GIF: Google
Remember Google ranking will vary according to the specific combination of keywords, the user’s location, the particulars of their Google profile, and a host of other factors (as revealed by our proprietary Local Rank+ tool). These “About this result” enhancements will certainly help rankings slightly less mysterious for users and SEOs alike.
Google will keep allowing chains to create Google Posts via API
Understanding that virtually every physical business has to share current health and safety information in the COVID era, Google has been allowing chains (businesses with 10+ locations) to publish Google Posts in bulk across their listings. The search giant originally wanted to remove this ability when COVID abated, but has now revealed that brand-wide posting functionality will be permanent.
Google Posts were initially conceived to be micro-blogs for specific locations rather than advertising space for a larger brand. That’s why they were aimed at small and medium businesses thought to be more adept at local campaigns than their enterprise competitors (or head offices). But large chains have made effective use of Google Posts to communicate local health and safety updates, showing Google that this mechanism remains local in spirit. Businesses that understand how to effectively scale local marketing in the form of Google Posts stand to reap the benefits of this update. Take advantage while you can—this may become a paid feature further down the line.
Google link spam algorithm update
In our continued efforts to improve the quality of the search results, we’re launching a new link spam fighting change today—which we call the “link spam update”… Sites taking part in link spam will see changes in Search as those links are re-assessed by our algorithms.
As part of its latest attempt to identify and nullify spam, Google is focusing its efforts on spam links, meaning affiliate, sponsored, and advertising links masquerading as authentic content. Don’t want your legitimate business to be inadvertently impacted? Heed Google’s word and make sure your affiliate links are marked up and appropriately tagged as sponsored content. If you fail to do so, linked pages may be penalized by the search giant. It doesn’t matter to Google if the markup is missing through malice or mistake; action will be taken regardless.
New sustainability attributes for hotels
Google has added sustainably and eco-certification attributes exclusively for the hospitality sector. As a result, hotels can now list “Food waste reduction program” and “Vegetarian meal options” from a host of new attribute categories, including:
- Energy efficiency
- Water conservation
- Waste reduction
- Sustainable sourcing
Run or work with a hospitality business? Review these attribute options and include whichever may apply to your listings—and be advised that you can also disclose your establishment’s official sustainability certifications.
Yelp introduces vaccine-focused attributes
With many nations struggling to standardize vaccination requirements, Yelp is helping businesses display this information themselves. New “Proof of vaccination required” and “Staff fully vaccinated” profile attributes are now available—and users can search for businesses using these parameters.
Because vaccine mandates are often unclear (and too often considered controversial), Yelp has seen its reviewers focus only on a business’s vaccine requirements. To nip that in the bud, users can now see vaccine requirements in black and white, which should prevent the issue cluttering reviews.
Want to get ahead (and stay ahead) in the ever-changing world of local search? We’re ready to help. Let’s talk.
