Data Scout

Recovery Roundup: Local Spending Surges

Recovery is in the air. We can all feel it just walking down the street or entering the grocery store. But beyond anecdotal evidence, how are local economies recovering? We round up the latest evidence.

eCommerce

Is Shopify Building a Stealth Ad Business?

Earlier this week, we wrote about the strategic drivers for Amazon’s continued ad revenue growth. Is its competitor Shopify following it down that same path… and for similar reasons? We examine the evidence.

channel partners

Scorpion Launches Direct Yelp Integration

Local business digital marketing firm Scorpion has announced that it’s now a Yelp Advertising Partner. This signals the latest move in Scorpion’s expansion to new consumer touchpoints — in this case tens of millions of Yelp users.

Advertising

Amazon’s Ad Share Continues to Ratchet Up

One of the ongoing tech stories of the past few years is how Amazon continues to nip at the heels of the “duopoly.” And its working, considering Amazon’s latest ad market share and revenue growth figures. We examine.

Benchmark Bytes

Benchmark Bytes: Why Don’t SMBs Utilize Saas to its Extent?

Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.

conversational commerce

Place Rewind: Facebook Drives Towards ‘Conversational Business’

You’ve likely heard the term ‘conversational commerce.’ This refers to marketing, sales and customer service that happens over messaging channels. This a North Star for Facebook’s Channing Hancock Christensen who we interviewed at Localogy Place.

eCommerce

Shopify Acquires Primer to Go Deeper on AR

Shopify has signaled visual shopping ambitions through its latest acquisition: AR startup Primer. This will let it go deeper into home services and decor with a tool that lets merchants better exhibit their wares. We examine the details and drivers.

Benchmark Bytes

Benchmark Bytes: What are the Biggest SMB SaaS Value Outcomes?

Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.

Place Rewind

Place Rewind: ‘Creative is King’ on TikTok

How is TikTok emerging as not only a cultural phenomenon but an SMB marketing channel? We tackle these questions in an interview with TikTok itself — the topic of this week’s Place Rewind.

Acquisitions

Just In: Uberall Gets New Funding, Acquires MomentFeed

Joining an already-vibrant week for startup M&A and funding, Uberall announced a double shot: $115M in funding and the acquisition of fellow location-marketing firm MomentFeed. We examine drivers & strategic takeaways

conversational commerce

Facebook Opens the Floodgates for Conversational Commerce

Facebook has taken the next step towards democratizing conversational commerce. Its Messenger API for Instagram gives SMBs a one-stop-shop for managing customer interactions across Facebook, Messenger and Instagram. We dive into the details.

3D Mapping

Mapping Mashup, Part III: Apple

After covering Google and Snap’s latest mapping updates, we turn attention to Apple’s latest. Announced at WWDC, this includes several evolutions to Apple Maps such as graphical detail and 3D navigation.

GroundTruth

GroundTruth Goes Deeper on OTT/CTV Audience Targeting

GroundTruth today announced the full rollout of its OTT/CTV ad targeting and attribution technology. This is powered by GroundTruth’s geo-contextual and audience targeting tech, but extends it to consumers’ living rooms.

Mapping

Mapping Mashup, Part II: Snap

What’s the latest from Snap Maps? It recently announced a structural enhancement known as “layers.” Think of this as different data sets in the map that you can toggle on and off (food, events, etc.) depending on your interests.

Benchmark Bytes

Benchmark Bytes: How Have Digital Tools Met SMB Expectations?

Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.

GoSite

GoSite Beefs Up Executive Ranks with Pedigreed Tech Talent

SMB sales & operational platform GoSite today announced a slate of executive hires, including talent from Amazon, Paypal, and GoDaddy. This level of perspective is hoped to advance GoSite’s product and ongoing market penetration in the SMB sector.

Google Live View
Google

Mapping Mashup, Part I: Google

As we continue to digest and break down the takeaways from Google I/O, one area that saw notable updates is Google Maps. Being central to local commerce, mapping impact the ongoing evolution of SMB marketing. We examine the latest.

Benchmark Bytes

Benchmark Bytes: Why Are SMBs Adopting Online Services?

Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.