Is Google Hiding Your Business? The New Reality of Local Search in 2026

How Google AI Overviews & Meta Ads Are Changing Local SEO in 2026

In this episode of the Google Business Buzz podcast, Henry and Chris break down how the massive rollouts of Google AI Overviews (Gemini) and the surge in Meta Ads are reshaping the local search landscape for small businesses. If you are a business owner wondering why your click-through rates (CTR) are fluctuating or why AI-driven automated campaigns are taking over, this jargon-free guide is exactly what you need. Learn how to optimize your technical SEO, leverage conversational content, and find your ideal clients across both Google and Meta platforms.  If you find this video helpful, don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT with your thoughts on how AI is impacting your business! Google Business Buzz Podcast Brought to you by: OMG National www.omgnational.com [https://www.omgnational.com]

Is Google Killing Your Call Button? Navigating the New SERP & AI Changes

Welcome back to another episode of Google Business Buzz! This week, Henry Heredia and Chris Blake dive into the rapidly changing landscape of Google’s Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) and how AI is completely transforming the way local businesses get found online. Have you noticed your Google Business Profile (GBP) getting pushed down the page? Or worse, that your direct "Call" buttons are disappearing on mobile? Henry and Chris break down the shocking recent data (including a study showing 4 out of 5 map pack searches now lack a call button) and discuss why Google's ecosystem is shifting heavily toward a "pay-to-play" model with Local Services Ads (LSA). Plus, we explore how AI Overviews (like Gemini and ChatGPT) are pulling data from entirely new places like Facebook, Yelp, and Instagram. If you're a local business owner or a marketing DIYer, this episode is a wake-up call: relying on just one platform is no longer enough. You have to be everywhere. In This Episode, We Cover: 00:00 Upgraded setups, new podcast etiquette, and welcoming you back! 00:45 The disappearing GBP call buttons and wild changes to Google SERPs. 02:25 Desktop vs. Mobile: How AI overviews and LSAs are altering search results. 04:50 Why ChatGPT and Gemini make omnichannel marketing (Yelp, Facebook, Instagram) crucial for local SEO. 11:00 Why classic Google search is still the undisputed juggernaut, despite the rise of AI. 12:40 Social media targeting, hyper-personalized ads, and the truth about your phone "listening" to you. 15:40 Website traffic vs. qualified leads: When and how to use retargeting ads. 17:50 A recent Small Biz Edge study reveals 80% of Map Pack searches have lost their call buttons. 19:00 The rise of conversational, long-tail searches and why you need to adapt. Stay Connected with OMG National: Call: (800)789-4619 Website: https://omgnational.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omgnational/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/omgnational Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omgmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omg-national/ Google Business Buzz Podcast Brought to you by: OMG National www.omgnational.com [https://www.omgnational.com]

From Eyeballs to Dollar Signs: Marketing Secrets

Unlock the secrets to dominating local search results in 2026. If you're a small business owner facing declining calls, this episode reveals why paid advertising on Google is now essential. Join Henry Heredia and Chris Blake as they explore the radical shifts in the search landscape. Discover strategies to stay ahead, from leveraging AI-enhanced results to mastering local service ads and Google Ads. Learn how targeted PPC campaigns can deliver high-quality leads at a fraction of traditional costs. We share real-world examples and concrete tactics to optimize your campaigns and convert clicks into customers. Whether you're starting out or refining your strategy, this episode equips you with insights to grow your local presence and boost revenue. Don't get left behind—hit play now. Stay Connected with OMG National: Call: (800)789-4619 Website: https://omgnational.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omgnational/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/omgnational Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omgmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omg-national/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/omg-national/] #LocalServiceAds #LeadGeneration #SearchMarketing #DigitalMarketing2026 #GoogleAdvertising #SmallBusinessOwner #LocalBusiness #BusinessGrowth #MarketingTips #MoreLeads Google Business Buzz Podcast Brought to you by: OMG National www.omgnational.com [https://www.omgnational.com]

Is Google Hiding Your Business? The New Reality of Local Search in 2026

Is your phone ringing less? Has your Google Business Profile vanished? In this episode of Google Business Buzz, hosts Henry Heredia and Christopher Blake dive deep into the chaotic landscape of Google Business Profiles (GBP) in 2026. From the sudden rise in verification loops and suspensions to the controversial removal of the "Call" button on organic results, we uncover exactly what is happening to small businesses. Google is changing the rules. We discuss why the platform is moving toward a "Pay to Play" model, the absolute necessity of Local Services Ads (LSA), and why "beneficial content" is the only way to survive the AI revolution. Whether you are a plumber, a lawyer, or a window tinter, this episode reveals the transparency you need to adopt to stay visible. 0:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk] - Intro: Welcome to Google Business Buzz 0:42 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=42s] - The Current State of GBP: Suspensions & Verifications 2:03 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=123s] - "Google Doesn't Discriminate": Why Big & Small Biz Get Flagged 4:38 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=278s] - The Struggle with Google Support & Appeals 6:40 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=400s] - The "Pay to Play" Shift: Removal of the Call Button 7:58 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=478s] - Why You Need Local Services Ads (LSA) 9:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=540s] - Real Life Example: How Customers Choose (The Window Tint Story) 11:35 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=695s] - The Future of Search: Customer Experience & AI 13:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=780s] - Why You Must Be Transparent About Pricing 16:05 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=965s] - Google's AI "Random Checks" & Default Settings 17:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=1035s] - "SEO Slop" vs. Beneficial Content 18:48 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgc6jVhLZxk&t=1128s] - Final Advice: Play by the Rules or Get Left Behind Google Business Buzz Podcast Brought to you by: OMG National www.omgnational.com [https://www.omgnational.com]

Google Ads Changed. Are YOU Keeping Up? (Local Service Ads Secrets Unlocked) 🤫

Join Henry Heredia, Director of Product Development, and Digital Marketing Specialist Melanie Montaagudo from OMG National as they dive into the evolving world of Google Ads and Local Service Ads. Discover how the digital marketing landscape has transformed, what clients are experiencing, and the essential strategies businesses need to stay competitive and drive profitable leads. From understanding the "pay-to-play" reality of search results to leveraging comprehensive product stacks, Henry and Melanie share expert insights for sustained growth. Chapters & Titles 0:00 🚀 Welcome: Google Ads & Local Service Ads Discussion 0:30 📈 The Evolving Google Ads Landscape 1:09 🥊 Increased Competition & Lead Challenges 2:34 💰 Pay-to-Play: Sponsored Ads on Google Search 3:41 🌐 Beyond Search: Display & Retargeting Explained 6:26 💸 Rising Lead Costs & Understanding ROI 9:29 ✨ User Experience: Outranking Just Ad Spend 12:03 ❤️ Google's Priority: User Experience is Key 12:44 🛠️ The Ideal Home Service Product Stack 16:14 ✅ Final Advice: Trust, Patience & Smart Investment Google Business Buzz Podcast Brought to you by: OMG National www.omgnational.com [https://www.omgnational.com]