Mike Blumenthal

When Google ripped  Local out of Google Plus last summer and stopped linking to Plus, they noted that the unverified Plus pages (what Google called “shell” pages) would be removed. That never seemed to happen but it might just be starting now. Removing the Plus Pages must have been a difficult process with a few too many dependencies and those …

AllLocal is reporting that Google GMBL (bulk) has finally added support for businesses to add specific photos to their listings. The feature allows photos to be uploaded to for the following fields Profile photo, Logo photo, Cover photo, Other photos. More importantly Google now allows the business to identify which of the specifically uploaded photos is their …

At Local U Mike Ramsey and I take a deep dive into simple and easy to implement use cases that small businesses can take advantage of with SMS.

Early in February Barry Schwartz reported that Google had rolled out a new mobile travel search experience that made provided a very deep “click in” experience on Google. On a search like “Where to go in France” Google offered tiles in the main search for significant cities that when clicked took you to a list …

Google expanded the Local Guides program from its initial review focused emphasis and has been encouraging other types of engagements with Google Maps. in November they started giving Local Guide points for photos uploaded, and  listings edited. They even have offered Regional Lead status in MapMaker to them. The program was introduced in January of last year and while it is …

There has been much written about Google now showing 4 ads at the top of search.  Mostly about its impact on bidding and ad costs. Given that Google tests these things and likely has a good handle on the income implications, we can rest assured that they have not made any changes that would reduce …

Ryan Schilling of Lead Hub, noted (h/t Barry Schwartz) on Twitter having spotted click to call phone numbers in mobile organic results. The snippets are appearing in both organic and YouTube universal results on the iPhone. To see these results you need to click through to page 2 of the search results on mobile only (let me …

Our Local U Advanced is rapidly approaching. We still have seats left if you are a last minute type. To sign up visit our Eventbrite page. With David Mihm, Mary Bowling, myself as well as Andrew Shotland, Google, Joy Hawkins and the rest of the Local U gang it promises to be a great event. …

A very brief history: Rich Snippet review stars have had a tough week. Starting last Wednesday I noticed they were missing on a few searches I was using in a demo. By Friday, the reports of their disappearance were widespread. Interestingly not all instances of the review stars disappeared, even during the “darkest” hour. Many …

Opinion polls are an ever present part of our society. All too often, in the absence of real democracy, they seem to take on the role of the “people’s voice” in public debates. I was fascinated by the recent headline from the Verge declaring More than half of Americans think Apple should comply with FBI, finds …