Local SEO and Marketing Q&A Session January 30, 2026

Each week, Greg and Ben answer your questions on digital marketing for local businesses … local search engine optimization (SEO), Google Business Profile, social media, email marketing, websites, online advertising and more.

Click here for video.

This Week’s Updates and Questions

  • Google AI Overviews follow up questions take you to AI Mode.
  • Google explores ways to opt out of search AI features.
  • New research says AIs are inconsistent when recommending brands.
  • Factors for what makes the Most Relevant GBP reviews.
  • Does Google still send out verification postcards?
  • Are there services that help track visibility in AI mode?
  • Should I merge the listing of a location that’s closing with another listing at a different location to keep the reviews?
  • Is there a platform that’s good for tracking how entities are showing up in AI Tools?
  • What should I use for citations?
  • Should I have a practitioner listing for my GBP if I have regular one with my name in the business name?
  • What are some good tools for analyzing GBPs and websites?

Links from This Week’s Session