Local SEO 2026: the factors that really matter to be visible on Google, Maps and in AI search
Every year, Whitespark's excellent Local Search Ranking Factors study serves as a compass for local SEO. Here's a summary and a "between the lines" reading, to turn this data into concrete action for your local visibility in 2026.
When should you ask your customers for a Google review?
Can you imagine getting several times as many Google reviews without harassing your customers? The key is not only in the message... but in the moment you ask for it. It's in the optimum context that you get the best reviews, and that's what I present in the 17 review-gathering scenarios in my guide. Here are a few facts to get you thinking about the best time to ask for a review.
Personalized PVC cards: a powerful asset for local businesses
The personalized pvc card is a simple, durable and particularly effective tool for strengthening customer loyalty and encouraging in-store returns. Thanks to its sturdiness, professional appearance and personalization possibilities, the plastic card offers a tangible presence that accompanies customers on a daily basis.
New in Google Business Profile – multi-fiche articles and posts: real time savings
Google has introduced an enhancement eagerly awaited by all multi-location networks: after publishing a Post on a Google Business Profile, the interface offers to copy this update to other profiles you manage, with a selection of the locations concerned.
How do Trustpilot reviews influence customer decisions?
It's a fact: consumer decision-making is increasingly influenced by online reviews. Platforms such as Trustpilot play a crucial role in the perception and credibility of companies. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of this American platform.
Cyberextortion via fake Google reviews: Defensive strategies and foresight to protect your digital reputation
For some time now I've been receiving calls about blackmail linked to fake reviews, I'd read articles in the USA about this trend over the summer and since yesterday I've personally been the target... ;-( so a short article was necessary to show you this practical case and how I was going to try and remove this!
Local research and artificial intelligence: How companies need to adapt in 2025
Artificial intelligence is radically transforming the way consumers discover local businesses. Traditional search results are gradually giving way to automated summaries that aggregate information, reviews and geographic data in real time. This technological revolution is [...]
CNIL under pressure: how the RGPD is being hijacked as a blackmail tool
In the hushed corridors of French companies, a new threat looms. It's no longer just the specter of a classic cyberattack that terrorizes executives, but the perverse instrumentalization of the RGPD by criminal groups. The [...]
Google is tightening up its requirements for links in your business listing: what’s new for you?
Google has recently changed its rules concerning the links you can add to your Google Business Profile. If you thought you could continue to manage your business links as before, think again. These new requirements, which come into force in September 2025, will be a major game-changer for all merchants. Here's why you need to start preparing now.
The keys to digitizing and managing your start-up as a freelancer
The first few weeks of business set the course: they determine your management habits, your sales visibility and your administrative peace of mind. The good news? You can lay a simple, legally compliant and scalable digital foundation, without blowing your budget or mental load. Here's the roadmap.
Why companies need to diversify their online review platforms (and stop relying solely on Google)
As you know, customer reviews have become one of the most powerful levers for boosting the visibility, credibility and local referencing of a business. While Google My Business remains an essential pillar for appearing in local search results, limiting yourself to it becomes risky - and counter-productive. Here's why it's essential to diversify your online review sources now.
SEO Expert Interview #5: Sofiane Boumedine, CEO of Lemmilink
Continuing with the expert interviews and stakeholders that I find interesting to understand and consolidate here, today we're going to talk about NinjaLink... that old method that's back on the agenda: Forums! And the expert on the subject is Sofiane, who's going to give us a little more background on this topic and this trend.
SEO photos optimized for Google Business Profile and Promt AI
Google claims it: establishments that publish images attract more clicks to their site and receive more itinerary requests than those that don't! So let's go for it and see some tips.
E-reputation: turning a negative review to your advantage
I tell all my sessions: a negative review is an opportunity, and here's a great example! An unpleasant review is leverage to show that the listing and its rating are real, and your professionalism to solve problems. The Lille restaurant Les Tontons Afro recently demonstrated this.
Export and use your Google reviews to boost your SEO and create pages that meet your customers’ expectations
Today, Google reviews are an essential lever for developing local business visibility and building online trust. Yet most companies are content to collect them without fully exploiting their potential. Here's a concrete method for transforming your Google reviews into ultra-relevant web pages thanks to artificial intelligence, and thus meeting the expectations of your future customers.
Understanding a customer’s lifetime value: an essential tool for your business
Brand reputation plays a key role in the calculation of a number of marketing indicators, one of which is LTV. Understanding a customer's lifetime value (LTV) is essential for any company wishing to optimize its profitability and marketing strategies.
Defamation or slander: what’s the difference and why does it count for negative Google reviews?
Online reviews have a profound influence on the reputation and sales of retailers and professionals, so it's vital for an entrepreneur or retailer to understand the legal concepts of defamation and slander. These two criminal law offenses have different implications, particularly in terms of how a company can react to a negative review published on platforms such as Google.
Commercial lease: everything retailers need to know before signing
For many retailers, leasing commercial premises is a key stage in the development of their business. Whether you're launching your first store, changing address or looking to secure your business, it's essential to understand the commercial lease: its advantages, constraints and pitfalls to avoid.
Content transparency on Google Maps: key figures and in-depth analysis
You may have received this email from google about transparency in google Map... But did you follow the link at the bottom? (NB action = big button, in the corner of Google's UX!)... Anyway, here's a summary with some additional input. Today, Google Maps is one of the most widely used digital services in the world, with over 1.5 billion monthly active users by 2024. Thanks to this massive audience, Google Maps is no longer just a navigation tool, but also an essential source of local information: customer reviews, photos, opening hours, business descriptions...
How to appear in Google Maps: a practical guide for businesses?
Appearing on Google Maps has become essential for any business wishing to strengthen its local presence and attract more customers. This practical step-by-step guide will help you create your Google My Business listing, optimize your profile and improve your online visibility. Whether you're an independent professional or a small business, discover how to maximize your local impact with clear, accessible advice.
How do you effectively create a location on Instagram?
Creating a location on Instagram is a great way to increase the visibility of your posts and your business. Whether it's for a special event, branding or simply to add a touch of creativity to your posts, knowing how to effectively create and use a custom location can make a big difference to your social media strategy.
Retailers, B2B or B2C companies, organisations, do you want to improve your digital visibility and reputation?