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Near Media
United States
Приєднався 30 січ 2021
Conversations at the intersection of Search, Social, and Commerce.
When & What are we likely to see in the Yelp antitrust case against Google?
The Yelp case accusing Google of unfair business practices, specifically using its dominance in local search to disadvantage competitors like Yelp could provide plenty of insights which may uncover data related to Google’s local search algorithms.
Yelp argues that Google’s local search and local ads operate as separate markets, using a unique algorithm and data set. However, like the Epic Games case against Google, it could take as long as three years for the case to actually go to trial and several more years to explore penalties and file appeals.
That being this case could impact future legislation, especially in light of the EU’s Digital Markets Act and its approach to regulating tech giants like Google.
The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.
Ep 176 Near Memo 03
Yelp argues that Google’s local search and local ads operate as separate markets, using a unique algorithm and data set. However, like the Epic Games case against Google, it could take as long as three years for the case to actually go to trial and several more years to explore penalties and file appeals.
That being this case could impact future legislation, especially in light of the EU’s Digital Markets Act and its approach to regulating tech giants like Google.
The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands.
Ep 176 Near Memo 03
Переглядів: 14
Відео
Google Updated Spam Guidelines: Helpful or FUD?
Переглядів 1112 годин тому
We discuss Google’s recently updated spam guidelines for web search. The new policy defines spam as content designed to deceive users OR manipulate Google’s search systems for higher rankings. While the term “deceive users” is clear, the use of “manipulate,” could be interpreted broadly to include legitimate SEO practices aimed at improving visibility. How should businesses and agencies react w...
How Individual Hotels Can Win in EU Search
Переглядів 1912 годин тому
Our research on hotel searches in Europe, revealed that Booking.com dominated user clicks, especially through ads, while Google's Hotel Finder and Business Profiles saw significantly fewer interactions. One surprising discovery was the prominent role of ads, with over 50% of mobile clicks going to ads, particularly Booking.com. We explore how Google’s algorithm and ad strategies favor aggregato...
Digital Agencies Highlight Disconnect in Local Marketing Priorities
Переглядів 36День тому
In a recent survey of nearly 300 digital agencies, a mismatch emerged between the services offered and what agencies perceive as client demand. Agencies commonly offer web design, social media marketing, and SEO, but client demand also includes email marketing and brand marketing-services not prioritized by many agencies. This gap raises questions about how well agencies understand their client...
Google’s Antitrust Travails: What’s at Stake in the Latest Legal Battle?
Переглядів 4День тому
Google is currently facing its second antitrust trial, focusing on its ad-tech dominance. The trial, now in its second week, follows an earlier case where Google was found to be an illegal monopoly in search and text ads. This new case explores the workings of Google's ad exchange and network, with internal documents revealing questionable practices like taking premium cuts from advertisers. Ce...
Google Testing Review Badge of Shame & More in UK for Review Abuses
Переглядів 25День тому
Google has rolled out a new review “badge of shame” and a new help document titled "Business Profile Restrictions for Policy Violations," introducing stricter actions for businesses engaging in deceptive review practices. Currently being tested in the UK, the policy includes a tiered system of penalties, such as preventing new reviews, unpublishing existing ones, and displaying a "badge of sham...
Leveling the Playing Field: Remedies for Google’s Self-Preferencing Practices
Переглядів 2814 днів тому
In the ongoing conversation about Google's self-preferencing, the focus turned to potential remedies in light of mounting regulatory pressure. We discussed various solutions that could address the issues raised by Google’s dominance, particularly in light of the European Court of Justice ruling. Key Suggestions and Insights: Lighter Regulation, Not Full Control: David argued for a regulatory ap...
EU Court Upholds €2.5 Billion Fine Against Google: Antitrust Ruling Could Shape Future Regulations
Переглядів 2114 днів тому
In a landmark decision, the European Court of Justice upheld a €2.5 billion fine against Google for antitrust violations in its Shopping Search case. This ruling marks a significant win for regulators, setting the stage for broader action against Google's self-preferencing practices across multiple sectors. The case, which dates back over a decade, focused on Google's practice of promoting its ...
Google and Booking: The Symbiotic Gatekeeper Relationship in European Hotel Search
Переглядів 1414 днів тому
We dive into our recent user behavior research findings about hotel searches in Europe. We recruited 100 users each from Spain, France, and Germany, asking them to find hotels in Paris or Rome, and observed how they interacted with Google's search results. Key findings include: Dominance of Ads: A significant number of users, particularly on mobile, clicked on ads. Over 50% of mobile users enga...
The Google Review Fraud Landscape in Maps & LSA and How a Business Should Respond (Vault Ep 139)
Переглядів 2821 день тому
00:00 Intro 10:04 Google Review Fraud Landscape 21:25 LSA Review Fraud 40:50 Practical Advice for Business Owners to Cope With Fake Reviews Google Review Fraud Landscape: Estimates that 18% of reviews across various platforms are fake. Home service industries, such as locksmiths, moving companies, and HVAC, are heavily affected. Legal sector is also impacted, with fake reviews prevalent among p...
Yelp Takes on Google: Antitrust Showdown Over Local Search Dominance
Переглядів 37Місяць тому
Yelp's recent antitrust lawsuit against Google, filed in federal court in Northern California, accuses Google of abusing its market position in local search, echoing similar claims made in the recent DC Circuit case where Google was found liable for antitrust violations. Yelp argues that local search is a unique market, separate from general search, and claims Google unfairly pushed its own pro...
Google Maps Gets a Makeover: Sleeker Design, but More Ads?
Переглядів 26Місяць тому
Google's latest aesthetic changes to Google Maps, which have rolled out across both mobile and desktop platforms, includes subtler colors and smaller, rounder pins that make the interface resemble Apple Maps. While the changes make the map less cluttered, they also seem to highlight ads and promotional content more prominently. This shift has led to concerns that Google is prioritizing monetiza...
LSA Increasingly relying on GBP Features
Переглядів 18Місяць тому
We delve into Google's ongoing “fixes” of LSA features, where reviews and booking tools for LSAs are being integrated from GBP. This move is seen as an attempt to streamline operations and reduce costs, especially in light of Google's recent staffing cuts as well as improve LSA’s ineffective review moderation. While operational efficiency might improve, Google’s tolerance of abuses in GBP means...
SearchGPT & the Future of Search
Переглядів 30Місяць тому
SearchGPT, still in its early stages, has shown promise in handling informational queries but lags behind Google in delivering robust local search results. Meanwhile, Apple’s strategic moves, such as making Apple Maps available on the web, signal its growing ambition to challenge Google’s dominance, possibly partnering with OpenAI to integrate local data into SearchGPT. As Google faces antitrus...
FTC Cracks Down on Fake Reviews with New Readily Enforceable Rules
Переглядів 41Місяць тому
In a significant move, the FTC has officially banned fake reviews and testimonials with a new rule that allows for fines up to $50,000 per instance of abuse. This rule, unlike previous guidelines, has the force of law, giving the FTC more teeth in combating fraudulent online practices. The rule targets a range of deceptive behaviors, including AI-generated reviews, purchased reviews, and inside...
Google's PR Smoke and Mirrors: Old GBP Phone Hacking Problems Persist Despite Promises
Переглядів 13Місяць тому
Google's PR Smoke and Mirrors: Old GBP Phone Hacking Problems Persist Despite Promises
Practical Approaches to Brand Building and the Role of AI in Content Creation
Переглядів 18Місяць тому
Practical Approaches to Brand Building and the Role of AI in Content Creation
Google's Antitrust Remedies: Implications for Apple, Mozilla, and the SEO Landscape
Переглядів 27Місяць тому
Google's Antitrust Remedies: Implications for Apple, Mozilla, and the SEO Landscape
CNET's Future Under Ziff Davis: Challenges and Google Opportunities/Difficulties Post-Sale
Переглядів 35Місяць тому
CNET's Future Under Ziff Davis: Challenges and Google Opportunities/Difficulties Post-Sale
Google's Local Business Service Woes: Persistent Bugs and AI-Driven Layoffs Spark Concern
Переглядів 53Місяць тому
Google's Local Business Service Woes: Persistent Bugs and AI-Driven Layoffs Spark Concern
Google’s Search Shenanigans: Boosting Numbers with Tricks?
Переглядів 562 місяці тому
Google’s Search Shenanigans: Boosting Numbers with Tricks?
OpenAI & MindTrip bring AI to search, will it matter?
Переглядів 902 місяці тому
OpenAI & MindTrip bring AI to search, will it matter?
Can You Boost Google Local Rankings via Engagement?
Переглядів 612 місяці тому
Can You Boost Google Local Rankings via Engagement?
Is Voice Search Set for a Comeback? SEOs Should Stay Calm and Test with Cindy Krum
Переглядів 202 місяці тому
Is Voice Search Set for a Comeback? SEOs Should Stay Calm and Test with Cindy Krum
Google Doubles Down on Tried & True Income Generators with Cindy Krum
Переглядів 542 місяці тому
Google Doubles Down on Tried & True Income Generators with Cindy Krum
SEOs need to reframe how search ranking works - click thru data being most important with Cindy Krum
Переглядів 312 місяці тому
SEOs need to reframe how search ranking works - click thru data being most important with Cindy Krum
How Local SEO agencies explain AI to their clients
Переглядів 242 місяці тому
How Local SEO agencies explain AI to their clients
Some practical info for your worldwide audience : LSAs are only available in USA & Canada.
They are available in the UK, Ireland and much of the EU in certain verticals.
@@nearmedia2935 I checked out some more verticals, and can confirm. thanks
Nemo
Numbre?
I like that
I see advertisements I appreciate strength like an oak tree
No a planet
I started another pandora lol
I call a share as in a chain link fence
But then have etcetera but Java is only a type or slang for coffee I do appreciate the staff at Dunkin’s
I did invent Linux
I did c+ either before or after straight C
Apple I created in 87
Amazon technically is mine because I am jumanji too
Orion only has his sword
Europe has grandmothers admiration Did anyone notice I lost my bow?
Europe has grandmothers admiration
I had 3 breakers taken from real estate just today
Natasha M I thought I trusted with accounts
They make me giggle
I made new system
They did that with us cellular
I ate mustard gas found cure for hemlock trees Anne Marie Irwin Peterborough NH safe human crossed paths she was a teacher
I ate mustard gas found cure for hemlock trees
Birch tree
Oak tree
I started a stream about links with native Americans
Missing 5 of 64
Dr Broom is real
I am considering getting started in this area. Has this issue improved since you published this video?
Seems like there is a change. When setting up my Apple ID for Business Connect, Apple had a option to select Manage other Profiles (or something like that).
Hi NM team. I (based in Europe) did a similar search for hotels in SF on desktop, and found only 2 ads: one red squared pin for a hotel and a squared blue (!) ad, for 'Dylans' Tours'. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Enjoy the vacation. Interesting times indeed. 👍👍
Great analysis! Here is what I found intriguing: -Changes could affect how these browsers compete and handle search engines. -Watch for potential shifts in how search results are ranked and presented. -Stay informed to adapt your SEO strategies in response to these changes. Thanks for shedding light on these developments!
Great insights. Thanks for sharing.
We serve humankind
Super interesting thoughts. I'm catching up. Thanks
@@ktoday3219 gotta watch em all
Forget reporting it to Google because Google local ads are a premier "partner" Need to start a lawsuit for multiple reasons
@@PolgarTree Google has a ton of lawyers and federal protection under sec 230. It would take a brilliant lawyer to break through those defenses
You should’ve called Google and got your money back . Then get a new dryer . GOOGLE GUARANTEED IS AWESOME !
To date this is my favorite Near Media post. Thank you for all that you do!
Wow, thank you! We really appreciate the affirmative feedback.
A competitor of mine posted nearly 50 five star reviews on their LSA in under 9 hours.The disturbing part is that google says that they are "verified reviews".
Please reach out via email mblumenthal at nearmedia dot co and send me the LSA link
Great interview, good to see you all in one room...it was a pity it had to finish, you were all just getting started.
Thanks!!
What are the names of everyone that in this interview?
Mike Blumenthal, David Mihm, Greg Sterling & Rand Fishkin
Good insights. I have already read a lot about this leak but I think these are the most important findings, at least for now.
Thank you.
@@nearmedia2935I’m not sure where to find the git? Any help if welcome
Add Andrew Shotland - and this group is like the Mt. Rushmore of Local SEO going back many years! I have heard that folks still use PR services and have success from it - but I never believed them really - now maybe this will be the rebirth of PR Web.
Mt Rushmore is a bit much, plus there is only room for 4. 🤪 The PR Web is worth a test! Let us know the outcome.
Interesting question around the issue of alternate chromium built browsers. There's few out there including one I use that stress their privacy and safety away from the prying eyes of Google. But what if that's not the case?
My sense is that it would be dependent on how careful the browser developer is. Google does very little out of the goodness of their hearts.
@@nearmedia2935well it’s also if the other browsers using chromium are used.
You were asking how you're doing ? Well, great ! I'm a big fan of the team 👍👍👍👍
Love this. Dana is so full of wisdom I need.
Wisdom? We’ll take it!!
Since Google is aware of this problem, they need to stop running ads. Why haven't they? They make enough money that they don't need to show ads AT ALL. I don't trust google at all and they are in control of most of what I do online. Ready to switch to microsoft, but don't care for them either. We are being sold at at every turn. I believe that there are more scammers out there than legit business. This needs to be addressed on national news.
Happening to me too. Then when I receive a msg or email, then google pops up and warns me this could be a scam. WTF. I'm sure it gave me a virus. I had to reset to factory settings.
The same thing is happening in the uk the google local services ads are full of the same scam company using names like “jack plumbing” “Ben 24hr” 0Dave plumber” and so on the entire list is full of them and they go to the same call centre it’s an absolute disgrace that google allows this
I am experiencing the same problem in my industry. I’m a locksmith, and I have competitors who have 2+ lsa accounts to the same person. If I check the webpage it’s registered to the same person. I sent that to Google and haven’t heard anything back yet.
I'm a locksmith and my company is having the same issues. The scammers are paying for fake reviews that have just bombarded our LSA listing and tanked our ranking from a 4.6 to a 2.2, of course Google doesn't do anything about it.