Scam calls that “sound like Google” are back in heavy rotation. This time, the voicemail I received claimed to be from “Verified Listings Group,” and it used the same pressure tactics I’ve seen over and over: fear, urgency, and a convenient phone number to “fix it today.”
Hatch has announced a new integration with Yelp, creating a direct link between Yelp’s steady flow of high-intent consumers and Hatch’s AI-driven customer communication platform. The move aims to help home service companies capture more leads, respond faster, and close more booked appointments without adding extra workload to human staff. [Read more…]
MYTSV.com, a new online business directory, is rewriting the rules of local discovery by centering video at its core. Launched nationally this week, the platform allows verified businesses to feature authentic, high-quality videos directly in their listings—helping consumers connect with local experts through visual storytelling instead of faceless star ratings. [Read more…]
Franchise marketing needs two things at the same time: brand consistency and local relevance. Flamel.ai’s new release tries to give both. The update adds Social Ad Playbooks for one-click localized ads, AI blogging that targets city and neighborhood terms, a TikTok posting integration, and bulk scheduling that can prep a month of posts in minutes.
A disturbing new scam is making the rounds, and it’s targeting small businesses that rely on their online reputation. A business owner recently received a text message from a foreign number claiming they were hired to post 35 fake negative reviews—and that one had already been posted. The implication? Pay up, or suffer the rest. This isn’t just a nuisance—it’s attempted extortion. Here’s what this looks like, why it’s happening, and most importantly, what you should do if it happens to you. [Read more…]
Businesses in Maryland now have more options for office technology, thanks to Doceo’s latest move. The company, a major provider of office tech solutions across the Mid-Atlantic, has acquired the copy and print division of Landis Office Center Inc.. This expansion strengthens Doceo’s presence in Western and Central Maryland and brings faster response times, improved customer service, and a broader selection of office solutions to businesses throughout the region. [Read more…]