Darren Shaw
@whitespark.ca
🔹 Founder of Whitespark.ca: local SEO software and services.
🔹 Local SEO educator with 36,000+ newsletter subscribers, 8,000+ YouTube subscribers, and 2,000+ email course sign-ups.
🔹 In charge of the annual Local Search Ranking Factors Survey
🔹 Local SEO educator with 36,000+ newsletter subscribers, 8,000+ YouTube subscribers, and 2,000+ email course sign-ups.
🔹 In charge of the annual Local Search Ranking Factors Survey
Missing Google reviews are becoming a real problem for many businesses. So I asked one of the smartest people I know what’s really going on.
Watch the new episode now with THE @mikeblumenthal.bsky.social. A gift to you before we log off for the holidays. We’ll be back in January. Happy holidays 🎄
Watch the new episode now with THE @mikeblumenthal.bsky.social. A gift to you before we log off for the holidays. We’ll be back in January. Happy holidays 🎄
AI vs Human Content, Missing Google Reviews & the Evolution of Q&A | E16 The Whitespark Local Update
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
December 23, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Missing Google reviews are becoming a real problem for many businesses. So I asked one of the smartest people I know what’s really going on.
Watch the new episode now with THE @mikeblumenthal.bsky.social. A gift to you before we log off for the holidays. We’ll be back in January. Happy holidays 🎄
Watch the new episode now with THE @mikeblumenthal.bsky.social. A gift to you before we log off for the holidays. We’ll be back in January. Happy holidays 🎄
@miriamellis.bsky.social just dropped her last guide of 2025 — Whitespark’s Guide to the Perfect Service Area Landing Page. Read it here and capture more leads in the new year 👇
Whitespark’s Guide to the Perfect Service Area Landing Page
This is the only guide you’ll need to create perfect service area landing pages. It provides a step-by-step process for building strong service area pages and expert advice on writing helpful content.
whitespark.ca
December 18, 2025 at 4:36 PM
@miriamellis.bsky.social just dropped her last guide of 2025 — Whitespark’s Guide to the Perfect Service Area Landing Page. Read it here and capture more leads in the new year 👇
If you look very closely at today’s podcast episode, you will notice that Claire is not talking to her usual co-host, me, but to a secret, third person:
The amazing Elizabeth Rule!
Watch the episode below, or find it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The amazing Elizabeth Rule!
Watch the episode below, or find it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
AI Powered Analysis in GSC & Surviving Local SEO in 2026 | E15 The Whitespark Local Update
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
December 17, 2025 at 4:02 PM
If you look very closely at today’s podcast episode, you will notice that Claire is not talking to her usual co-host, me, but to a secret, third person:
The amazing Elizabeth Rule!
Watch the episode below, or find it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The amazing Elizabeth Rule!
Watch the episode below, or find it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
I finally got to talk about one of my favorite topics on today’s podcast episode: geotagging photos!
Watch the new episode below, or listen to it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
P.S. Reviews and comments are always appreciated 🙏
Watch the new episode below, or listen to it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
P.S. Reviews and comments are always appreciated 🙏
AI Prompts for SMBs, New Geotagging Study, & Rebranding Checklist | E14 The Whitespark Local Update
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
December 9, 2025 at 4:12 PM
I finally got to talk about one of my favorite topics on today’s podcast episode: geotagging photos!
Watch the new episode below, or listen to it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
P.S. Reviews and comments are always appreciated 🙏
Watch the new episode below, or listen to it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
P.S. Reviews and comments are always appreciated 🙏
Here’s a rare group photo of the Canadian team at Whitespark last week. We’re a remote company, but we try to get together in person once in a while. Activate was so fun!
December 8, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Here’s a rare group photo of the Canadian team at Whitespark last week. We’re a remote company, but we try to get together in person once in a while. Activate was so fun!
2025 Local SEO Wrapped just dropped… in the form of an article that highlights the top 7 new local search ranking factors that can change how you do your marketing in 2026. Read Miriam Ellis’s full post on the Whitespark blog and get ready for the new year!
7 Local Search Ranking Factors That May Challenge Your Current Thinking | Whitespark
Here are seven takeaways from the new Local Search Ranking Factors 2026 report that will challenge your thinking about how to do local SEO.
whitespark.ca
December 4, 2025 at 4:28 PM
2025 Local SEO Wrapped just dropped… in the form of an article that highlights the top 7 new local search ranking factors that can change how you do your marketing in 2026. Read Miriam Ellis’s full post on the Whitespark blog and get ready for the new year!
Did you know that the Google API leak says that service areas are NOT used in the ranking algorithm? If you want to expand your ranking radius for real, today’s podcast episode contains some actionable tips.
The full episode is now available below and on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 👇
The full episode is now available below and on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 👇
How To Increase Ranking Radius & How Psychology Can Boost Reviews | E13 The Whitespark Local Update
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
December 2, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Did you know that the Google API leak says that service areas are NOT used in the ranking algorithm? If you want to expand your ranking radius for real, today’s podcast episode contains some actionable tips.
The full episode is now available below and on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 👇
The full episode is now available below and on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 👇
Google announced their new anonymous reviews feature last week. Here’s everything you need to know about it 👇
Anonymous Google Reviews Are Here: What Your Business Should Do Now | Whitespark
Google users can now leave reviews under a pseudonym. This will help businesses to get more reviews, but it raises concerns about fake reviews.
whitespark.ca
December 1, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Google announced their new anonymous reviews feature last week. Here’s everything you need to know about it 👇
Major lightbulb moment for me: I remember being on a call with Joel Headley, former head of Google Business Profile support, and he told me that Google specifically seeks out and crawls the contact page on small business websites.
November 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Major lightbulb moment for me: I remember being on a call with Joel Headley, former head of Google Business Profile support, and he told me that Google specifically seeks out and crawls the contact page on small business websites.
I have a fun video for you today: I react to viral business shorts, break down why they blew up, and show you exactly how you can replicate the same success.
Plus, I share a super simple strategy you can use today to start creating your own short videos. Watch it below!
Plus, I share a super simple strategy you can use today to start creating your own short videos. Watch it below!
Why Small Business Videos Go VIRAL on Social Media (and How You Can Too)
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
November 18, 2025 at 4:31 PM
I have a fun video for you today: I react to viral business shorts, break down why they blew up, and show you exactly how you can replicate the same success.
Plus, I share a super simple strategy you can use today to start creating your own short videos. Watch it below!
Plus, I share a super simple strategy you can use today to start creating your own short videos. Watch it below!
This feature hits different (literally) 📦
My kid had too much fun throwing boxes at my head for this short. There’s a whole behind-the-scenes bit in tomorrow’s YouTube video. Can you guess what it’s about?
My kid had too much fun throwing boxes at my head for this short. There’s a whole behind-the-scenes bit in tomorrow’s YouTube video. Can you guess what it’s about?
November 17, 2025 at 4:06 PM
This feature hits different (literally) 📦
My kid had too much fun throwing boxes at my head for this short. There’s a whole behind-the-scenes bit in tomorrow’s YouTube video. Can you guess what it’s about?
My kid had too much fun throwing boxes at my head for this short. There’s a whole behind-the-scenes bit in tomorrow’s YouTube video. Can you guess what it’s about?
SEO tip you NEED to know: llms.txt is absolutely useless.
November 17, 2025 at 5:11 AM
SEO tip you NEED to know: llms.txt is absolutely useless.
Just published my first article on @searchengineland.bsky.social!
Do keywords in reviews matter? Hell yes. My piece describes 7 benefits of getting keywords in reviews - including 3 templates that will help you get those keywords. Go check it out.
Do keywords in reviews matter? Hell yes. My piece describes 7 benefits of getting keywords in reviews - including 3 templates that will help you get those keywords. Go check it out.
November 11, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Just published my first article on @searchengineland.bsky.social!
Do keywords in reviews matter? Hell yes. My piece describes 7 benefits of getting keywords in reviews - including 3 templates that will help you get those keywords. Go check it out.
Do keywords in reviews matter? Hell yes. My piece describes 7 benefits of getting keywords in reviews - including 3 templates that will help you get those keywords. Go check it out.
New podcast episode just dropped, and it’s a good one 👇
This week’s episode is only 12 minutes and packed with valuable takeaways. I cover the key insights from the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors, and Claire tells you about some fantastic SEO and digital marketing content you don’t want to miss.
This week’s episode is only 12 minutes and packed with valuable takeaways. I cover the key insights from the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors, and Claire tells you about some fantastic SEO and digital marketing content you don’t want to miss.
2026 Local Search Ranking Factors & Free Marketing Course | E11 The Whitespark Local Update
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
November 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM
New podcast episode just dropped, and it’s a good one 👇
This week’s episode is only 12 minutes and packed with valuable takeaways. I cover the key insights from the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors, and Claire tells you about some fantastic SEO and digital marketing content you don’t want to miss.
This week’s episode is only 12 minutes and packed with valuable takeaways. I cover the key insights from the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors, and Claire tells you about some fantastic SEO and digital marketing content you don’t want to miss.
🚨 I’m doing an AMA about the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors over on the Whitespark subreddit: r/whitespark. Starting: TODAY (Monday, November 10th), at 12:00 PM ET.
November 10, 2025 at 3:59 PM
🚨 I’m doing an AMA about the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors over on the Whitespark subreddit: r/whitespark. Starting: TODAY (Monday, November 10th), at 12:00 PM ET.
ICYMI, we released the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors yesterday. Tons of new insights and takeaways. This is the Local SEO bible. Read it below!
Whitespark's Official 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors Report: Your ultimate guide to local SEO success in 2026!
Find out what really impacts local search rankings in 2026 with Whitespark's Local Search Ranking Factors report. 47 top local SEO experts weigh in on what's driving real local search rankings today.
whitespark.ca
November 7, 2025 at 4:21 PM
ICYMI, we released the 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors yesterday. Tons of new insights and takeaways. This is the Local SEO bible. Read it below!
🚨 The 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors are OUT NOW!
Read the full report and my analysis on the Whitespark website.
Watch my new video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDeA...
Read the full report and my analysis on the Whitespark website.
Watch my new video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDeA...
OFFICIAL Whitespark 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors: What Really Matters (Full Breakdown)
YouTube video by Whitespark
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:51 PM
🚨 The 2026 Local Search Ranking Factors are OUT NOW!
Read the full report and my analysis on the Whitespark website.
Watch my new video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDeA...
Read the full report and my analysis on the Whitespark website.
Watch my new video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDeA...
I was sick for the recording of today’s episode of The Whitespark Local Update, but @clairecarlile.bsky.social had no problem replacing me (🥲) with the brilliant @danaditomaso.com.
Watch the new episode below (or listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts).
Watch the new episode below (or listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts).
How AIO Is Really Just SEO (ft. SEO Expert Dana DiTomaso) | E10 The Whitespark Local Update
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
November 4, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I was sick for the recording of today’s episode of The Whitespark Local Update, but @clairecarlile.bsky.social had no problem replacing me (🥲) with the brilliant @danaditomaso.com.
Watch the new episode below (or listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts).
Watch the new episode below (or listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts).
Ask me anything! I’ll be answering questions on the Sterling Sky subreddit /r/localsearch between 12pm ET and 5pm ET today.
November 3, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Ask me anything! I’ll be answering questions on the Sterling Sky subreddit /r/localsearch between 12pm ET and 5pm ET today.
Happy Halloween 🎃
This costume comes with a Whitespark Local Ranking Grids subscription, endless AI SEO speculation, and a strong opinion about geotagging images.
What’s your costume this year?
This costume comes with a Whitespark Local Ranking Grids subscription, endless AI SEO speculation, and a strong opinion about geotagging images.
What’s your costume this year?
October 31, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Happy Halloween 🎃
This costume comes with a Whitespark Local Ranking Grids subscription, endless AI SEO speculation, and a strong opinion about geotagging images.
What’s your costume this year?
This costume comes with a Whitespark Local Ranking Grids subscription, endless AI SEO speculation, and a strong opinion about geotagging images.
What’s your costume this year?
Big moment: our first-ever in-person Local Update, recorded live at @brightonseo.com 🎉 woooo!
It was such a blast hanging out with @clairecarlile.bsky.social, meeting so many brilliant SEOs, and geeking out about SEO all day.
The full episode is now up on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! 👇
It was such a blast hanging out with @clairecarlile.bsky.social, meeting so many brilliant SEOs, and geeking out about SEO all day.
The full episode is now up on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! 👇
We Asked SEO Experts for Their #1 Tip at BrightonSEO | E9 The Whitespark Local Update
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
October 28, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Big moment: our first-ever in-person Local Update, recorded live at @brightonseo.com 🎉 woooo!
It was such a blast hanging out with @clairecarlile.bsky.social, meeting so many brilliant SEOs, and geeking out about SEO all day.
The full episode is now up on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! 👇
It was such a blast hanging out with @clairecarlile.bsky.social, meeting so many brilliant SEOs, and geeking out about SEO all day.
The full episode is now up on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! 👇
Argh! Why is that competitor outranking you when you have better SEO and stronger links?!
There could be a sneaky reason that you’re not considering: they’re updating content more often than you.
There could be a sneaky reason that you’re not considering: they’re updating content more often than you.
October 27, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Argh! Why is that competitor outranking you when you have better SEO and stronger links?!
There could be a sneaky reason that you’re not considering: they’re updating content more often than you.
There could be a sneaky reason that you’re not considering: they’re updating content more often than you.
🚨 Review extortion is real: scammers leave 1-star reviews, then demand cash to remove them. It’s been happening for years, but Google finally acknowledged it and shared how to report it (via @rustybrick.com).
We cover this and more in the new episode of The Whitespark Local Update! 👇
We cover this and more in the new episode of The Whitespark Local Update! 👇
Review Extortion, AI Content Audit Assistant & a Pair of Shorts | E8 The Whitespark Local Update
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
October 21, 2025 at 3:05 PM
🚨 Review extortion is real: scammers leave 1-star reviews, then demand cash to remove them. It’s been happening for years, but Google finally acknowledged it and shared how to report it (via @rustybrick.com).
We cover this and more in the new episode of The Whitespark Local Update! 👇
We cover this and more in the new episode of The Whitespark Local Update! 👇
I tend to rant about businesses not listing their pricing online, and turns out, I’m not alone. @krystaltaing.bsky.social’s study shows missing pricing drives customers to competitors. @miriamellis.bsky.social covers this and +5 more local website must-haves on the Whitespark blog. Checklist below!!
6 Must-Have Elements for a High-Converting Local Business Website
This article looks at 6 conversion-making fine details that are consistently missing from the websites of small-to-enterprise local brands.
whitespark.ca
October 16, 2025 at 3:03 PM
I tend to rant about businesses not listing their pricing online, and turns out, I’m not alone. @krystaltaing.bsky.social’s study shows missing pricing drives customers to competitors. @miriamellis.bsky.social covers this and +5 more local website must-haves on the Whitespark blog. Checklist below!!
Is citation consistency making a comeback? I know I’ve said it doesn’t matter much anymore, but what if it does for LLMs?
@clairecarlile.bsky.social and I talk about this and more on the pod this week! 👇
You can watch the new episode below or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
@clairecarlile.bsky.social and I talk about this and more on the pod this week! 👇
You can watch the new episode below or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Bing Bombs Big Time, Local SEO is Thriving, Citation Consistency | E7 The Whitespark Local Update
YouTube video by Whitespark
youtu.be
October 14, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Is citation consistency making a comeback? I know I’ve said it doesn’t matter much anymore, but what if it does for LLMs?
@clairecarlile.bsky.social and I talk about this and more on the pod this week! 👇
You can watch the new episode below or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
@clairecarlile.bsky.social and I talk about this and more on the pod this week! 👇
You can watch the new episode below or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.