Local search &
platform news
Timely local SEO updates for multi-location brands: Google Business Profile, Apple Business, Meta, AI search, and EU regulation, explained for the central teams that manage hundreds or thousands of locations.
July 2026
ChatGPT Thinking mode changes which brands get cited
A Semrush study finds only 25.6% of cited domains overlap between ChatGPT's Instant and Thinking modes, reshuffling which brands AI answers recommend.
Astghik NikoghosyanDMA: EU decision nears on Google search data sharing
The European Commission is expected to decide by late July how Google must share search data with rivals under the DMA, including AI chatbots.
Marcus OlssonSearch Console logs first Generative AI report bug
Google confirms a June 24 logging error cut reported clicks and impressions in Discover and its Generative AI report. What multi-location teams should know.
Astghik NikoghosyanEU moves to designate AWS and Azure as DMA gatekeepers
The European Commission takes a preliminary view that Amazon's AWS and Microsoft's Azure should fall under the Digital Markets Act. What EU brands should watch.
Marcus OlssonGoogle's Liz Reid on visibility in the AI search era
Google's head of Search says personalization can surface niche and local sources, and that AI click data is still thin. What it means for multi-location brands.
Astghik NikoghosyanMeta's AI Mode in Facebook Search changes discovery
Meta added an AI Mode to Facebook Search that answers with public posts, Groups, and Reels instead of links. What the shift means for multi-location brands.
Astghik NikoghosyanJune 2026
Google breaks out free local listings availability by region
Google now lists which countries support free local listings and which support local inventory ads, and the two differ. What it means for EU retail chains.
Malin Dotevall BanksGoogle begins rolling out Top Stories in AI Overviews
Google has started showing a Top Stories carousel inside AI Overviews on developing topics. What the new content surface means for multi-location brands.
Marcus OlssonWhy weak local data costs multi-location brands demand
Multi-location brands quietly lose local demand when location data, opening hours, and per-location pages are thin or inconsistent. Here is the fix at scale.
Astghik NikoghosyanReview fraud hits $300B as FTC enforcement ramps up
Fake reviews are tied to an estimated $300B in annual consumer harm, and the FTC has moved from rule to enforcement. What multi-location brands must do now.
Daniel MelkerssonAI search routes users to your least accessible pages
AudioEye's 2026 Digital Accessibility Index finds AI search sends most traffic to interior pages that carry the most accessibility failures, EU sites worst.
Marcus OlssonGoogle details how to control content in AI search
Google's AI Features documentation explains how brands decide whether their pages show in AI Overviews and AI Mode, and the snippet trade-off it carries.
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