A whopping 43% of consumers allegedly use AI tools daily – or do they? This week, Local SEO expert Greg Gifford and the EDGE team dissect the latest digital marketing headlines, exposing the flaws behind flashy AI stats, CTR doom-and-gloom, and Google's evolving local business verifications, all while dodging shady review extortionists (and some Coldplay memes).
The crew calls out shaky survey methodologies and sample sets that would make any statistician cringe. Discover why that 32% drop in Google's top CTR may be missing more context than your cousin's Facebook rants, and why local businesses should give side-eye to Google's new AI-calling feature that threatens to turn bespoke service into a commodity. And if you've been targeted by one-star review scams, Greg's got some no-nonsense advice for fighting back – armed with screenshots, not dessert bribes.
Spoiler alert: If your restaurant is handing out free tiramisu for reviews, you might be breaking federal law (and Greg will rant accordingly). Plus, why the latest batch of buzzword acronyms just muddies the digital waters for businesses already struggling to keep up.
Listen in and join in the fun in Local News on the EDGE!
News from the EDGE:
[00:06:20] 43% of consumers now use AI tools daily: Report
[00:14:10] Google CTRs Drop 32% For Top Result After AI Overview Rollout
[00:21:05] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics
Local SEO News Segment:
[00:22:20] Google Business Profile Appeal Tool Now Shows Rejection Reasons
[00:28:45] Google Search Can Now Call Local Businesses Using AI
[00:44:01] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: WAIKAY
[00:45:11] 1-star review attacks plague restaurants on Google
[00:52:56] SEO vs GEO vs AIO: WTF?
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Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site
Inlinks WAIKAY https://edgeofthewebradio.com/waikay
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