6 ways the August core algorithm update impacted local business
Was your site affected by the recent core algorithm update? Here's a look at the changes made to local and small business sites after the...
Joy Hawkins
Joy Hawkins is a Local SEO expert who is a Google My Business Top Contributor. She regularly contributes to many online communities in the Local SEO world, including the Google My Business forum (Top Contributor), the Local Search Forum (Top Contributor), and the Local University Forum (Moderator). She is also a contributor to the Moz Local Search Ranking Factors survey. Joy is the owner of Sterling Sky in Canada and is the author of the Expert's Guide to Local SEO, which is an advanced training manual for people wanting a detailed look at what it takes to succeed in the Local SEO space.
Do Google reviews impact local ranking?
Based on her research, contributor Joy Hawkins thinks reviews may play some part in how a local page ranks. Here is a case study that shows her...
How does Yelp’s review solicitation penalty work?
Contributor Joy Hawkins provides an overview of how Yelp's review solicitation penalty works and explains why you should not ask for...
Better Business Bureau reviews are complex. Here’s what you need to know
Contributor Joy Hawkins hires a pool company and finds that the BBB's site isn't as simple as she previously...
Hooray! Google My Business descriptions are back
Contributor Joy Hawkins points out that GMB has brought back the business description field and shares helpful tips on how a business owner can get...
Google Questions and Answers: Everything you need to know
Looking to take advantage of this new Google My Business feature? Columnist Joy Hawkins explains how to get started with Google...
Negative reviews from ex-employees are finally against Google’s guidelines
Google recently updated its review policies to clarify that reviews left by former employees are considered to be in violation of its guidelines....
Law firms spamming Google My Business: Don’t trust your money or your life to them!
Many local businesses are guilty of violating Google My Business guidelines to game the system, and columnist Joy Hawkins has observed rampant...
Do Google Posts impact ranking? A case study
Columnist Joy Hawkins shares the results of a case study to see whether Google Posts can move the needle for local search...
Markets with home service ads: Service-area businesses are coming back to the local results
There's good news and there's bad news in the local service-area business space. Contributor Joy Hawkins brings us up to...
Are Home Service Ads the death of home-based businesses on Google?
Google is expanding their Home Service Ads across more and more cities in the US, and some home-based business owners are worried. Columnist Joy...
6 things you need to know about Google’s Q&A feature on Google Maps
Noticed the new "questions & answers" section in Google Maps app listings? Columnist Joy Hawkins shares her observations about this helpful new...
What are the risks for businesses that are getting fake reviews on Google?
Creating fake reviews might seem like a great way to boost your business's local profile, but columnist Joy Hawkins warns that the consequences far...
Dear Google: 4 suggestions for fixing your massive problem with fake reviews
Columnist and local search expert Joy Hawkins notes that unless Google My Business gets serious about addressing fake reviews, it will suffer a loss...
7 unannounced updates to Google My Business we’ve seen in 2017
Google has been quietly rolling out new features and updates to Google My Business over the last several months, and columnist Joy Hawkins has...
Is Google really keeping fake listings off Google Maps?
A recent study released by Google claims that fewer than 0.5% of local searches lead to fake listings. But is this number misleading? Columnist and...
Why Google shutting down Map Maker should terrify SMBs
Contributor Joy Hawkins warns about the likely unintended consequences of Google's impending shutdown of Map Maker, calling for the search giant to...
Google’s advanced verification test in San Diego just dropped over 89% of listings from the 3-pack
Columnist and local search expert Joy Hawkins shows the results of a recent Google My Business advanced verification test and explores the new home...
Study shows Google’s Possum update changed 64% of local SERPs
How significantly did the Possum update impact local search results in Google? Columnist Joy Hawkins shares data and insights from a study she did...
Everything you need to know about Google’s ‘Possum’ algorithm update
Wondering what's up with local search rankings lately? Columnist Joy Hawkins has the scoop on a recent local algorithm update that local SEO experts...