SearchRank

AI may dominate the attention around WordPress 7.0, but Armstrong also brings major changes to editing, design, navigation, and publishing.

WordPress 7.0 Is A Winner: Here's What You Need To Know

Google has updated its reviews policy to add two items; (1) do not have your staff solicit a certain number of reviews and (2) the content of the review should not mention the staff member's name and information.

Google Reviews Policy Update Restricts Staff Mentions & Solicitations

Some time ago, Google updated the flow for the Google Business Profile verification. And the issue is, if you fill it out wrong, it can have consequences for that Google business listing in the future.

Google Business Profile Verification Flow Caution

Google is losing one of its main sources of information for its Knowledge Graph, the CIA World Factbook. This was a reference resource produced by the Central Intelligence Agency between 1962 and 2026 with almanac-style information about the countries of the world.

Google Losing A Knowledge Graph Source - CIA World Factbook

As author Miriam Ellis currently sees no replacement for Q&A on GBPs in traditional local search results on desktop and mobile, she points out that within the Google Maps app, many profiles now have a new "Ask A Question" feature, instead of the old Q&A section.

Local SEO Strategy for Google Maps Ask A Question Google removed their Google Business Profile Q&A feature. This article explains what local businesses need to change about their local SEO strategy in response.

A vulnerability in the AIOSEO plugin affecting up to 3 million installations adds to the six vulnerabilities found in 2025.

All In One SEO WordPress Vulnerability Affects Over 3 Million Sites

Google confirmed it is essentially removing the Q&A feature within Google Maps, and instead, searchers can use the new AI-powered Ask button on a Google Business Profile to get the answers they are looking for.

Google Changing Q&A Feature In Google Maps For Ask

Whether you’ve been working in local search for a short time or for years, “norms” are always open to change. Today, Miriam Ellis shares seven takeaways from the amazing new Whitespark Local Search Ranking Factors 2026 report that may challenge your current thinking about what’s influencing visibility and even how to do local SEO!

7 Local Search Ranking Factors That May Challenge Your Current Thinking | Whitespark Here are seven takeaways from the new Local Search Ranking Factors 2026 report that will challenge your thinking about how to do local SEO.

Google just made one of its most significant shifts to its review system in years: users can now leave reviews under a pseudonym instead of their real Google Account name. This change, rolling out globally in November 2025, lowers a major barrier for customers who want to share feedback, but don’t want to attach their public identity to it.

Anonymous Google Reviews Are Here: What Your Business Should Do Now | Whitespark Google users can now leave reviews under a pseudonym. This will help businesses to get more reviews, but it raises concerns about fake reviews.

Semrush will be acquired by Adobe, the two companies announced today. "Adobe and Semrush announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Adobe will acquire Semrush, a leading brand visibility platform, in an all-cash transaction for $12.00 per share, representing a total equity value of approximately $1.9 billion."

Semrush Acquired By Adobe Semrush will be acquired by Adobe, the two companies announced today. "Adobe and Semrush announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Adobe will acquire Semrush, a leading brand visibility platform, in an all-cash transaction for $12.00 per share, representing a total equ...