The Near Memo

Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal & David Mihm
  • 5.0 (6)
  • TECH NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Exploring the big stories for the week at the intersection of local business & marketing across the spectrum of search, social and commerce. With Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal & David Mihm.

  1. 3H AGO

    AI Overviews in Local: When & Where, DOJ Google Remedies (?), and an SMB GBP Case Study

    Send us a text We dig into when/where Google’s AI Overviews (AIOs) appear in local, how people actually split tasks across Google vs. ChatGPT, what the DOJ’s remedies mean for defaults, and a fresh case where a brand-new local biz triggered an AIO—plus practical takeaways. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

    33 min

  2. AUG 28

    AI Overviews & Why consumers like them, Reviews vs. Reality & Why Google Search Volumes Aren’t Falling

    Send us a text Mike Blumenthal and Greg Sterling discuss three hot-button topics: Consumer vs. industry perspectives on Google’s AI OverviewsHow review expectations differ from actual behavior in the legal verticalWhy Datos data shows AI growth isn’t displacing search usageSubscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

    27 min

  3. AUG 21

    Google’s LSA Shake-Up, Google LSA Dark Patterns & BrightLocal SMB Marketing Insights

    Send us a text Google is consolidating Local Services Ads trust signals into a single verification badge — but is it really about trust or revenue? Greg and Mike discuss Google’s evolving ad strategy, the ongoing degradation of organic results, their "dark patterns" that elevate LSA usage and new BrightLocal data showing less than half of small businesses have claimed their Google Business Profiles. Plus: why email remains an overlooked channel, and whether AI tools like ChatGPT can realistically challenge Google in local. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

    28 min

  4. AUG 14

    Part 2- Barnacle SEO in the AI Era: Will Scott on Tools, Automation & Content Strategy

    Send us a text In part two of this interview, SEO veteran Will Scott of Search Influence joins Mike Blumenthal and Greg Sterling to unpack how AI is reshaping search, why semantic SEO matters, and how to use no-code automation tools to scale content. Learn how to barnacle onto high-authority sites, repurpose content across platforms, and adapt to an AI-first search world. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

    31 min

  5. AUG 7

    Part 1: Barnacle SEO in the AI Era: Will Scott on Leveraging AI for Search & ChatGPT Visibility

    Send us a text In Part 1 of this interview, SEO veteran Will Scott joins Near Memo to unpack the rise of Barnacle SEO in a world reshaped by AI. We explore how content visibility, listicles, and trusted sources like Reddit and Yelp are influencing AI-generated responses. Plus, we debate the viability of “GEO” as a term, Google’s evolving narrative, and the role of automation tools in SEO. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

    33 min

  6. JUL 31

    The Future of Maps: User Focused, Contextual & Integrated AI with Goetz Weber

    Send us a text Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal talk with mapping expert Goetz Weber about why today’s maps fail to deliver personalized, contextual experiences — and what needs to change. From intent modeling to the limits of monetization, from ChatGPT to Snap Maps, Goetz lays out a compelling vision for mapping 2.0: visual, social, and powered by AI.  For relevant links and a transcript visit our site.  Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

    48 min

  7. JUL 24

    Pew & Ahrefs Reveal Click Declines & AIO Disruption, Local SEO vs. AI: What Happens to the Pack?,

    Send us a text This week, Greg and Mike dissect new data from Pew and Ahrefs showing how AI Overviews impact user click behavior, local pack visibility, and publisher traffic. They explore the branding mess of “AIO” vs. “GEO,” ChatGPT’s growing usefulness, and YouTube’s quiet dominance. Plus: a burrito search showdown and dishwasher repair gone AI. Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

    33 min

  8. JUL 18

    Google Fixes GBP Alerts Sort Of, Expands "Ask for Me" Local Quotes, ChatGPT Local Search Disurptor?

    Send us a text In this episode of the Near Memo, Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal dive into Google’s overhaul of its Business Profile dashboard notifications and why it's problematic, the rollout of Google’s AI-powered “Ask for Me” local quote feature, and ChatGPT’s growing impact on local search. Plus: Will businesses benefit from the Ask for Me feature? Subscribe to our newsletters and other content at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/

    37 min
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About

Exploring the big stories for the week at the intersection of local business & marketing across the spectrum of search, social and commerce. With Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal & David Mihm.

Information

  • Creator
    Greg Sterling, Mike Blumenthal & David Mihm
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    227
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Near Memo
  • Show Website
    The Near Memo

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