Articles I Have Written
At last count I have written over 100 articles over the past 10 years. I have tried to capture links to some of the articles I have published on the subjects of Local, Social & Mobile, I hope you find them useful.
Killing Google’s brand one phone call at a time
11 Jan 16 | Author Gregg Stewart | Legal & Regulatory Paid Search Search SEO |
Is the solicitation of SMBs by automated robocallers a threat to Google's advertising revenue? How can the search giant protect itself?
Are you ready for Small Business Saturday?
24 Nov 15 | Author Gregg Stewart | Marketing Retail Strategies |
Marketers are preparing to pull out all the stops to compete for consumers' attention during the most epic shopping weekend of the holiday season. Here's how SMBs can get in on the action.
Google Local Pack Is 233 Percent More Important
27 Aug 15 | Author Gregg Stewart | Local Marketing |
Google's recent modifications to the Local Map Pack has made optimizing listings an even greater priority, but why were these changes made? How will this impact your local strategy?
Local Marketing – Formula for Success
24 Jul 15 | Author Gregg Stewart | Local Marketing |
There is a hierarchical approach that both SMBs and brands that market locally can use to guide ad and marketing budget allocation.
Hyper Locals: The Second Biggest Missed Opportunity in Local Marketing
Jun 10, 2015 - Hyperlocal media planning, digging deeper than sites like Facebook and Yelp, is one of the most common missed opportunities when it comes to local marketing...
Local Optimizations for the Apple Watch
May 4, 2015 - Now that the Apple Watch is here, here's how brands and SMBs can make sure their business listings are optimized for the device.
Amazon Goes Local With Home Services
Apr 6, 2015 - Amazon's new Home Services may help the e-commerce giant cement its status as a local service marketplace provider across the country.
Is Mobile-Friendly Good Enough?
Mar 9, 2015 - Is passing Google's mobile-friendly test good enough to ensure that your site is optimized the best it can be?
3 Areas to Master in 2015 for National Brands Marketing Locally
Jan 12, 2015 - What should national brands who want to market locally focus on in the coming year? Here are three areas to concentrate on.
What’s in Your Wallet...err Phone
Dec 15, 2014 - What can companies do to become successful in the mobile commerce space? Here's a look at two steps they need to take.
Your Car Now Makes Local – Mobile
Nov 17, 2014 - The Internet of Things is bringing local search to your car's dashboard. How can marketers make sure their listings are optimized for consumers on the...
4 Rules to Consider When Battling the Marketing Heavyweight, Wearables
Sep 22, 2014 - Wearables will provide local marketers with a host of new opportunities. Here are four rules to consider when thinking about how to apply this 'marketing...
Voice Search – and You Thought "Auto Correct" Was Bad
Aug 25, 2014 - A look at Apple, Google, and Microsoft's voice search programs and how they stack up against each other. Which one comes out on top?
Google Targets Local With Latest Algorithm Update
Aug 8, 2014 - Recently, Google introduced a new algorithm change aimed at improving local search results. Here's a look at the changes and how marketers can make...
Google My Business – A Step Forward or Lipstick on a Pig?
Jun 30, 2014 - Google's new local marketing platform is a small step forward to help the tech giant to engage with small businesses. Here's a deeper look at its functionality...
PCs, Tablets, and Mobile Phones Each Play a Different Role in Local Search
Jun 2, 2014 - Marketers must match their content on a specific device to the types of information consumers most often access through that device in order to guarantee...
Local Misdirection - Would You Give a Customer a Wrong Address?
May 5, 2014 - While you wouldn't think to give a customer an incorrect physical address, you need to make sure your digital "addresses" are correct, too.
Local Innovation - What's the Next Big Thing?
Apr 7, 2014 - A look at a few promising items on the "bleeding edge" of technology that could very well be the "next big thing" in local: wearables, multi-touch attribution...
When Is a 4-Star Rating Better Than a 5-Star Rating?
Mar 10, 2014 - The answer? "Almost always." The reason is simple; consumers do not expect a business to be perfect. The key the consumer is looking for is how the...
Facebook "Can't Buy Me Love" - Now "Likes" on the Other Hand...
Feb 10, 2014 - Can Facebook's own advertising and promotion products be beneficial for local businesses? Here's a look at one business' campaign, and the results.
2014 Local Marketing Checklist
Jan 13, 2014 - 2014 will be a breakout year for integration across all aspects of the consumer engagement path to purchase. Are you ready?
Dear Santa: A Google Wishlist for Local Marketers
Nov 18, 2013 - Columnist Gregg Stewart has a few suggestions for Santa this year, to help local marketers get more out of Google+, Google Maps and Places.
Will Recent Google Updates Help or Hurt Your Holiday Marketing Plans?
Oct 21, 2013 - Recent changes by Google may have some impact on your holiday marketing campaigns. Gregg Stewart explains.
Counting Offline Conversions from Online Advertising, Made Easy
Sep 24, 2013 - Measuring online advertising’s impact on offline conversion is hard work, but not impossible. Once the exercise is completed, we end up with reliable...
The Future of Local
Aug 26, 2013 - All too often we get caught up reacting to the latest changes Google, Yahoo, and Bing throw at marketers as we race to gain advantage for our clients...
Where Will Google's Local Carousel Go to Next?
Jul 29, 2013 - The new Google Carousel is part of the continuing evolution of Google's local offering, increasing user functionality and advertiser utility.
Total U.S. PC Search Volume Down 6 Percent Year-Over-Year
Jun 24, 2013 - As more advertisers enter the search marketplace and the inventory of available searches begins to slow, one can expect a number of effects.
Are We Seeing the Resurgence of Internet Yellow Pages?
May 27, 2013 - Consumers' satisfaction with local search on the portal search engines declined in 2012 while IYPs gained in terms of satisfaction with local business...
Building the Optimal Local Online Media Plan
Apr 29, 2013 - How to build a media plan that is finely honed, generates a desirable cost-per-action, and has low waste.
Optimizing Local Search Campaigns
Apr 1, 2013 - How advertisers both large and small can target and optimize their local search campaign based on ever-changing consumer behavior.
Ratings and Reviews - Your Largest Local Opportunity, Missed
Feb 14, 2013 - Consumer ratings and reviews are essential to both multinational brands and local storefronts, differentiating companies from their competition and...
Local Promotions - Connecting Online/Mobile Search to Offline Conversion
Dec 10, 2012 - Some tactics to help you leverage any potential difference that gets you the click, call, and sale.
A Letter to Google's Local Team: Can You Give a Brand a Break?
Nov 12, 2012 - Search engines need to catch up with how consumers shop and source information.
If a Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words, a Good Story’s Worth a Million Pictures
Oct 15, 2012 - Don't forget that you need to tell the story of your business/brand to the customer.
Google Algorithm Changes Benefit Directory Sites at the Expense of Local Businesses
Aug 20, 2012 - If local search results continue to favor directories and listing aggregators, you must adjust your local strategy so you have a favorable position...
Google Ratings and Reviews - A Perfect 30?
Jul 23, 2012 - Three tactics businesses should take into consideration with Google's new rating scale.
Tablet - Big Mobile or Small Desktop Device?
Jun 25, 2012 - Tablets are considered "mobile" devices, but that's only a starting point for marketers.
Was the Penguin Update in Fact the Honey Badger Update?
May 29, 2012 - Effects of recent Google algorithm changes and their impact on local.
Finders Are Now Seekers: How Local Has Changed the Game
Apr 30, 2012 - Marketers must evolve their marketing strategy and execution plans to leverage the consumer migration from traditional media vehicles to local online resources.
Optimizing Your Local Listing on Apple's Siri
Feb 9, 2012 - Teaching Siri to suggest your business.
Mobile Website or Please Read the Fine Print?
Jan 12, 2012 - Mobile commerce must be part of your present full funnel marketing plan. Follow these steps to make sure you have a mobile-friendly website.
Death of the Website as a Marketing Tool?
Dec 15, 2011 - Best practices for developing a "full funnel" marketing plan.
Local Marketing Checklist - Reprioritizing the Opportunity
Nov 17, 2011 - Seven elements that make up a well-constructed local campaign.
Will Apple's Siri Change the Voice of Local Search?
Oct 20, 2011 - By tying voice commands to proximity and a robust business listings database, users can search and select businesses on the go in a much more user-friendly manner.
Social, Local, Mobile (SoLoMo) Innovation or Evolution
Sep 22, 2011 - Much of the recent activity surrounding social, local, and mobile seems to center around refinement or evolution versus innovation.
Clicks vs. Calls - Which Are Better?
Aug 25, 2011 - If you want to maximize sales from online marketing, you need to understand purchase behavior.
3 Tips To Leverage Ratings and Reviews
Jul 28, 2011 - And why Google Place deserves your immediate attention.
Facebook vs. Google - The Battle for Local SMBs' Ad Dollars
Jun 30, 2011 - In order to truly deliver on the SMB opportunity, Facebook or Google needs to provide SMBs with an incredibly simplified lead generation and customer relationship platform.
Daily Deals - Advance Planning Is the Key to Success
Jun 2, 2011 - Considering a daily deal campaign on Groupon, LivingSocial, or Facebook Deals? Start here.
Business Listing Management
May 5, 2011 - Do's and don'ts for optimizing your business listing for local searchers.
Oh Those Bones, oh Those Bones, oh Those Dry Bones
Apr 7, 2011 - What the integration of social media and search means for SMBs.
Reaching the Mobile Shopper: Before, During, and After the Big Sale
Mar 25, 2011 - The role that mobile devices play in the shopping process cannot be narrowed down to an overall, easily identified function.
SMB Social Analysis – Can Money Buy You Friends?
Mar 10, 2011 - Do brands with a higher number of "likes" get more recognition? Would these "likes" really deliver increased engagement? Here is an experiment to find out.
Google Boost: Paid Search for the Masses?
Feb 10, 2011 - Can Google Boost woo small businesses that shied away from AdWords?
Marketing-Strategy Checklist for SMBs in 2011
Jan 13, 2011 - Make sure you stay on top of Google Places, Facebook and Twitter, and monitoring and tracking this year.
Attract Local Searchers and Boost Search Results Rankings
Dec 16, 2010 - Consumer ratings and reviews can give searchers information they need to make their shopping decisions, and help local businesses attract these searchers.
Google Places: Does Local SEO and Google Boost Make for a Local SEM?
Nov 18, 2010 - It has yet to be seen if Google Boost is just another blip on the Google product-testing radar, or if this is a significant change to the Google product mix.
Local Laryngitis: Brands Need to Help Locations Develop a Voice in Social Media
Oct 21, 2010 - Sales channel education, coordination, and measurement are three areas that require special focus when integrating in the local sales channel. 0 Comments
Google's AdWords Transparency Requirements - Come Into the Light
Sep 23, 2010 - What SEMs, lead aggregators, and resellers must tell their clients about AdWords campaigns from now on. 10 Comments
Facebook - Places to Go and People to See
Aug 26, 2010 - Advertisers would do well to take advantage of Facebook Places to reach consumers where they're searching and sharing. 0 Comments
Google: Experimenting With Its Largest Opportunity - Local
Jul 29, 2010 - Local advertisers that seek to adapt to results page changes early on by creating content-rich local business listings will be the ones that come out on top. 0 Comments
Checking In on Foursquare Marketing Opportunities
Jul 1, 2010 - Location-based services - you can check in anytime you like but you can never leave?3 Comments
Moving at the Speed of Your Sales Channel
Jun 3, 2010 - Is your in-store sales team in need of an education about your brand's mobile, social, and local marketing communications? 0 Comments
Is Google Becoming the New Ma Bell?
May 12, 2010 - Will Google command a monopoly over local search? Will Google obtain "utility" status in the minds of both consumers and businesses? 0 Comments
Yelp's Growing Pains
Apr 8, 2010 - Use consumer reviews - both positive and negative - as an opportunity to build relationships and engage in the social dialogue locally. 0 Comments
How Maps Are Transforming Local Search
Mar 11, 2010 - With just an address and a phone number, you can take control of your business, and you can stand out by providing accurate information and relevant content. 4 Comments
Mobile: The Future of Location-Sensitive Advertising
Feb 11, 2010 - Recent product releases from Yelp, Google, and Facebook provide clues on where location-sensitive mobile advertising is headed. 0 Comments
If It Can Be Measured, It Can Be Optimized
Jan 14, 2010 - Start reviewing the methods and manners with which you optimize your local search and other advertising efforts.
SMB Must-Haves in 2011
January 23, 2011 - Make sure you stay on top of Google Places, Facebook and Twitter, and monitoring and tracking this year.
Focusing Your Message from National to Local, Part 2
December 18, 2009 - How to parse out responsibilities for social media and set up a measurement dashboard for comparing local and national results.
Focusing Your Message from National to Local, Part 1
December 11, 2009 - How to develop a strategic plan that includes Web site management, paid, organic and mobile search, display ads, Internet yellow pages, local listing feeds, and user-generated content.
The Year of Mobile: Closer Than We Think?
November 12, 2009 - Consumers are increasingly relying on smartphones and other mobile devices to select local businesses and brands. Consider these trends.
Consumers Head Online for Local Business Information
October 15, 2009 - A study identifies how consumers use mobile, Google Maps, ratings, reviews, and Internet yellow pages to obtain information about local businesses.
Local Search Changing with the Seasons
September 18, 2009 - Even though the seasons are changing, the changes are never very drastic. Change happens over a period of time. The same holds true for your local search program.
Search Engine Wars, the Local Front
August 21, 2009 - Users and advertisers are winning as the local search space innovates and evolves. As content continues to grow, we're seeing a major shift in how consumers are utilizing these resources.
Mobile Coupons Offer Multiple Benefits
July 24, 2009 - Consumers love the cost savings of mobile coupons. Marketers love their many benefits. Mobile coupons are an inexpensive way to take advantage of what works in mobile marketing today.
Bing -- Early Estimations in Local Search
June 26, 2009 - It's way too early to say Bing is a success, but initial trials are favorable. Where Bing could shine is in local search, a relatively untapped revenue source and a fragmented marketplace.
Ranking in Local Listings
May 29, 2009 - Why are local listings important? It's all about consumer usage. With so many consumers seeking local listing information, it's vital that advertisers with local entities proactively manage and improve their listings' accuracy to help gain...
Should Local Marketers Get Twitterpated?
by Gregg Stewart • May 1, 2009
The Twitter phenomenon is exploding, so is it time for local marketers to embrace Twitter? Like most new/emerging platforms, it depends on your business category.
Improve Lead Conversions with Speed and Quality
by Gregg Stewart • April 3, 2009
Today's economic environment forces all of us to do more with the same or less. The way to get more sales out of lead-gen efforts is by increasing the conversion rate with fast and thorough follow-up.
Integration in a Decentralized World
by Gregg Stewart • March 6, 2009
As a VP of advertising or CMO, where do you start and end your exploration for communication integration and efficiency? Let's start with the basics and move toward the complex to address the questions.
Local Search Tactics for Tough Economic Times
by Gregg Stewart • February 6, 2009
What tactics and best practices can improve our local search campaigns in these challenging times? Local search marketing efforts focus around ensuring you're the one chosen when the question of "where to buy" arises.
Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics
by Gregg Stewart • January 9, 2009
Over the past year, I've been in numerous meetings with advertisers, agencies, and online media vendors, and I'm often amazed at the confusion surrounding how local search campaign analytics are reported, and sometimes twisted, to create a desired...
User Ratings and Reviews: Join the Conversation
by Gregg Stewart • December 12, 2008
Consumer usage of ratings and reviews continues to grow, as well as their importance to everyday local business information. Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective ways to sell a product/service, and that's exactly what consumer...
Offline and Online Conversions Tracking: Increase Your ROI
by Gregg Stewart • November 14, 2008
The accountability of online marketing is only as good as the analytics an advertiser employs. Tracking conversions -- both online and offline -- can be tricky, but it is an important part of any online marketing program, especially for businesses...
Making the Most of Your Local Search Marketing Dollars
by Gregg Stewart • October 17, 2008
Clients often ask where they should spend their marketing dollars: online or offline, search or display? The problem with these questions: they assume there's one or only a few sources for all local sales leads. The question isn't "either/or,"...
Getting to Know Local SEO
by Gregg Stewart • September 19, 2008
Local SEO is a must for businesses that sell products locally to a specified geographical area. The channels consumers are using to search are changing. Is your marketing strategy adapting?
6 Tips for Aligning Your National, Local SEM Efforts
by Gregg Stewart • August 21, 2008
The volume of local searches continues growing, which means national-level search advertisers must develop strategic plans for incorporating local search into their national search programs. The benefit: lower cost leads with higher conversation...
The Local Advertiser of Today and Tomorrow
by Gregg Stewart • July 24, 2008
Gauging and prioritizing emerging media such as local search is vital to capturing increased business in a cost efficient manner. Meet the local advertiser of today and tomorrow.
Creative Messaging in a Direct Response World
by Gregg Stewart • June 27, 2008
Should a company focus on building their messaging around their brand image, or on driving direct response via their Web site and online media? Branding and direct response messaging can co-exist online, and local business profile pages are a good...
Winning the Local Search Battle - Part 2
by Gregg Stewart • June 6, 2008
Want to enjoy lower cost-per-sale and offer a better user experience? A highly customized, localized marketing approach is vital to your keyword strategies.
Winning the Local Search Battle
by Gregg Stewart • May 30, 2008
Consumers are shifting from "what to buy" category searches to "where to buy" phrases. With that specificity comes a higher propensity to purchase. Which publishers are winning the local search charge?
Avoid the Pitfalls of Mobile Marketing
by Gregg Stewart • May 2, 2008
The advertising potential of mobile now resembles that of the early days of the Internet in both variety of search options available and the fragmented nature of the keyword search volume. As with any emerging marketing medium, advertisers should...
Leveraging Traditional Media Placements in an Online World
by Gregg Stewart • April 4, 2008
Online media and Internet-based search continue to grow at the expense of their offline counterparts, newspapers and magazines. Because media placement options are continuously growing, smart local marketers need to leverage this major...
Social Media Meets Local Search
by Gregg Stewart • March 7, 2008
Despite the growing traffic to social networks, local search tools for users of those sites are surprisingly few and far between. That doesn't mean you shouldn't stay active in those communities.
The 411 on Local Search Data for Business
by Gregg Stewart • February 8, 2008
Is your local search data accurate? Here's how -- and where -- to update your local search listings.
Online Reviews: Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Advertisers and Publishers
by Gregg Stewart • January 18, 2008
Online consumer-generated reviews drive local search. How to handle negative reviews and more.
Local Search Lives or Dies by User Reviews
by Gregg Stewart • January 11, 2008
Google, Live Search, Yahoo: user reviews, ratings are life or death for local search.
Online Video Finds Local Search
by Gregg Stewart • December 14, 2007
In blended search, if a pic's worth 1000 words, what's online video worth in local search?
Local Search for National Brands
by Gregg Stewart • November 9, 2007
National brands: empower your local sales channel to generate more sales, leads, and conversions. Here's how.
Voice Search: Mobile Tactic Here. Now. 2DAY.
by Gregg Stewart • October 11, 2007
411 Calls Directory Assistance. PCM. DA Rocks Voice Search 2DAY. EOL.
Real World Trumps Online in Local Search
by Gregg Stewart • September 13, 2007
If you don't know what your customer is doing, your customer will probably end up someplace else. Tracking local search online and offline.
This Just In, Google Recruits Local Sales Force
by Gregg Stewart • August 16, 2007
Gregg Stewart gives you a heads up on Google Local Business Referrals and continues his review of local search strategies by covering underutilized local media sources.
Getting Started in Local Search
by Gregg Stewart • July 19, 2007
Gregg Stewart introduces a new column, Local Search, with information on how to get started in finding cost-effective leads and developing a media plan.
Mobile Focus: Look Who's Talking Now
With a mobile device in every hand, consumers now take the power for local search with them wherever they go. OMMA Magazine- January 1, 2009
How To Attract Local Customers With Local Search
Radio Interview with Gregg Stewart Search is moving quickly to the Internet and searchers are using their computers and telephones to find your business.
March 3, 2009 - Recognized Expert
Mobile search to grow with smartphone adoption:
TMP exec Consumer adoption of smartphones is causing an increase in mobile search activity, but the dynamics differ from wired Internet searches.Q&A Interview with Gregg Stewart, senior vice president of TMP Directional Marketing.By Giselle Tsirulnik March 23, 2009 - Mobile Marketer