In 2005, Darren laid the foundation for Whitespark as a web design and development firm. However, driven by his unwavering passion and insatiable curiosity for the intricacies of local search, he made a pivotal decision in 2010 to shift the company’s focus. This transformative shift led Whitespark to become the esteemed entity it is today.
Presently, Whitespark stands as a renowned authority in local search software and services, earning widespread respect and recognition within the industry. Darren’s extensive experience of over 19 years in the online realm has fostered a deep love and understanding of all aspects of local SEO. He spearheads research initiatives such as the influential Local Search Ranking Factors survey and the comprehensive Local Search Ecosystem study.
As a prominent figure in the field, Darren actively contributes to esteemed search marketing publications, sharing his valuable insights and expertise with the wider community. Furthermore, his expertise and captivating speaking style have made him a sought-after speaker at conferences across the globe, where he imparts his knowledge and illuminates the latest developments in local SEO.
Darren’s remarkable journey showcases his unwavering commitment to the ever-evolving world of local search. Join us as we delve into his wealth of knowledge, unravelling the intricacies of local SEO and exploring the cutting-edge advancements that shape this dynamic landscape.
Darren can be contacted on Twitter @DarrenShaw_ or via LinkedIn.
740 | News from the EDGE | Week of 1.13.2025News / podcastIn Local News w/ Darren Shaw
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!
Let us know your thoughts of the show at https://ratethispodcast.com/EDGE
News from the EDGE:
The Getty-Shutterstock merger: A new era for image SEO and licensable content
Automattic Turns Against WordPress Community Itsel
Google’s search market share drops below 90% for the first time since 2015
In Local News w/ Darren Shaw:
Google Map Pin Attack Exploit Fixed
Near Media – Google is replacing the UGC Google Q&A with “Ask Maps.”
Mike Blumenthal – Details” on the “Review Badge of Shame”
Mike Blumenthal – LSA ads are becoming ever more visible
Anthony Higman – Google Is Getting Rid Of Crediting Back Leads, Message Leads, Booking And Call Recording For The Tax Specialist Vertical
Antoine Cameron – new AI tool under the Products section in Google Business Profiles
January 2025 Google Local Ranking Update (Unconfirmed Bug)
Thanks to our sponsors!
Follow Darren:
BluSky: (https://bsky.app/profile/whitespark.ca) [...]
Read More About This EpisodeJanuary 17, 2025- 469 | Local SEO Myths with Darren ShawInterviews / podcastDarren Shaw of Whitespark.ca joins the EDGE in the second of two parts as we dive into the persistent Local SEO Myths. We covering a great deal that Darren has seen for years and we kill them off, one by one. Darren is a fantastic resource for understanding the true impact that Google My Business (now Google Business Profile) has on a local service company’s customer relationship and conversions.
Local SEO Myth: Does everything have to be perfect for Google?
Local SEO Myth: Using a Call Tracking Number Negatively Impacts Rankings
Local SEO Myth: Setting Service Area in Google My Business Impacts Ranking
Local SEO Myth: Keywords in the Business Description
The Absolute, Most Important Thing to Convey: Trust
Local SEO Myth: Geotagging Images
Google Knows Your Space, Knows Your Brand, Knows Your Business
Local SEO Myth: No One Reads Reviews Anymore
Consumer Reviews Are A Conversion Step
Shoppers Are Not Clicking Through to Websites Anymore [...]
Read More About This EpisodeDecember 31, 2021
- 457 | Local Search Ranking Factors with Darren ShawInterviews / podcastDarren Shaw of Whitespark.ca joins the EDGE again (been a while) to discuss Local SEO, Google Business Profile as well as his annual Local Search Ranking Factors survey from 40 of the top Local SEO professionals in the business. Get up to date on what affects local search engine optimization and where Entity SEO works into the Local SEO concepts, today on the EDGE.
What Does Whitespark Do for Companies?
QR codes are back!
Stats on Local Search
In some industries, Google drives upwards of 90% of all of their business.
Google as your new homepage, care of Mike Blumenthal
In the past 6 years, Google has been rolling out a ton of incredible features
What are the first steps you help a business owner understand in Local SEO?
What is the top local search ranking factor?
Three Pillars of Local Search
What are citations?
Consistency is a myth in Local SEO
Local SEO = Entity SEO
Get the keywords in the review!
The Local Search Ranking Factor Survey
Keywords in the Business Name? Seriously, Google?
[...]
Read More About This EpisodeNovember 26, 2021
- Darren Shaw – How Effective is Yext? – Show 186Interviews / podcastThe Industry’s Favorite SEO Podcast
#EDGETALK : Darren Shaw – President & Founder of Whitespark
Darren Shaw, President and Founder of Whitespark, joins us on the podcast this week. We wanted to connect with him after is Q&A session at SMX Advanced in June. We also were interested about his thoughts about Yext, a popular local SEO tool. Yext is quite the controversial tool and might not be the best tool to use for most businesses and Darren shares with us why that could be.
Also in the podcast we talk with Darren about his thoughts on many things Local SEO which includes, the perfect local SEO landing page, how to get more reviews for your Google and Yelp pages, and what impact Angie’s List will have on the local SEO game.
We’re talking with another top leader in the SEO industry – TODAY ON THE EDGE! [...]
Read More About This EpisodeJuly 26, 2016
