Ep 179: Apple Expands Business Connect, Which Directories Matter?, SEMrush Acquires Search Engine Land

Apple Expands Business Connect Beyond Brick-and-Mortar, BrightLocal Study: Which Directories Matter, SEMrush Acquires Search Engine Land's Parent Company, Third Door Media

Part 1 starts 00:13 - Apple Expands Business Connect Beyond Brick-and-Mortar

It was announced that Apple Business Connect will now include a broader range of businesses, such as e-commerce, work-from-home, and service-area businesses. Businesses will still undergo the Apple verification process but will benefit from a consistent brand presence across apps like Mail, Apple Pay and ultimately Messages. While non-brick-and-mortar businesses won't appear on Apple Maps, their verified logos will be visible in key Apple services like Siri and Spotlights, enhancing brand trust within the Apple ecosystem. This move strengthens Apple's position as a trusted platform for businesses and customers alike, despite some limitations for smaller agencies and vendors.

Segment Reference Article:

Time to Get on ABC (Apple Business Center)

Part 2 starts 11:55 - BrightLocal Study: Which Directories Matter?

A recent study by Bright Local revealed that while platforms like Yelp maintain a significant presence in Google search results, the majority of high-ranking directories are vertical-specific, varying by industry. Key directories such as ZocDoc for healthcare and TripAdvisor for hospitality were identified as essential for consumer engagement. The study emphasized the importance for businesses to focus on directories that are relevant to their specific verticals, rather than relying on broader platforms.

Segment Reference Articles: 

Business Listings Visibility Study

Yes, Directories Matter

Part 3 starts 21:31 - SEMrush Acquires Search Engine Land & Third Door Media

The acquisition of Third Door Media, parent company of Search Engine Land and Martech World, by SEMrush was announced this week. The move has sparked concerns about the potential loss of independent industry voices, with fears that SEMrush may shift focus toward promotional content. However, some view the acquisition as a strategic decision, allowing SEMrush to capitalize on the domain authority of these platforms. It is expected that the move will enhance SEMrush’s reach, particularly among beginner and intermediate SEO users, while maintaining a balance between transactional and informational content.

Segment Reference Articles:

Semrush Acquired Search Engine Land

SMX & Third Door Media (Industry Reaction