In this episode of Chat With Sean, I’m joined by Joy Hawkins, a highly respected SEO expert and the founder of Sterling Sky Inc, a digital marketing agency specialising in local search. Joy shares her thoughts on the impact of AI in local listings, the ongoing challenges with attribution, and how Google is evolving its search algorithms, especially in the wake of AI-driven changes.

We look into how AI search is influencing the local SEO landscape, the increased importance of reviews, and the challenges that small businesses face with AI-powered local packs and search results. Joy also discusses the latest trends in AI search and Google Ads, and how these changes are impacting SEO and conversion tracking.

Joy discusses:

- The rise of AI-driven local search packs and how they’re affecting small businesses

- The challenges around attribution and the difficulty of proving ROI in AI-powered SEO

- How Google Ads are becoming more prominent in local results

- Strategies for optimising local listings and managing online reviews

Topics covered include:

- The impact of AI on local SEO rankings and visibility

- The growing role of Google Ads in local search and its implications for small businesses

- The future of review management and how businesses can stay ahead

- Best practices for maintaining consistent information across multiple platforms

- Handling fake reviews, incentivised reviews, and their impact on SEO strategy