News from the EDGE | Week of 1.13.2025

This week, we've got a jam-packed session covering the latest and most pressing news in digital marketing and SEO. Top Stories: we discussed the recent merger of Getty and Shutterstock and its implications for image licensing, alongside the backlash Automattic is facing from the WordPress community. Adding to this, we explored how Google's search market share has hit its lowest since 2015! We have a special segment “In Local News” with friend of the show and Local SEO specialist, Darren Shaw, founder and president of WhiteSpark. He'll be sharing his insights on local search ranking factors, mapping exploits, and the evolving landscape of Google’s local and LSA ads. Whether you manage a digital marketing agency or optimize your own business's online presence, this episode is loaded with invaluable tips and updates to help you navigate your digital marketing journey in 2025.  So, buckle up and let’s get to the EDGE—of the Web! News from the EDGE: [00:02:44] The Getty-Shutterstock merger: A new era for image SEO and licensable content [00:11:54] Automattic Turns Against WordPress Community Itself [00:17:19] EDGE of the Web Title Sponsor: Site Strategics [00:18:52] Google’s search market share drops below 90% for the first time since 2015 In Local News w/ Darren Shaw: [00:24:05] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: InLinks [00:25:21] Google Map Pin Attack Exploit Fixed [00:28:14] Near Media - Google is replacing the UGC Google Q&A with "Ask Maps."  [00:31:26] Mike Blumenthal - Details” on the “Review Badge of Shame” [00:35:52] Mike Blumenthal - LSA ads are becoming ever more visible [00:38:15] Anthony Higman - Google Is Getting Rid Of Crediting Back Leads, Message Leads, Booking And Call Recording For The Tax Specialist Vertical [00:41:47] Antoine Cameron - new AI tool under the Products section in Google Business Profiles [00:45:28] January 2025 Google Local Ranking Update (Unconfirmed Bug) Thanks to our sponsors! Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks Follow Us: X: @ErinSparks BluSky: Darren Shaw (https://bsky.app/profile/whitespark.ca) X: @TheMann00 X: @EDGEWebRadio