Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT’s Search Shift, and the Power of Local Guides

In this episode of the Near Memo, Greg Sterling and Mike Blumenthal discuss fresh insights into how consumers engage with local AI Overviews, explore the theory that ChatGPT may be using Google's search index, and dig into the explosive growth and influence of Google's Local Guides program. The discussion also touches on zero-click search, ad transparency, and the implications for local businesses. Sponsored by GatherUp. Chapters below ⬇️ Subscribe for more: NearMedia.co 00:00 - Intro: AIOs, ChatGPT & Local Guides 01:41 - How Users Interact with AI Overviews in Local Search 04:44 - ChatGPT vs Google vs Bing: What Index is OpenAI Using? 13:07 - Is Google Giving Away Its Local Advantage? 21:06 - Local Guides at 500M: Google's Crowdsourced Juggernaut 26:48 - Spam, Gamification & Google's Review Economy 30:59 - Wrap-up & Near Media Updates