At the recent Localogy Place conference, Meta’s Matthew Christiansen walked us through the company’s metaverse vision and execution so far. How have brands like Wendy’s provided a model for metaverse marketing? We break it down.
Google’s annual Search On event featured several updates to core search and orbiting products like Maps. Given the prominence and centrality of mapping to local commerce, we’ll start there. We break down the drivers and dynamics.
Niantic has accelerated its “real-world metaverse” ambitions by launching Lightship for Web. This makes its platform more accessible and scalable by making it web-enabled (as opposed to apps). We examine strategic drivers & dynamics.
Multi-location marketing firm Soci has announced a new deal with outdoor hospitality brand Kampgrounds of America (KOA). Soci now becomes the platform of choice for KOA. We examine drivers and dynamics
In the local media and commerce sectors, we continue to see rapid product evolution. But we’re also tracking another evolution: SMBs themselves. How are they advancing? We discuss with Yelp SVP Chad Richard.
Ever-expanding website services giant Newfold Digital announced a definitive agreement to acquire domain management player MarkMonitor for $302.5 million. The deal is subject to close in Q4, subject to regulatory approval.
Bluehost announced a tool that will help SMBs manage their online stores. Known as Online Store, it boasts the ability to get up and running quickly including storefronts, product pages and payment processing.
The Google-Facebook duopoly that’s ruled digital advertising for the past decade continues to erode. That statement is usually made in light of Amazon but we’re talking here about a different player: Apple.
Meta’s hyperlocal play, Facebook Neighborhoods, recently took a step back. It was meant to be Facebook’s answer to NextDoor but it turned out to be too onerous and unfocused, so Meta is pulling the plug on October 1.
Instagram is the latest to jump on the latest wave of QR code interest. It has begun to quietly roll out QR codes as an option to share content such as posts, Reels, profiles and locations.
TikTok’s new “Nearby” feed spotlights local content that’s been location-tagged near a given user, such as local businesses. Does this signal a more targeted local strategy, with monetization to come next?
Niantic Lightship is a platform that will empower developers to build Pokemon Go-like geospatial AR experiences. It takes the game’s architecture and spatial mapping chops and wraps it up in a platform.
Rather than social channels morphing into shopping channels, is there opportunity for shopping outlets to become more social? This is what Amazon has in mind with its latest move: a TikTok-like feed.
After launching shoppable formats and a new AR creation platform (Effect House), TikTok’s latest move to formalize its ad revenue ambitions Known as Shopping Ads, they’re meant for brands to more easily advertise and sell stuff on TikTok.
For the latest Video Vault post – and to gear up for Localogy Place – we’re spotlighting Google’s efforts to build a real-world metaverse. Specifically, its Lens and Live View features add digital layers of content to the world around us.
Snap has announced that its new paid tier Snapchat+ has reached 1 million users. This comes about 45 days after the service’s launch, signaling demand for premium social apps… and diversification from advertising models in the privacy era.
The internet has been losing its mind this week over a report from Bloomberg that indicates Apple may expand its advertising business. We examine the drivers, dynamics and strategic implications.
TikTok’s local commerce ambitions continue to grow by the day. Its latest move: local events. A partnership with Ticketmaster expands TikTok’s repertoire into local event discovery. We examine drivers & dynamics.
Lyft announced a new business unit to cultivate ad opportunities. Known as Lyft Media, it will focus on all the places it has your attention – everything from car rooftops to its app during rides.
Twitter announced that its new Location Spotlight feature is available to any business. This lets SMBs add listings-esque content to their profiles, including location, contact info, and hours of operation.
