Field notes on AI search, local SEO, and getting more calls from the internet.
Practical, sourced guidance for local service businesses. Every claim here links to a primary source, and we publish the tactics that do not work alongside the ones that do.
AI Overviews, AI Mode and ChatGPT Are Not the Same Thing
Three separate products, three separate source lists, three different things you can be charged for. This page tells you what each one is and deliberately gives you no ad
Google Maps and the Local PackHow to Rank Higher on Google Maps, in Priority Order
Most Maps guides hand you eleven steps and pretend they all move. Four of the twelve strongest factors cannot be moved at all. Here is the list sorted by what you control
Hiring, Cost, Timeline and ProofHow Much Does Local SEO Actually Cost?
Four published surveys of SEO providers disagree with each other by a factor of six. That is not a data problem. It is proof that the price of local SEO is decided on you
Google Maps and the Local PackHow to Choose Your Google Business Profile Categories
Ten minutes of work, one of the strongest levers you personally control on Google Maps, and a claim everyone repeats without ever telling you where it came from.
Google Maps and the Local PackYour Google Business Profile Ranking Dropped. What Changed?
Most guides hand you eight possible causes and no way to tell which one happened to you. Four of them leave physical evidence on your profile. The other four leave nothin
AI Search Visibility for Local OwnersWhy AI Doesn't Recommend Your Business
There are seven rungs between your business and an AI recommendation, and they fail in order. Find the lowest one you are failing, fix that, and ignore everything above i
AI Search Visibility for Local Owners
AI Overviews, AI Mode and ChatGPT Are Not the Same Thing
Three separate products, three separate source lists, three different things you can be charged for. This page tells you what each one is and deliberately gives you no ad
AI Search Visibility for Local OwnersWhy AI Doesn't Recommend Your Business
There are seven rungs between your business and an AI recommendation, and they fail in order. Find the lowest one you are failing, fix that, and ignore everything above i
Google Maps and the Local Pack
How to Rank Higher on Google Maps, in Priority Order
Most Maps guides hand you eleven steps and pretend they all move. Four of the twelve strongest factors cannot be moved at all. Here is the list sorted by what you control
Google Maps and the Local PackHow to Choose Your Google Business Profile Categories
Ten minutes of work, one of the strongest levers you personally control on Google Maps, and a claim everyone repeats without ever telling you where it came from.
Google Maps and the Local PackYour Google Business Profile Ranking Dropped. What Changed?
Most guides hand you eight possible causes and no way to tell which one happened to you. Four of them leave physical evidence on your profile. The other four leave nothin