News

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT

Google is testing showing only 3 local business links instead of the 7 it shows now. Is it an advertising ploy? Control? Maybe both.

Meanwhile, Facebook is offering options to allow consumers to directly connect with your organization’s rep on Facebook. What you get: fast access where your customers are. What they get: more B2B benefits.

If you use Mozilla Firefox and you don’t have automatic updating, please read the article about the new security patch issued Thursday.

And that is what you need to know for this week without the hype.

NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Google Cuts Local Results to 3 from 7
Google Cuts Local Results to 3 from 7

After much testing, Google has seem to officially drop the seven local results in the web search results and gone with a 3-pack block.

Mozilla Issues Patch for Critical Flaw in Firefox - SiteProNews
Mozilla Issues Patch for Critical Flaw in Firefox – SiteProNews

Mozilla released a security patch lateThursday to address a serious flaw in its Firefox browser that permitted hackers to upload files from your computer.

Facebook wants your complaints about businesses
Facebook wants your complaints about businesses

Facebook is introducing functions that allow consumers to talk privately with businesses. Yes, Facebook wants to be your customer service platform.

U.S. Adsense Publishers Must Comply with EU Cookie Rules

If there are Google ads on your website, you need to read this article. Short version: you have 2 months to start allowing European users to opt out of cookies and tracking. Pay attention if this describes your website.

AD OF THE WEEK

B of A's Special Olympics Spot Has Staying Power
B of A’s Special Olympics Spot Has Staying Power

As Dustin says in the ad, he’s here to show the world what inclusion is about.

News

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT

We know you love the different links about online marketing, and we don’t often publish generic stats pieces, but it’s worth your time to read how much mobile has grown in content, purchases, long form content, time on the device and more. We said to people “you can’t ignore social media”. Now we say to people, “do not ignore mobile”.

And while you’re not ignoring social media, take note that Facebook is testing a “Buy” button and a “Sell” button. You knew that Facebook business pages would one day offer ecommerce. Here is another test.

And as Facebook enters eBay’s market, Google is entering the local service market in yet another way. If you run a local business, you must read today’s second article.

And that is what you need to know for this week without the hype.

NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW

15 Mind-Blowing Stats About Mobile Marketing – This is Critical Data, Says George

Mobile marketing is a must-have strategy, but the facts show that rules about mobile engagement have changed. Here’s what you need to know.

Google Enters Home Services Market With New Ads Test

Ads for locksmiths and plumbers are now appearing on some queries in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Facebook Testing Buy & Sell Button
Facebook Testing Buy & Sell Button

Look out, eBay and craigslist: Here comes Facebook.

Google’s standing up to France on the ‘right to be forgotten’

Google warns that giving France what it wants could lead to global censorship.

AD OF THE WEEK

Letters To Dad - Paper & Packaging Board
Letters To Dad – Paper & Packaging Board

What do you do when you miss a dad who’s far away? The Paper & Packaging Board does a sweet spot on retro handwritten letters with a little boy and a soldier/father deployed somewhere. Sweet and simple still works.

News

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT

Google is launching its new “Panda” update now over the coming weeks. Search results will change. And the search giant is showing a lot of information to you about what it knows about your location if you use its location services. Amazon continues trying new things including a grocery service where you pick up your shopped order. And the Emmy nominees for Best Commercial are out–all on one page for easy viewing.

And that is what you need to know for this week without the hype.

NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Major Google Update Rolling Out Now Over “A Few Months”

That’s what Googler Gary Ilyes confirmed to Search Engine Roundtable this week. Gary says that when done, 2%-3% of ALL search queries will be affected.

Google Knows Where You've Been & How Long You Were There
Google Knows Where You’ve Been & How Long You Were There

Have an Android phone with location services turned on? Google will show you a timeline of everywhere you were, matched with pictures you took along the way. It’s fun, frightening or both. But you can only see yours. Unless you’re the NSA.

Amazon Groceries: Order online, Pickup at the store

Amazon will be testing a grocery store pick up location in tech-heavy Sunnyvale, CA according to the San Jose Business Journal. It’s the latest Amazon move off-line.

Google Is Now Rolling Out A New Interface For Hotel Finder

Google confirms they are rolling out a new Hotel Finder Search interface in the local results this week. Their stated mission: catalog all of the world’s information. Not a good day for lodging search websites.

AD OF THE WEEK

The Six Commercials Nominated for an Emmy this Year
The Six Commercials Nominated for an Emmy this Year

Not Ad of the Week. Relive 6 ads of the week on one page. We’re pulling for “Like A Girl”.