SEO News This Week | Local SEO Partners | Podcast on RSS.com

SEO News This Week | Local SEO Partners

SEO News This Week | Local SEO Partners

by Local SEO Partners

Season 1

Spam Update, Multimodal GSC, GBP Services, & AI Overviews

This week covers Google’s global spam update, new restrictions on phone numbers in Google Posts, the addition of a multimodal filter in Google Search Console, a re-evaluation of how to measure AI Overview performance, and the impact of the ‘Services’ section in Google Business Profiles on local rankings. This Week’s Top Stories: Google September 2026 Spam Update Unleashed: Google has rolled out a global spam update, targeting manipulative content. Businesses should monitor website performance, ensure compliance with Google’s guidelines, and conduct quick audits of content quality and backlink profiles to avoid negative impacts. Source Google Posts Cracks Down On Unverified Contact Information: Google now permits phone numbers in Google Posts only if they are verified contact information for the business. Local businesses must review active and scheduled Google Posts to ensure all phone numbers are verified and consistent with their Google Business Profile to prevent rejection and maintain local visibility. Source Google Search Console Adds Multimodal Filter For Image-Based Searches: A new ‘Multimodal’ filter in Google Search Console’s Performance report allows SEOs to analyze traffic from image-based searches. This provides crucial insights into how visual content contributes to local visibility, emphasizing the need for robust image optimization and high-quality visual assets for local businesses. Source Search Console Uses Block Flattening For AIOs, Forget Position & Focus On Outcomes: Google Search Console’s ‘block flattening’ can make weak AI Overview visibility appear as a high ranking, misleading SEOs about actual impact. Businesses should prioritize tracking direct website visits and conversions from AI Overviews over traditional position metrics to accurately assess performance and shift client conversations to tangible business outcomes. Source GBP Services: Do Services in Google Business Profiles Impact Ranking?: Research indicates that while the ‘Services’ section in Google Business Profiles may not have a direct ranking impact, it is crucial for Google’s understanding of a local business’s offerings and overall visibility. Optimizing this section with accurate, categorized, and keyword-rich descriptions enhances user experience and indirectly supports local rankings for service-based queries. Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners helps service businesses get more visibility from Google Search, Google Maps, and conversion-focused websites. If you want help turning search traffic into better leads, reach out and we'll see if we're a good fit. Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

AI Overviews on GBPs, PMax Migration, & AI-Optimized Citations

This week covers major shifts in local SEO and AI, including Google integrating AI Overviews into local knowledge panels, OpenAI's new "Sponsored Agents" for conversational advertising, the critical migration of Local Services Ads to Performance Max, and a new Google Business Profile feature for reviewing automatically collected information. We also look at a playbook for optimizing citations specifically for AI visibility. This Week's Top Stories: Google Local Knowledge Panel As An AI Overview: Google Business Profiles are now featuring AI-generated summaries at the top of local knowledge panels, making accurate and comprehensive GBP content essential for influencing a user's first impression and guiding engagement.Source OpenAI Testing Sponsored Agents For ChatGPT Ads: OpenAI is exploring "Sponsored Agents" within ChatGPT, allowing businesses to offer interactive, conversational AI agents directly from ads, creating new opportunities for personalized lead qualification and customer service for local businesses.Source Local Services Ads To Performance Max: What To Audit Before Migration: Google is migrating Local Services Ads to Performance Max, requiring local businesses to conduct a thorough audit of historical LSA data, tracking, and lead quality to ensure a smooth transition and prevent disruption to ad performance.Source Google Business Profiles Rolls Out Collected Info: A new 'Collected Info' feature in Google Business Profiles allows businesses to review and manage information compiled by Google's automated assistant, giving greater control over data accuracy and ensuring correct information is surfaced in AI Overviews.Source 2026 Playbook: How to Optimize Citations for AI Visibility: Citations are re-emerging as crucial for AI visibility, with AI tools relying on third-party sources for local business recommendations; focus on quality, authoritative structured and unstructured citations to become a trusted source for AI.Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners helps service businesses get more visibility from Google Search, Google Maps, and conversion-focused websites. If you want help turning search traffic into better leads, reach out and we'll see if we're a good fit. Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

GBP Views, AI Citations & Google Maps Scam Alert

This week covers Google’s new post view counts for Google Business Profiles, a critical scam involving fake phone numbers in Google Maps photos, how to optimize citations for better AI visibility, a comprehensive strategy for local businesses to build AI search visibility, and a deep dive into the 72 ranking signals influencing Google Maps. This Week’s Top Stories: Google Adds Post View Counts To Business Profiles: Local businesses and their marketing partners can now see combined view counts for Google Business Profile posts from Search and Maps, providing a direct metric to evaluate content performance and refine strategies. Source Google Maps Phone Number in Photo Scam: A new scam sees malicious actors uploading AI-generated photos with fake phone numbers to legitimate Google Business Profiles, potentially diverting customers to scammers. Businesses must vigilantly monitor their GBP photos. Source 2026 Playbook: How to Optimize Citations for AI Visibility: Citations are gaining renewed importance as AI tools rely on structured and unstructured third-party sources for local business recommendations. Focus on quality citations from high-ranking sites to influence AI. Source How Local Businesses Can Build Visibility In AI Search: A holistic approach combining optimized listings, strong review profiles, consistent brand mentions, and active social media is crucial for local businesses to gain recommendations and visibility within AI search platforms. Source Inside Google Maps: 72 Ranking Signals and the Architecture Behind Local Search: New data reveals 72 distinct ranking signals powering Google Maps and local search, offering unprecedented detail into how entities, web signals, proximity, and semantic systems determine local visibility. Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners helps service businesses get more visibility from Google Search, Google Maps, and conversion-focused websites. If you want help turning search traffic into better leads, reach out and we'll see if we're a good fit. Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

Keywords, AI Agents & Maps Evolution

This week covers crucial insights for local businesses, from the enduring impact of keywords in your Google Business Profile name to the evolving role of Google Maps as a user’s final destination. We also explore how AI is both fixing citation issues and fundamentally changing how information is updated and consumed, as well as the future of AI agents performing complex tasks. This Week’s Top Stories: Study: How Keywords in Business Names Currently Impact Google Local Pack Rank and AI Search: A new Whitespark study confirms that including relevant keywords in your GBP business name still correlates with higher local pack rankings and impacts AI Search visibility. This data-backed insight is vital for local businesses aiming to enhance their local visibility, provided it aligns with Google’s guidelines against keyword stuffing. Source Calls and clicks keep falling as Google Maps becomes the destination: Research indicates that users are increasingly finding all necessary information and making decisions directly within Google Maps, reducing the need to click through to websites or make direct calls. This trend emphasizes the critical importance of a fully optimized and complete GBP and proactive review management to capture conversions within the Maps interface itself. Source Google Tell Maps Starts To Roll Out: Google is introducing ‘Tell Maps,’ an AI-powered feature that allows Maps contributors to suggest edits and provide information about places conversationally. This development changes how Maps data is gathered and updated, making vigilant monitoring of your Google Business Profile more crucial than ever to ensure accuracy and leverage AI for updates. Source Google to fix citation bug with Gemini 3.8 Flash in AI Mode: Google has confirmed and is rolling out a fix for a bug in its Gemini 3.8 Flash AI Mode that reduced source citations and links. This is good news for local businesses, as it means optimized, high-quality content has a better chance of being cited by AI Overviews and AI Mode, potentially driving authority and referral traffic back to your site or GBP. Source Google DeepMind Says Gemini Is Evolving From Chatbot To AI Agent: The head of Google DeepMind revealed that Gemini is transitioning from a chatbot to a more capable “AI agent” that can proactively use tools and perform complex, multi-step tasks. For local businesses, this signals a future where AI might book appointments or place orders directly, necessitating websites that are not just discoverable but also “actionable” for AI systems. Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

LSA Billing Changes, GBP Success Factors, AI Content Spam & More

This week covers significant shifts for local businesses, including Google Local Services Ads now charging for certain missed calls, a comprehensive study revealing key factors for Google Business Profile success, and Google’s latest spam update targeting low-quality AI content. We also discuss an acknowledged bug where reviews disappear after GBP reinstatement and the emerging WebMCP standard for AI-website interaction. This Week’s Top Stories: Google Local Services Ads will charge for some missed calls starting Oct. 1: Local service businesses using LSAs must now answer all calls promptly, as Google will charge for valid missed leads, making diligent call management critical to avoid wasted ad spend. Source What 1.8 million Google Business Profiles tell us about local SEO success: A new study highlights that meticulous Google Business Profile optimization, particularly accurate primary/additional categories and complete profile information, is crucial for improving local search rankings. Source Reports Indicate Google’s Spam Update Focused On SEO AI Content: Google’s recent spam update targeted low-quality, mass-generated AI content, urging local businesses to ensure any AI-assisted content provides unique value, human oversight, and genuine expertise to avoid penalties. Source Google Aware Of Reviews Missing After Google Business Profile Reinstatement: Google has confirmed a bug causing reviews to disappear from reinstated Google Business Profiles, emphasizing the need for businesses to monitor review counts post-reinstatement and continue to encourage new feedback. Source WebMCP Connects AI Agents To Actions Inside Websites: The new Web Common Machine Protocol (WebMCP) allows AI agents to interact directly with websites, meaning local businesses should design their sites with clear, structured actions to be AI-agent-friendly for future discovery and conversions. Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners helps service businesses get more visibility from Google Search, Google Maps, and conversion-focused websites. If you want help turning search traffic into better leads, reach out and we'll see if we're a good fit. Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

LSA Updates, AI Overviews & Review Responses

This week covers critical updates to Google Local Service Ads including ‘pre-badge ads’ and expanded verticals, a new reporting option for owner responses to reviews on Google Business Profile, Google’s integration of generative UI into AI Overviews, a study confirming business websites as key AI citation sources, and fresh insights into AI conversations through Google Search Console. This Week’s Top Stories: Google Local Service Ads Introduce Pre-Badge Ads & Expand Verticals: Google’s significant LSA updates, including ‘pre-badge ads’ and broader eligibility, mean local businesses need to reassess their LSA strategy for new lead generation opportunities and ensure compliance for visibility. Source Google Local Adds ‘Report Owner Response’ Option for Reviews: Users can now report inappropriate business owner replies to reviews, emphasizing the critical need for local businesses to maintain professional, policy-compliant review responses to protect their GBP reputation. Source Google Expands Generative UI Beyond AI Mode Into AI Overviews: AI Overviews are becoming visually dynamic and interactive; local businesses must optimize for structured, clear content that AI can easily parse and present in these new, engaging search result formats. Source Business websites dominate Gemini local AI search citations: Study: A new study validates business websites as primary AI citation sources for local queries, but high volatility necessitates robust website optimization and a diverse online presence to secure consistent AI recommendations. Source The AI Conversations Leaking Into Your Search Console: Google Search Console’s Generative AI reports now reveal user queries to AI, offering local businesses unprecedented insights into conversational search intent to refine content and identify new service opportunities. Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners helps service businesses get more visibility from Google Search, Google Maps, and conversion-focused websites. If you want help turning search traffic into better leads, reach out and we'll see if we're a good fit. Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

AI Reports, GBP Guidelines, and Ad Language Changes

This week covers Google’s new Generative AI performance reports in Search Console, an important Google Business Profile guideline update regarding bilingual names, the growing impact of community signals on AI search, a shift in how SEOs should measure AI search performance, and an upcoming change to Google Ads language targeting. These updates are crucial for local businesses navigating the evolving search landscape. This Week’s Top Stories: Google Search Console Generative AI Performance Report Available For All: Local SEOs can now access GSC’s dedicated AI performance reports to understand how their content appears in AI Overviews. This data is vital for tracking AI’s impact on local visibility and refining AI-centric content strategies to drive local traffic. Source Google Local Disallows Repeated Bilingual Names & Transliterations: Google has updated its GBP guidelines to prohibit repeating business names in multiple languages or scripts within the name field. Local businesses must audit their profiles to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties, especially in multilingual communities. Source Community signals are AI’s largest third-party source: User-generated content from community platforms is now a primary third-party source for AI, influencing local business recommendations. This expands reputation management beyond traditional reviews, requiring businesses to monitor and foster positive interactions across broader community discussions. Source Measuring AI Search Performance: Focus on Decision Drivers, Not Just Clicks: With AI answering queries directly, traditional SEO metrics are evolving. Local SEOs should now focus on how well content influences “decision drivers” to convert users, even if they don’t click through, demonstrating content’s value in an AI-dominated environment. Source Google Is Removing Language Targeting From Search Campaigns: Starting September 2026, Google Ads will remove manual language targeting for Search and Performance Max campaigns, automatically matching user language signals instead. Local businesses in multilingual areas must re-evaluate ad strategies to ensure ad copy and landing pages remain relevant to Google’s implicit language matching. Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners helps service businesses get more visibility from Google Search, Google Maps, and conversion-focused websites. If you want help turning search traffic into better leads, reach out and we'll see if we're a good fit. Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

AI Overviews Data, GBP Reviews, and Google Assistant's End

This week covers significant search ranking volatility, new insights into Google Business Profile review questions, an AI Engine Optimization playbook, how to interpret new AI search impressions, and the upcoming deprecation of Google Assistant. This Week’s Top Stories: Google Search Ranking Volatility Heats Up: Unconfirmed Google algorithm update causes widespread ranking fluctuations. Local businesses should monitor performance closely and be prepared for strategy adjustments. Source Whitespark Study on GBP Review Questions: Research reveals only 25% of primary GBP categories have review questions, with hospitality businesses getting more detailed prompts than service businesses. Local SEOs must tailor review generation strategies based on category. Source The AEO Playbook: How to Get Cited & Stay Visible: Strategies for enhancing visibility and earning AI citations emphasize authoritative, well-structured content for local businesses in an AI-driven search landscape. Source Google Now Reports AI Search Impressions: Guidance on interpreting Google Search Console’s new AI Search Impressions data, focusing on comparing AI answers to conventional rankings for accurate performance assessment. Source Google Assistant Shutting Down on Mobile Devices: Google Assistant will be replaced by Gemini on mobile devices starting September 4th, impacting local discovery via voice search and requiring optimized GBP information. Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners helps service businesses get more visibility from Google Search, Google Maps, and conversion-focused websites. If you want help turning search traffic into better leads, reach out and we'll see if we're a good fit. Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

AI Search Console, Local Page Structure & Trust Signals

This week covers critical updates for local businesses, including challenges in interpreting Google Search Console data for AI Overviews, best practices for structuring multi-location geographic pages, the rollout of social reporting in GSC, Google’s enhanced trust signals, and strategies for boosting AI visibility without harming traditional SEO. This Week’s Top Stories: Google’s ‘Generative AI’ Search Console Data Is A Trap For Marketers: For local businesses, accurate data interpretation is crucial for reporting performance and making informed strategy decisions, meaning you need to dig deeper into actual click-through rates and conversions beyond GSC’s AI Overview numbers. Source Multi-location SEO: How to structure geographic pages at scale: If you’re managing a franchise or chain, audit your current page structures to ensure each dedicated page contains unique, locally relevant content like NAP, testimonials, and specific services, prioritizing user experience and clear hierarchy to avoid diluting SEO efforts. Source Google Opens Search Console Social Reporting To Everyone: This update offers unprecedented visibility into how your social media and video content performs in Google Search results; connect your active accounts and leverage this data to refine your content and track a broader online presence for local audiences. Source Google’s Open Knowledge Format Adds Five Trust Signals: For local businesses, this reinforces the absolute necessity of E-E-A-T, meaning you should review your website and online presence to ensure comprehensive trust-building elements like accurate NAP, local backlinks, and proactive review management are in place for improved local ranking. Source 5 strategies for increasing AI visibility without messing up your SEO: Local businesses need to adapt content strategies to be discovered by both traditional search algorithms and AI models by creating highly structured, authoritative pieces that answer specific local questions and maintain foundational SEO best practices. Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners helps service businesses get more visibility from Google Search, Google Maps, and conversion-focused websites. If you want help turning search traffic into better leads, reach out and we'll see if we're a good fit. Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

AI's Local Impact, Review Alerts, & Google Ad Integrations

This week covers significant advancements in AI’s role in local search, Google’s new review transparency policies, and critical integrations in Google Ads. We discuss ChatGPT’s use of Yelp data, the increasing prominence of AI Overviews in local results, Google’s review notification system, and the migration of Local Inventory Ads and LSAs into the broader Google Ads ecosystem. This Week’s Top Stories: ChatGPT Integrates Yelp Data for Local Businesses: OpenAI’s ChatGPT now accesses real-time Yelp data for local business information and recommendations, including reviews and ratings, with branded links back to Yelp. Local businesses must prioritize their Yelp profiles, ensuring accuracy, encouraging reviews, and responding actively to influence AI-generated recommendations and maintain visibility across major platforms. Source AI Overviews Now Answer Most Local Searches: AI Overviews are increasingly dominating local search results, often appearing above the traditional local pack. Local businesses need to optimize their GBPs and website content for clarity and accuracy, building strong topical authority to increase their chances of being cited within these primary AI-generated summaries. Source Google Maps Now Notifies Users When Reviews Are Not Posted: Google is sending email notifications to users when their submitted reviews on GBPs are not posted due to policy violations. While businesses don’t receive these direct notices, it clarifies why a customer’s review might be missing, emphasizing the need to educate clients and customers on Google’s strict review guidelines to minimize removals and manage expectations. Source Google Confirms Local Inventory Ads Enabled By Default For Shopping Campaigns: Google will automatically enable Local Inventory Ads (LIA) for all Shopping campaigns starting 8/31, allowing retailers to showcase in-store product availability in local search results and Maps by default. Local businesses must ensure their product feeds, GBPs, and local inventory data are impeccably accurate and up-to-date to prevent poor customer experiences and optimize ad performance. Source Google Is Bringing Local Services Ads Into Google Ads: Google is migrating LSA into Google Ads as Performance Max pay-per-lead campaigns, unifying management, bidding, and reporting within the Google Ads platform from August 2026. Local service businesses and their agencies must adapt to this integrated platform, optimizing GBPs and familiarizing themselves with Performance Max to effectively manage these critical local advertising efforts. Source Need Help With Local SEO? Local SEO Partners (931) 783-1865 info@localseopartners.com 2370 Quinland Lake Road, Suite 101, Cookeville, TN 38506

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