Founder, Whitespark
Darren Shaw is the founder of local search software company, Whitespark. Whitespark was founded in 2005 as a web design and development company. However, Darren’s passion and curiosity for all things “local search” led to a shift in focus in 2010. Currently, Whitespark specializes in local search software and services and is highly regarded in the industry.
Darren had been working on the web for over two decades and is absolutely passionate about everything local SEO. He leads research initiatives such as the Local Search Ranking Factors survey, as well as the Local Search Ecosystem. Additionally, Darren often contributes to search marketing publications and shares his knowledge at conferences across the globe.
An expert on local search, Darren loves to provide audiences with information that can be applied to their local search strategies. From small-scale businesses to large organizations, Darren’s presentation will illustrate useful strategies for your growth and success. He has a knack for taking complex local search marketing topics, clearing out the clutter, and getting down to the basics- what’s really important. Darren’s mission is to educate audiences on “what matters” in local search. He provides actionable advice, whilst sharing some good ol’ Canadian charm and humour.
When Darren isn’t educating audiences on the importance of local search, he’s spending time with his wonderful wife and daughter, in the gym lifting weights, or watching The Edmonton Oilers lose hockey games.
TOPICS
NEW GOOGLE “MY BUSINESS” FEATURES YOU NEED TO USE BEFORE YOUR COMPETITION DOES
Darren Shaw has analyzed Google’s “My Business” listings for every auto dealer in Canada (and the results are shocking). Most dealers are not taking advantage of the incredible new features and opportunities on Google. This is actually good news for you though! In this keynote, Darren will show you exactly what you need to be doing to gain an advantage over your competition.
HOW TO CONVERT LOCAL SEARCHERS INTO CUSTOMERS WITH REVIEWS
Clicks from local search results to business websites are on the decline. Google has been adding new features to Google My Business and is now providing much of the information right in the search results that consumers need to choose a business.
So how do you set your business apart from the competition? Reviews! More reviews will help your rankings, but more importantly, positive reviews will directly drive more leads and conversions.
LOCAL SEARCH HAS CHANGED – HERE’S WHAT’S WORKING TODAY
Local search has evolved. The usual suspects of citations, reviews, Google My Business, website optimization, and links still drive the algorithm, but with the tightening of proximity and most conversions happening on Google rather than your website, your strategy and tactics need to change. Darren will present the latest results from the 2018 Local Search Ranking Factors survey along with new research data and show you what you need to focus on to succeed in today’s local search landscape.
LOCAL SEARCH HACKS YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T SEEN BEFORE
Local search has seen an explosion of change over the last year. Tactics that used to work like gangbusters are now just table stakes. If you are looking for ways to increase your local search rankings, check out Darren’s tips and tactics that you can implement immediately to give your local campaigns a boost.
