New Google AI Search Box, Local Sponsorships & Review ROI | E32 The Whitespark Local Update

Big local search news dropped last week, and Claire Carlile and Darren Shaw are here to break down what changed and why it matters. This week, they cover:

📝 Google Launches AI-Powered Search Box (Near Media Newsletter)
📝 2026 Google I/O Keynote Bingo (Britney Muller)
📝 Google intelligence and what it means for local SEO (Claudia Tomina)
📝 The ROI of Reputation Connecting Reviews to Revenue, Rankings, and Retention (Brad Wetherall, GatherUp)
📝 Photo View Counts on Google Business Profiles are Back (Muhammad Hussain)
📝 Improving AI Visibility for Local Businesses Through Sponsorships (Ellen Sartin)
📝 Google’s Guidance on AI Search is Naive and Self-Serving (Mike King)