentences. Think of questions like “How do I fix a leaky faucet?” My content should answer these questions directly using natural language. Creating FAQ pages or blog posts with headings in question form can enhance AEO performance.
Leverage Structured Data: Applying schema markup, such as FAQ or HowTo schemas, assists search engines in understanding my content’s structure. This boosts the chances of my content being picked as the direct answer for voice queries. For example, a recipe page with structured data can easily respond to, “How do I make spaghetti carbonara?”
Focus on Featured Snippets: Often, voice assistants retrieve answers from Google’s featured snippets or position zero. To target these, I create content that succinctly addresses specific questions, ideally in 40-60 words, using clear formatting like bullet points or numbered lists.
Local Optimization: Many voice searches have a local focus, such as “Where’s the nearest coffee shop?” Ensuring my business is correctly listed on Google My Business, complete with accurate details such as address, opening hours, and reviews, is vital. Local SEO complements AEO by making my business the preferred answer for nearby users.
Prioritize Mobile and Speed: Since most voice searches happen on mobile devices, optimizing my site for quick loading times and mobile-friendliness will greatly enhance user experience and improve AEO scores.
Why AEO Matters for Voice Search
As voice search usage skyrockets—more than 50% of U.S. adults utilize it daily—AEO becomes a pivotal part of staying competitive. Voice assistants prioritize giving a single answer, making it crucial for my response to be the one at the top. AEO ensures my content is clear, authoritative, and closely aligns with user intent, thus improving my selection chances.
Beyond just visibility, AEO cultivates trust with users. When my content consistently provides accurate answers, people begin to see my brand as reliable, driving more traffic and fostering loyalty. For businesses, mastering AEO for voice search can lead to higher store visits, more conversions, and enhanced brand recognition.
Conclusion
Powered by technologies like speech recognition, NLP, and TTS, voice search is changing how I look for information. Through AEO integration, I can fine-tune my approach to cater to conversational, question-based queries. By leveraging structured data and aiming for featured snippets, I stay ahead in the dynamic world of voice technology. As this field progresses, aligning with AEO will be essential for thriving amidst the demand for instant, spoken answers.
Inspired by this post on AnswerEngineOptimization.blog.
I’m thrilled to share that Google Posts now includes features that support scheduling and multi-location publishing within Google Business Profiles. These updates are designed to make it easier for us to manage our Google Posts, whether they are for our businesses or clients.
Scheduling. One exciting new feature when adding a Google Post within our Google Business Profiles is the option to “schedule this post.” We can now select the exact date and time when we want our posts to go live.
Lisa Landsman from Google shared on LinkedIn, “Plan your entire week or month in advance! You can now schedule your Google Posts to go live automatically at the perfect time.”
Multi-location publishing. If you, like me, manage several locations for a business, you’ll find the new multi-location feature incredibly convenient. It allows us to quickly copy Google Posts to some or all of our locations with just a click. Lisa Landsman explained, “Easily create a single post and apply it instantly to multiple business locations in one click.”
What it looks like. Here’s a GIF that shows this functionality in action:
Why we care. I care about these updates because I know how busy businesses can be. Often, we don’t have the time to pause everything just to create a timely Google Post about an upcoming event or important message. Now, we can schedule these posts in advance and copy them effortlessly across locations we manage.
As Lisa Landsman from Google pointed out, “We know the upcoming holiday season is a crucial, and hectic, time for your business. It’s also your biggest opportunity to get your events, offers, and updates in front of potential customers who are actively searching.”
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Profound is rolling out a new App Language Selector, giving all of us the ability to use the platform in over 30 different languages. This feature is currently in beta and represents a significant milestone in our global expansion, following the success of Zero Click London.
With this launch, we’re doubling down on our promise to create a multilingual and accessible experience for teams not just in Europe, but around the globe. Whether you’re collaborating internationally or simply prefer working in your native tongue, Profound is now more user-friendly than ever.
I’ve recently discovered that Google Maps has introduced some exciting new features to better inform us about local businesses and events. Now, we can also choose to leave reviews using nicknames, giving us a bit more privacy when sharing our thoughts.
Know Before You Go. One of the highlights is the ‘know before you go’ feature now available on Google Maps. I remember seeing this tested earlier, but it’s great to see it officially rolled out now.
When I search for places, I can easily access ‘know before you go’ tips, showing me crucial details like parking tips, secret menu items, and ideal reservation methods. This information comes from user reviews and other online resources.
These tips, dubbed ‘insider tips’ by Google, are now available in the U.S. on both Android and iOS. I’ve found them quite helpful in planning my visits more efficiently.
Here’s a glimpse of how it looks:
Trending Nearby in Explore Tab. There’s also a new addition to the Explore tab, highlighting trending restaurants, activities, and attractions nearby. I can simply swipe up on the explore tab to discover these popular spots.
This feature sources trends from platforms like Viator, Lonely Planet, and local influencers, including Sisterssnacking. It’s been a fantastic way for me to stay updated on what’s happening around me.
This update is available globally this month on both Android and iOS devices.
Here’s what the new Explore tab looks like in action:
Nicknames for Reviewers. One feature I particularly like is the option to use nicknames when leaving reviews. According to Google, “If you’d prefer not to use your real name, you can now choose a nickname and profile.”
While there might be concerns about spammy reviews, Google assures us that their systems are equipped to monitor and detect fake reviews continuously, linking our reviews to our Google Accounts.
This feature is rolling out globally this month on Android, iOS, and desktop.
Here’s a quick look at how to set up a profile with a nickname:
Discover how keyword-rich Google reviews can significantly enhance your local visibility, engage more customers, and boost conversions. Let’s dive into the strategies, complete with handy templates to get you started.
As someone exploring the impact of keywords in reviews, I’ve noticed that while their influence on local rankings is debated, the value they bring extends well beyond just visibility. Here are seven compelling reasons why encouraging keyword-rich reviews is beneficial.
If your reviews consistently highlight specific keywords relevant to your business, the chance of your profile getting a Review justification in search results improves rapidly. This added visibility can directly enhance click-through rates and potentially elevate your standings in search results.
Google crafts clickable Place Topics from the keywords found in reviews. These topics not only stand out and attract potential customers by showcasing your expertise but also filter reviews efficiently, increasing engagement with your profile.
Terms frequently mentioned in your reviews are bolded in three review snippets on your Business Profile. This subtle emphasis can captivate users searching for these terms, likely boosting click-through rates to your profile.
For restaurants, Menu Highlights are curated from customer reviews and photos, similar to Place Topics. An analysis shows that these sections influence rankings, implying that mentions of menu items in reviews can enhance your visibility for those terms.
Google’s AI-generated summaries draw from review content to describe your business attributes, such as “cozy”. While you cannot directly edit these summaries, encouraging detailed, keyword-rich reviews can guide the AI to highlight beneficial aspects of your business.
Review summaries created by Google’s AI analyze frequent sentiments from customer feedback. By prompting customers to include specific keywords, your review summary can resonate more with potential clients.
Google is transitioning from the Q&A section to a feature allowing customers to ask questions about your business. This new feature draws answers from reviews, meaning that comprehensive, keyword-laden reviews become incredibly valuable.
Asking customers directly to insert specific keywords in their reviews may seem odd and forced. Instead, consider upgrading your review request templates to guide your customers naturally towards providing relevant, detailed feedback.
For example, Miriam Ellis has developed a helpful guide on acquiring keyword-rich reviews, complete with three templates tailored for different scenarios, each facilitating descriptive and keyword-rich content from your clients.
Implementing these improvements in your review requests will yield richer, more detailed customer feedback. This can enhance your local SEO benefits and possibly improve your Google rankings for related keywords, though that shouldn’t be your primary objective here.
