754 | Local News from the EDGE w/ Darren Shaw | 4.11.25

In Local News!

Darren Shaw is back with us on the Local beat, giving us some key insights into the ongoing local marketing challenges. Great to have him back!

In general digital marketing news, Google's been dishing out settlements, and Amazon's itching for TikTok. There's a Google's $100M settlement over AdWords billing practices. Might want to pay attention to that. Seems a bit precedent setting.

Darren shares insights on how local SEO is evolving with trends like review recency and the significant role of video content. Meanwhile, Google's mysterious local service ads anomaly didn't go unnoticed. What is with the testing of the green check mark in LSA? That is a huge value; why drop it?

Google Business Profile Questions and Answers is gone. RIP. The "question" is, how valuable was it? Clippable coupons are showing up in the wild on GBP, but rarely.

If you think negative reviews spook SEO experts, think again—Darren explains why they might be able to help you.

All Things Local in this episode of Local News from the EDGE with Darren Shaw!

News from the EDGE:

[00:03:27] Google settles $100 Million advertising dispute

[00:06:23] Amazon makes surprise bid for TikTok ahead of U.S. ban deadline

[00:13:18] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics

In Local News with Darren Shaw:

[00:14:28] Restaurant Local Results get a facelift

[00:17:45] Getting a negative review will boost your rankings

[00:22:25] Google is working on restoring Local Service Ads advertiser console

[00:25:11] Google Local Service Ads Tests Removing Green Screened Checkmark

[00:31:44] Google Local Questions & Answers Feature Gone?

[00:34:59] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: WAIKAY from InLinks

[00:36:44] Google Local Knowledge Panel With Promotion Clipable Coupons

[00:43:21] Your Local SEO Workout

[00:47:49] Freshness Distance Calculator

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site

Inlinks New Offering! https://edgeofthewebradio.com/waikay