Google Maps
Google Search adds booking and appointment availability for healthcare providers
This is a pilot with a limited number of providers including MinuteClinic at CVS.
Local
Google Maps
Google Maps blocked 100 million abusive business profile edits in 2021
Less than 1% of the content viewed on Google Maps was fraudulent or abusive, Google said.
Local
Google Business Profiles new emergency help attributes for Ukraine support
Google also added hotel attributes to define if your hotel offers support to those displaced from Ukraine.
Local
Google business profile reviews posting bugs should be resolved soon
Google has confirmed there was an issue with some reviews not posting and those reviews should be processed the end of this week.
Local
Google’s free hotel booking links arrive on Search and Maps
The expanded capabilities may be good news for hotels, but not so much for online travel agencies.
Local
Help for Ukraine SEO & PPC specialists seeking work
An SEO entrepreneur has created two resources: one for job seekers and another for employers with digital vacancies willing to hire Ukranians.
Local
Google ‘Confirmed by phone’ label in local panel may add trust to local listings
This label seems to be based off of Google Duplex calling businesses to verify their business operation details.
Local
Google may require double verification for some business profiles
Google updated its help documents to say that it may require you to verify your business with an additional method.
Local
How to use Google Business Messages to talk to your customers
Google's Business Messages is one of the best ways to connect with your customers and future customers.
Local
New business openings nearly match pre-pandemic levels, Yelp says
However, most major cities actually experienced a decrease in openings.
Google Maps
Google Search local pack’s map is now interactive
The new map lets you zoom, pan, hover and click to see more details on the map.
Google testing questions and answers in the Google Maps interface
This feature first launched in 2017 in the local panel and Google appears to be testing it in Google Maps.
Local
Google dropping follow and welcome offers in local listings
Soon, you won't be able to follow local businesses in Google anymore.
Google launches Google Business Profiles calls API
Businesses can pull call history data from this API and into their CRM software.
Local
Yelp introduces Keyword Boosting, rolls out Custom Location Targeting to all advertisers
Keyword Boosting may help local businesses achieve better campaign performance and reach higher intent audiences.
Local
Google opens up about how Maps review moderation works
Google’s overview details why it might update its policies, how it enforces them and the role of machines and humans in content moderation.
Local
New lawsuit targets Google over location data
Google is accused of using dark patterns to get more location data from its users and profit from better search results and Google Ads.
Google Business Profiles sets waiting period for new owners and managers
Newly granted users now must wait 7 days before they can manage all the features of the profile.
Apple
Apple Maps: What a maps web snapshot can do for your online content
Apple lets you create a static map image from a URL with chosen parameters and characteristics.
Local
Google now lets you place products at the top of your local and Maps listing
Google Business Profiles now let's you mark a product as special to pop it to the top.