The 2026 Google Changes Affecting Contractors, Explained with Abby Yolda

Most contractors don't follow Google updates closely. But the Energy Circle team does, and we know when changes are important enough that high performance contractors should take note.In this episode of The High Performance Edge, Peter Troast sits down with Abby Yolda, our Director of Solar and Digital Marketing Strategy, to sort through the Google changes in 2026 that are affecting HVAC, home performance, and solar contractors.Topics covered include:- Google's first search bar overhaul in 25 years and how it connects to the company's broader AI push- A new review policy targeting reviews that mention employee names or incentivize techs (and why genuine detailed reviews aren't at risk)- Google's AI Optimization Guide and why good SEO fundamentals still matter more than AI-specific tactics- Ask Maps, a new AI feature inside Google Maps that's already driving a notable share of local contractor searchesNo deep digital marketing background needed for this episode: listen in as we take technical industry news and translate it into plain language contractors can act on.Episode Links: - Listen on Apple Podcasts- Listen on Spotify-Watch on YouTube- Energy Circle Website- Energy Circle LinkedIn - Peter Troast, Energy Circle CEO and Founder LinkedIn-Abby Yolda LinkedIn