Local Search Is Changing Fast But Not How You Think

What if everything you thought you knew about local search… is only half the story? In this episode, Dr. Len Tau sits down with local search expert Mike Blumenthal to unpack what's actually driving visibility, engagement, and patient acquisition today. From the evolving role of AI to why fundamentals like reviews, branding, and user experience still dominate, this conversation challenges the shortcuts most practices rely on. If you're focused on rankings but not results, this episode will shift your perspective on what truly matters in building a sustainable, patient-generating online presence..   What You'll Learn Why local search fundamentals haven't changed, even with AI advancements How Google evaluates engagement and why it impacts your rankings The real role of reviews, brand, and reputation in attracting patients Why AI is changing how patients search, not what matters most How to optimize your website for conversion, not just traffic The growing importance of long-form, intent-based search queries Why local brand building may be your biggest competitive advantage — Key Takeaways 00:41 Introduction to Mike Blumenthal and local search expertise 04:03 The evolution of local search and what hasn't changed 04:40 Google algorithms vs changing search displays 06:29 The future of AI in search and user behavior 09:45 What dental practices should focus on in marketing 11:59 Website engagement and user experience fundamentals 14:38 Online scheduling and conversion strategies 16:32 Understanding engagement signals beyond bounce rate 20:36 Visibility, credibility, and engagement explained 24:47 Reviews, ratings, and patient experience balance 25:25 Categories and ranking factors in local SEO 27:54 The role of citations and directory authority 31:06 Surprising user behavior trends and AI usage 36:15 The #1 focus for dental practices moving forward 38:06 Best practices for generating effective reviews 40:18 Where to follow Mike Blumenthal     — Connect with Mike Email: [email protected] Website: Near Media   Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.   This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.   This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here.   Raving Patients Podcast is your go-to place for the latest and best dental marketing strategies that will help you skyrocket your practice. Follow us for more!