The Near Memo

AI, Reviews & Intent Pages: What Actually Drives Multi-Location SEO Now (Part 2)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1672252/fan_mail/new] In Part 2, Steve Wiideman [chatgpt://generic-entity?number=3] joins Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal to cut through the AI hype and explain what’s actually working in multi-location SEO today. Despite growing attention on AI tools and “agentic commerce,” the real drivers of visibility are still foundational: intent-driven content, strong review signals, and brand awareness. They also explore how zero-click search is changing attribution, why websites are becoming data sources for AI, and what local search will look like in the next 3–5 years. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/ [https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/]

Multi-Location SEO: What Actually Works (And What Doesn’t) Part 1

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1672252/fan_mail/new] What does it really take to scale SEO across hundreds (or thousands) of locations? In this episode of the Near Memo, Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal are joined by Steve Wiideman to unpack the operational, strategic, and technical realities of multi-location SEO. They explore testing frameworks, content strategies, franchise challenges, reviews, imagery, and the evolving nature of search behavior. If you manage local SEO at scale, this is a must-listen. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/ [https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/]

State of Google Business Profile 2026: Impressions Are Down 54%—But Actions Aren’t

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1672252/fan_mail/new] Google Business Profile impressions are dropping fast—but conversions aren’t. In this Near Memo episode, Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal, and Adam Dorfman unpack BirdEye’s latest data and explore what’s really changing in local search. From AI Overviews and LLM-driven discovery to Google’s new Ask Maps interface, they examine how search behavior is shifting—and why Google still controls the final decision point. They also dig into: * Category vs brand search behavior * Industry-level engagement differences * The evolving role of reviews in AI-driven results * Apple Maps as a quiet challenger If you’re trying to understand how AI is reshaping local SEO, this episode connects the dots. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/ [https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/]

From the Archives: Local Search Ranking Factors — Darren Shaw on Reviews, AI Search & What Drives Local Rank

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1672252/fan_mail/new] In this archive episode of the Near Memo podcast, Darren Shaw of Whitespark joins Mike Blumenthal, Greg Sterling, and David Mihm to discuss the influential Local Search Ranking Factors study. The panel breaks down how the survey works, what has changed in local search, and how the rise of AI interfaces like ChatGPT and Gemini could reshape how businesses are discovered online. They explore: * Why review volume and recency drive rankings * How behavioral signals may outweigh traditional SEO factors * Whether links are becoming less important * Why Google’s behavioral data advantage matters * The role of expert lists and third-party citations in AI search This episode offers a snapshot of local search at a moment of major transition that still resonates 6 months later. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/ [https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/]

How should agencies build a business around Google Local Service Ads (LSAs)?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1672252/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Near Memo podcast, Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal host a panel discussion with Eric Levine (Leadwise HQ, former Google LSA team), Claudia Tomina (Reputation Arm), Matt Casady (Sterling Sky), and Crystal Horton (Google Business Profile Platinum Product Expert). Together the panel explores how agencies are actually managing LSAs for clients today. Topics include: • The real ranking factors behind Local Service Ads • Whether LSAs are still a DIY product or require agency expertise • How agencies price and manage LSA services • Fraud, verification challenges, and fake listings • Lead quality and the removal of the lead dispute feature • What separates successful LSA campaigns from failed ones • How LSAs may evolve as AI search and brand discovery reshape local search The conversation also dives into the agency economics of LSAs — from consulting models to flat fee management and performance expectations in competitive markets like personal injury law. If you’re an agency, consultant, or in-house marketer managing LSAs for clients, this panel discussion offers practical insights into how the product really works. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/ [https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/]