Google vs ChatGPT in Local Search and What Actually Ranks in 2026 with Darren Shaw

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Welcome to the Service Business Mastery Podcast!

Visit our website for more episodes and insights! https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com

In this episode of the Service Business Mastery podcast, Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch talk with Darren Shaw. He is the founder of Whitespark, a company specializing in local SEO software and services, and a recognized local SEO educator with more than 45,000 newsletter subscribers, 10,000+ YouTube subscribers and 3,000+ email course sign-ups. He leads the annual Local Search Ranking Factors Survey, one of the most frequently cited resources in local SEO, and regularly speaks at local search conferences worldwide while contributing to leading SEO publications. With 27 years of experience in web development and SEO, his career began well before Google existed.

In this episode, here's what you can expect to learn:

1. How Darren helped businesses improve local search rankings through reviews and content.

2. Why customer reviews and video content are essential for standing out online.

3. How AI tools are transforming local SEO and saving time on content creation.

4. Why backlinks are becoming less important and reviews are gaining more focus.

5. Practical tips for using smart marketing strategies to boost your business's growth.

Timestamps ⏰

[00:00] - Recap

[02:11] - Episode Introduction & Meeting Darren Shaw

[03:02] - Darren Shaw's Background and 25+ Years in Local SEO

[06:79] - Importance of Review Recency in Local SEO

[09:69] - The Decline of Backlinks in Local SEO

[10:71] - Review Diversification and Google's Role in Reviews

[18:10] - The Future of Search: Google vs. AI-driven Tools

[20:47] - Content Relevance in the Age of AI and Google AI Integration

[22:61] - The Role of YouTube in Local Search and Content Strategy

[27:42] - Using Content, AI, and Videos for Effective Local SEO

[35:67] - The Role of Email Marketing and Lead Magnets in Local SEO

[46:20] - The Future of Local Search and Google's AI Integration

If you found this conversation with Darren Shaw helpful, please leave us a review (5 stars would be greatly appreciated 😉). Links & References:

LinkedIn:

• Darren Shaw

• Whitespark

Website:

• Whitespark

Youtube:

• Whitespark

This episode is kindly sponsored by:

• Sera

• UpFrog

• CallRail

• CompanyCam Visit CompanyCam and use code SBM for a free 2-week trial, 1:1 training and account setup, and 50% off your first two months!

• MarketStorm

• priceguide

Connect with us!

• Tersh Blissett

• Josh Crouch

• Join the Service Business Mastery Facebook group for more updates!

• Visit our website: www.servicebusinessmastery.com

Affiliate links:

• Castmagic

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• IfTTT

• Zyra Talk