Will AI Improve SMB Websites? Consumers overwhelmingly prefer AI-generated content over human-created content across various formats, signaling a potential shift in online content creation. Businesses and agencies are adopting AI for content creation, citing effectiveness and cost reduction. However, concerns about the loss of human touch and authenticity persist, especially in personal brand building and influencer marketing. While AI can streamline information delivery, the rise of generic AI content may prompt a resurgence in demand for authentic, personalized content from individuals and brands. Google Maps Getting Conversational AI: Google introduced AI into Google Maps, allowing conversational queries about businesses based on structured data and user reviews. This move suggests Maps as a more effective platform for AI integration compared to organic search. The potential for personalized and detailed queries is high, with implications for local inventory and user engagement. However, there's a risk of commercialization overshadowing informative search results, as seen in Google Lens. Despite potential revenue growth, there's concern about the impact on Google's core search business. The integration of Gemini's conversational faceted search aligns with Maps' data structure, offering a promising user experience.  Bright Local Brand Survey Takeaways: The BrightLocal Brand Beacon Report 2024 reveals insights into multi-location marketing strategies, with a focus on SEO, social media, and customer satisfaction. High-performing brands prioritize local SEO and understand the difference between traditional and local SEO, offering opportunities for improvement in average performers. Despite heavy investments in social media, email and SEO continue to drive significant results, highlighting potential areas for growth. Additionally, the rise of AI in email marketing suggests future trends in content creation. Overall, the discussion underscores the evolving landscape of digital marketing strategies for multi-location businesses and the importance of staying informed to adapt effectively. The Near Memo is a weekly conversation about Search, Social, and Commerce: What happened, why it matters, and the implications for local businesses and national brands. near memo ep 145 Subscribe to our 3x per week newsletter at https://www.nearmedia.co/subscribe/