Review extortion scams are becoming one of the biggest threats to small businesses online, and they’re spreading fast. In this episode of Local Search Tuesdays, Greg Gifford explains how fake review extortion works, why scammers target Google Business Profiles, and what you should do if your business becomes a victim. You’ll learn: • What review extortion scams look like • How scammers use fake Google reviews to pressure businesses • Why small businesses are the main targets • How to report fake reviews on Google • How to report scam reviewer profiles • How to use Google’s Merchant Extortion Form • What evidence do you need to submit • Why you should never pay the scammers These scams often involve: ✔ Fake 1-star reviews ✔ WhatsApp extortion messages ✔ Threats to remove legitimate 5-star reviews ✔ Competitor impersonation ✔ Coordinated spam attacks on Google Maps and Google Search If you manage a Google Business Profile, own a local business, or work in local SEO, this is critical information you need right now. 🔗 Google Merchant Extortion Form: https://bit.ly/review-extortion 📌 Topics Covered: Google review extortion Fake Google reviews Google Business Profile spam How to remove fake reviews Review bombing scams Local SEO threats Google Maps spam Online reputation management Review scam prevention Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab #GoogleBusinessProfile #LocalSEO #FakeReviews #GoogleReviews #ReviewExtortion #SmallBusiness #OnlineReputation #GoogleMaps #SEOTips #LocalSearchTuesdays
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🚨 Google just released NEW Google Business Profile playbooks… and most businesses have no idea they exist. If you want to rank higher in local search, improve your visibility in AI search, and get found by more customers in 2026, here you’ll find out all about it. Let’s break down Google’s new PDF guides for optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP), including best practices for every business type plus industry-specific playbooks for service businesses, restaurants, hotels, and tours. These guides can help you improve your categories, hours, business info, reviews strategy, and overall local presence. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✔ Why Google Business Profiles still matter in the AI search era ✔ How AI tools use your GBP data for recommendations ✔ Why reviews matter more than ever ✔ The new Google best practices guide ✔ Industry-specific GBP guides you should download now ✔ How to improve local rankings and conversions 📍 If you rely on local customers, this matters. 👇 Helpful Guides Mentioned: General GBP Guide: bit.ly/gbp-guide-2026 Service Area Business Guide: bit.ly/service-gbp-guide Restaurant Guide: bit.ly/restaurant-gbp-guide Hotel Guide: bit.ly/hotel-gbp-guide Tours Guide: bit.ly/tours-gbp-guide 👍 If this helped you, like the video, subscribe, and share it with another business owner. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: LI / searchlabdigital Fb / searchlabdigital X / searchlabagency YT/ searchlab #GoogleBusinessProfile #LocalSEO #GoogleMapsSEO #AISEO #DigitalMarketing #GoogleBusiness #LocalSearch #MarketingTips #GoogleMapsRanking #BusinessGrowth
If your business relies on reviews to drive visibility and conversions, this update matters more than you think. Google quietly updated its restricted and prohibited content guidelines, and many businesses are already feeling the impact. Reviews are at risk of being removed, and processes that used to “work” are now violations. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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Every year at NADA, we pull people off the expo floor and make them read the meanest things the internet has said about them. And every year, it absolutely delivers. This is a Local Search Tuesdays fan favorite episode, and the 2026 batch might be the best one yet. Eric Milstch, Chad Graves, George Nennie, Steve Roessler, Sean Bradley, Dane Saville, Eliana Raggio, Kyle Mountsier, and more took their tweets like champs. Some laughed, some cried (well, not really), and some looked for a rock to crawl under. Watch the latest Local Search Tuesdays now and see your auto industry's favorites react to some of the wildest tweets about themselves. Subscribe for more Local Search tips! 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Local Search Tuesdays. #NADA2026 #MeanTweets #LocalSearchTuesdays #AutoDealer #CarBusiness #AutomotiveMarketing #LocalSearch #DealerLife #AutoIndustry #DigitalMarketing #CarDealership #AutomotiveIndustry #NADAShow #FunnyAuto #AutoMarketing Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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Watch Greg Gifford's complete presentation from Brighton SEO 2025, where he shares strategies for developing the right mindset to advance your career in local SEO and digital marketing. In this special episode of Local Search Tuesdays, Greg presents his portion of a collaborative three-part talk created with Sarah and Tazmin from the SEO Mindset podcast. While Greg typically focuses on local search tactics and technical strategies, this presentation takes a different approach by exploring the mental frameworks and mindset shifts necessary for career growth in the SEO industry. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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This week's episode is short because tomorrow we're releasing something MASSIVE: the largest SEO study ever conducted for personal injury attorneys! We spent months analyzing 150+ data points across 3,000+ personal injury law firms to uncover what's ACTUALLY driving rankings and conversions in 2025. This isn't theory. This is real-world data showing what works. What's Inside the PI Law SEO Study: Industry benchmarks for personal injury law firms Comparison data: #1 vs #10 Google Map Pack rankings Ranking factors that matter most in 2025 Conversion optimization insights Exclusive checklists and actionable strategies Sneak Peek Data Points: Average PI attorney: 362 reviews Top-ranked firms: 555 reviews 100% of #1 firms optimize H1 tags with target keywords Only 22% match keywords between H1 and title tags Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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Businesses are replacing entire SEO teams with AI tools like ChatGPT, but this strategy is doomed to fail. In this episode of Local Search Tuesdays, Greg explains why AI cannot actually perform SEO despite the hype from digital marketing gurus. Learn why Large Language Models (LLMs) are pattern prediction systems, not thinking machines, and discover the shocking failure rates from recent Salesforce research. Greg breaks down why AI can't diagnose website issues, conduct local market research, or create content that ranks in Google. Key topics covered: Why AI models lack critical thinking and reasoning abilities The difference between pattern prediction and strategic SEO Recent research shows AI agent failure rates (42% single-step, 65% two-step tasks) What AI can and cannot do for digital marketing Why human expertise is still essential for SEO success While AI tools can help SEO professionals work more efficiently, they cannot replace the strategic thinking required for successful search engine optimization. Don't let your digital marketing crash and burn by relying solely on AI. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
This episode of Local Search Tuesdays takes a closer look at industry averages from the 2025 GBP Study for Car Dealers. The study highlights how dealerships are managing their Google Business Profiles, websites, and reviews, while also showing where there are opportunities for improvement. Viewers will learn key insights from the largest automotive Google Business Profile study ever conducted and see why these findings matter for SEO, local search, and dealership marketing strategies. Explore the full report at https://searchlabdigital.com/gbp-auto-study #LocalSearchTuesdays #AutomotiveSEO #GoogleBusinessProfile #CarDealerMarketing #LocalSEO #SearchLabDigital #AutoDealers #SEOtips #GBPAutoStudy Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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In this episode of Local Search Tuesdays, viewers get quick, actionable tips from leading experts at the LocalU conference in Nashville. These local SEO strategies and digital marketing insights are designed to help businesses improve local search rankings, manage online reviews more effectively, and stay ahead in competitive markets. LocalU brings together some of the top voices in local search, and this highlight reel captures valuable takeaways every marketer should know. Whether the focus is on boosting visibility in Google Business Profiles, strengthening local citations, or building smarter marketing campaigns, these expert tips provide practical steps to achieve better results. Watch now to discover the best local SEO advice from LocalU Nashville and learn how to apply these strategies to your own digital marketing efforts. #LocalSearchTuesdays #LocalSEO #DigitalMarketing #LocalU #GoogleBusinessProfile #SEOtips Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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The 2025 Google Business Profile Study for Car Dealers is almost here. This year’s study is the largest automotive SEO research project ever conducted, analyzing over 3,000 dealership profiles across 20 major U.S. cities with more than 150 data points per profile. In this teaser episode of Local Search Tuesdays, viewers get a preview of what the full report will cover. The study compares top-ranking Google Business Profiles with lower-ranking ones to reveal which SEO best practices actually make a difference for local search visibility. Insights include categories, reviews, photos, website setup, and technical SEO factors that impact rankings. Car dealers and automotive marketers will learn how their dealerships stack up against national averages and discover which strategies can drive more leads and visibility in 2025. 👉 Full results release on September 25, 2025. Don’t miss it. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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In this week’s episode of Local Search Tuesdays, Greg Gifford explains why it’s time to shift your SEO strategy from traditional link building to mention building. With AI search results becoming more prevalent, search engines are placing more importance on brand mentions than ever before. You’ll learn: Why link building alone isn’t enough in today’s SEO landscape How AI search uses entity recognition and mentions to rank businesses Practical tips to start earning mentions that boost visibility and authority If you want to future-proof your local SEO strategy and stay ahead of competitors, this episode is a must-watch. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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In this latest episode of Local Search Tuesdays, host Greg Gifford walks you through the complete process of appealing a Google Business Profile suspension—from understanding why your profile was flagged to submitting a winning appeal. This is your go-to guide for quickly reinstating your listing. You’ll discover: Why suspensions happen, including Google’s anti-spam protocols, vague violation notifications, and common pitfalls businesses fall into. What to avoid, such as prematurely clicking the reinstatement link and overlooking critical compliance steps. Required evidence, including valid business licenses, utility bills, tax documentation, and registration records—and how to prepare them correctly within the 60-minute window required after opening Google's evidence form. Proven tips for filing your appeal effectively, ensuring your reinstatement request stands out and avoids common missteps. If your Google Business Profile has suddenly gone dark or you’re facing a vague suspension notice, this video is a must-watch. Greg’s expert insights make the appeal process clearer and less nerve-racking—so you maximize your chance of reinstatement and keep your local SEO efforts intact. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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Discover how AI-powered search engines analyze review sentiment, evaluate diversity, and pull content from multiple platforms—not just Google or Yelp. Greg explains why having reviews across a variety of sites could be the secret to boosting local SEO rankings and staying visible in AI-driven results. If you want to stay ahead in local search marketing, understand how reviews impact AI search results, and attract more local customers, this episode is for you. 📌 Topics covered in this episode: Why reviews are essential for local SEO in the AI era How AI search analyzes review sentiment and content diversity Why you need reviews on multiple platforms—not just one site Actionable tips to improve your review profile for AI visibility Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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In this week’s episode of Local Search Tuesdays, Greg dives into a big problem lately—businesses dropping the ball on traditional SEO because they’re chasing AI search results. AI search still isn’t where it needs to be for local results, and most people are still finding businesses through Google. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
In this week’s episode of Local Search Tuesdays, I dive into the heated debate around what we should call the process of optimizing for AI and LLM-driven search results. Is it still just SEO—or is it time for something new like GEO or AIO? I'll explain why renaming SEO might confuse clients and the general public, and why sticking with familiar terms might be the smartest move—at least for now. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
Welcome back to another episode of Local Search Tuesdays! This week, Greg shares his Ultimate Guide to Google Business Profile Optimization — a fast-paced, expert-driven walkthrough that cuts through the noise and shows you exactly how to set up and fine-tune your GBP for maximum visibility and conversions. Whether you're just getting started or need a detailed refresher, this episode is your go-to resource for local SEO success in 2025. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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In this week’s episode of Local Search Tuesdays, Greg Gifford breaks down how artificial intelligence is completely transforming the way search works—and what that means for your digital marketing strategy. From Google’s AI Overviews and LLM-powered search to the rise of "query fan-out," traditional SEO metrics like rankings and traffic are becoming less relevant. Greg explains how marketers can adapt by focusing on brand influence, content distribution, and being included in the AI reasoning path. Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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Greg spent the first week of June on the beach in Spain for the amazing SEOnthebeach conference. As always, he grabbed his camera and microphone and asked the speakers and experts for tips to help digital marketers and business owners - check it out! Catch SearchLab on these platforms: https://www.linkedin.com/company/searchlabdigital/ https://www.facebook.com/SearchLabDigital/ https://twitter.com/SearchLabAgency https://www.youtube.com/c/SearchLab
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