Welcome back to the Local Search Summary! This month we’re taking a look back at the biggest local search stories of December 2022. So what’s up?
Well, if you didn’t think Google was going to let us all rest over the holidays, turns out it actually is kind from did. The announcement that it Updating helpful content would be delayed was welcome news for some, if a little frustrating for those waiting…and waiting for the rollout to complete. As far as other updates go, it’s been a quieter month overall.
What’s new in Google Updates?
Google is beginning to roll out another iteration of the Helpful Content update
After an initial launch in mid-2022, the update has been updated for helpful content. The global algorithm update aims to help searchers Find useful content by promoting more helpful sites and content. Originally expecting an introductory period of several weeks, Google confirmed an extension before a small break during the holiday season. The holiday break is now over.
December 2022 Link Spam update is released
Originally expecting it to take a couple of weeks to roll out in December, Google has confirmed it Link spam update also rolling into January…so keep an eye on any ranking swings.
Introducing EEAT
After everyone finally got used to EAT and what it meant for local content, Google decided to update it with an extra E. The EEAT concept marks a major update to Google’s Quality Rater guidelines and introduces “experience” as a key indicator of trustworthiness.
Refined search capabilities are introduced on mobile devices
After months of testing and a feature on Search On, Google is introducing topic filters at the top of some search results pages. Using “Food Ideas” as an example, users can narrow down their results with filters like “vegetarian” or “healthy” and find more relevant content.
Image: SERoundtable
Latest updates for Google Business Profile
A bug affecting uploading photos and logos
Another day, another Google Business Profile (GBP) error! It seems that most of the newly verified companies had Problems uploading photos and logos to company profiles. This was fixed about a week later.
Added disclaimers to appointment providers
Business profiles with associated appointment providers now have a disclaimer that reads “Providers are listed in random order.” – However, this can be expanded to explain that the business does have a preference, then this provider will be displayed first.
Option to download your Google business profile when removing a listing
When users navigate to the option to remove a GBP listing, they can now do so “Download content” to save your entry data.
…but they made it a little too easy to completely wipe your GBP
It was noted by Claudia T on Twitter that the option to permanently delete your GBP might have been a bit, well, reckless.
As far as I know there is no way to undo it. Only owners can remove the company.
— ClaudiaT (@ClaudiaTomina) December 15, 2022
Photos added to GBP are now marked as “pending”.
Pending approval notices were discovered on images added to Google business profiles.
Services are now displayed on GBPs through the desktop
An expandable list of services can now be viewed in company profiles when using a desktop interface. Where categories are limited, this update is helpful for local businesses as they can be more visible to potential customers.
NMX can be used to create custom maps for websites
The new In-Search editing interface now allows users to choose a theme and display a custom Google map on their websites – this is especially useful for businesses with multiple locations.
Latest in reviews news
Investigation of the influence of the rating number on the conversion
SOCi’s State of Google Reviews report examined the Google profiles of 31,000 chain and franchise businesses Measure the impact of the rating number on conversionfurther underscoring the importance of actively working on your Company Valuation Profile.
What do we know about the new scoring algorithm?
Following the messy bug that caused GBPs to be removed in November, NearMedia’s Mike Blumenthal examines the new ratings filter. The results show its benefits, but as we know, there have also been instances of false positives and a lot of confusion.
Local guides are important!
A case study by Joy Hawkins found that business reviews from Google Local Guides stay at the top of reviews longer, as do those from reviewers with profile photos.
Local Marketing
BrightLocal releases the first Local Marketing Confidence Survey
Along with a generally positive outlook for marketers in 2023, we address some of the biggest challenges agencies and consultants face when attracting new clients.
What does continuous scrolling mean for advertisers?
Continuous scrolling of results has been confirmed as introduced on desktop. But what does this mean for ads? Advertisers may see higher impressions and lower CTR on search, shopping, and local ads, says Search Engine Land.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on our for the latest on local SEO, Google business profile updates and more Twitter account!
Sammy is Content Marketing Manager at BrightLocal, focused on developing marketing-leading insights into what drives visibility, rankings and search success for local businesses.
