Need Help Making Sense of Local SEO?

Sterling Sky Inc is owned by Joy Hawkins, who has been working in the Local SEO space since 2006.  Colan Nielsen is the VP of Local Search and has been in the Local SEO Space since 2010.  Here are some of our achievements:

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Recent Posts

How to Find the CID Number of a Google My Business Listing
May 18, 2018
How to Find the CID Number of a Google My Business Listing
Updated May 18, 2018 to remove Map Maker content and add the Get Five Stars Chrome extension A fellow Google My Business Top Contributor provided me with a tip today on how to find the CID number of a business listing…
by Joy Hawkins
12 Comments
Review Spam Hits the Earth’s Most Famous Landmarks
April 18, 2018
Review Spam Hits the Earth’s Most Famous Landmarks
Mordy Oberstein tweeted to me this morning about his observation that Mt Everest has been plagued with dozends of fake reviews. I think Google has a fake review problem when it comes to Earth’s most famous landmarks. Here’s one for…
by Joy Hawkins
0 Comments
[Quiz] The Local SEO Black Belt Quiz
April 17, 2018
[Quiz] The Local SEO Black Belt Quiz
I’m always on the lookout for something new to learn. Throughout our lives we come across things that hold our interest for a little while, challenge us, help us grow, but seem to vanish into the background. But every once…
by Colan Nielsen
9 Comments
Google Adds Guidelines for Events on Google Maps
April 16, 2018
Google Adds Guidelines for Events on Google Maps
Google has added a section to the guidelines that clarifies the policies for events on Google Maps.  The guidelines state that events are subject to the following guidelines: Events should reflect the real world. That means they should be real,…
by Joy Hawkins
0 Comments
Review-Gating is Now Against the Google My Business Guidelines
April 13, 2018
Review-Gating is Now Against the Google My Business Guidelines
As of April 12, 2018 Google has updated the review guidelines to clarify that review-gating is not allowed.  They added the following to their guidelines: “Don’t discourage or prohibit negative reviews or selectively solicit positive reviews from customers.” What is…
by Joy Hawkins
21 Comments
Diane Kramer
Diane Kramer

Colan reviewed our website and then delivered a report on how to optimize for local SEO. He presented factor after factor, accompanied by separate TO DO lists for each. MY partner and I both recognized the excellence and value of the information delivered. Colan, thank you.

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Miriam Ellis
Miriam Ellis
Owner of Solas Web Design

Joy Hawkins’ awesome gift for problem-solving and for digging down to the roots of technical Local SEO issues has made her a highly-respected industry expert. She distills complex issues down into simple, logical language, making her an excellent communicator. Her publications surrounding this form of marketing have become references for the industry, bringing considerable strategical benefits to local businesses and Local SEOs. What an amazing combination of skills in a consultant!

http://www.solaswebdesign.net

Darren Shaw
Darren Shaw
Founder & President, Whitespark

Joy Hawkins is one of the most knowledgeable local search practitioners in the industry. She understands how to research, identify, and solve GMB ranking issues like no one else. If you’re struggling to rank in local search, Joy is the consultant that will get you on the right track.

www.whitespark.ca