Google Updates Mobile Rich Snippet Display with Pricing Information

In addition to the release of Reviews from the web and new review rich snippet guidelines (again), Google has simultaneously updated the display of mobile organic review rich snippets with more space and additional pricing details. H/T to Aaron Weiche, the CMO at GetFivestars.

Yelp Review Summaries Back in the Google Knowledge Panel

I am not sure whether this message has been approved by Jeremy Stoppleman but at least for now, with the new reviews from the web announced yesterday summaries now showing in the Knowledge Panel, Yelp is back. For those of you that don’t go back to the “early” days of Google Local, it would seem … Continue reading Yelp Review Summaries Back in the Google Knowledge Panel

Updated Google Schema Review Guidelines for Local Businesses

Review rich snippets are a powerful local markup type but they have been open to abuse and misuse. Google with release of their critic review snippet extension has also significantly updated their rules for Local Business‘s use of review rich snippets on their website. IN typical Google fashion, the new rules while adding additional use … Continue reading Updated Google Schema Review Guidelines for Local Businesses

Shame on Elizabeth Warren (and Yelp)

Google is a monopoly in local search. Whether they leverage their monopoly power and intentionally disadvantage smaller competitors is probable. But that disadvantaging is what would need to be proved to make the case for any antitrust remedy to be proposed. But when I hear Elizabeth Warren say in a speech that in 2012 the FTC … Continue reading Shame on Elizabeth Warren (and Yelp)

Making a Business More Complaint Receptive

I have just published the last (at least for now) article on complaints:  13 Ideas to Make Your Business More Complaint Friendly. In the article I came up with a number of ways to set your business up for success from both an operational point of view as well as a process one. But I … Continue reading Making a Business More Complaint Receptive

8 Steps for Dealing with Customer Complaints

I have just added another post in the Complaint Series at GetFiveStars:  8 Steps for Dealing with Customer Complaints. I put together a concise guide to help you create a plan for complaint resolution. And that is something I really think you should do, put together your own plan. When the s%^t hits the fan, it will … Continue reading 8 Steps for Dealing with Customer Complaints

Complaints and How They Can Go Ballistic

Ozzie’s Premium Frozen Yogurt and Gelato is an ice cream shop in Santa Maria, CA that has recently changed hands. And also recently managed to attract both bad reviews and press around the issue. The press handled their situation with equanimity but the reviewer, feeling scorned, did not. Who knows the actual facts (like why … Continue reading Complaints and How They Can Go Ballistic

FTC to Amerifreight – Failure to Disclose Review Incentives Against the Law

The FTC has, for the first time, successfully sued a company for incenting on line reviews and not declaring this material connection. According to Google reviewer mb2970s: mb1970s   7 months ago I was moving from Nashville to Albuquerque. This is the third time that I have ever transported a vehicle (previously with two other … Continue reading FTC to Amerifreight – Failure to Disclose Review Incentives Against the Law

Ever Wonder Why does Google show a 4.8 rating when I have all 5-star reviews?

I have gotten the question alot so I wrote an answer on the Local U Blog: Why does Google show a 4.8 rating when I have all 5-star reviews? The short answer: something like a Bayesian average. You’ll have to read the article at Local U to learn more.

Facebook Reviews Should Be a Part of Every SMB Review Plan

If you had any doubts as to whether Facebook has a place in your review strategy, news this past week from Bill Bean that Facebook reviews were now showing in the Google “Reviews from Around the Web” should put them to rest. I was curious how widespread this was and whether it was just a […]

Google Dropping Review Shadow Box in Serp and Going Directly to Plus?

Yesterday while doing training I noticed that Google was dropping the review shadow box from the main search results and taking users directly to the business Plus page.  Today others are noticing this as well. Nicolai Helling pointed the new behavior out on G+. As Nicolai mentioned and I agree this change “seems to be preparatory to release […]

Yelp Coming Under Fire For Review Take Downs From Its Reviewers

Yelp is caught in the middle of the shit storm surrounding the hotel that recently was outed for finning wedding parties if they left bad reviews. Thousands of reviews have been posted there and thousands removed. Now though, many reviewers are targeting Yelp for their squelching of dissent and their ability to properly vet reviews. […]