Google has gotten very greedy with its own traffic. However, Google understands that it can only get so aggressive in terms of prioritizing ads over organic search results. They have pivoted to offer users as much value as possible directly within search results – so when people need an answer that Google cannot directly provide – the chances an ad is clicked (so Google gets paid) increases. They have gotten remarkably good at getting people to stay on search results pages until they click an ad. Sounds familiar since this is Facebook’s tactic as well.

The rise of Google My Business, now called Google Business Profile. People will always want and need to speak to local businesses at some point. Rather than having people go to your site – they have built an entire platform for people to connect with businesses – one that they own.

Most businesses will just claim their listing, and then it’s forgotten. ‍To thrive on Google Business Profile, you must stop thinking about it as a generic Yellow Pages listing, and handling it like a Yelp page isn’t good enough, either.

Implementing a local search strategy that includes Google Business Profile will change everything for you:

• More new customers.
• More returning customers.
• And a plump bottom line.