E15: AI Powered Analysis in GSC & Surviving Local SEO in 2026

with a special guest 🤫

December 17, 2025

If you look very closely at today’s podcast episode, you will notice that Claire is not talking to her usual co-host, me, but to a secret, third person — the amazing Elizabeth Rule!

One of the topics Claire and Elizabeth discuss is the new AI-powered configuration in Google Search Console, which makes it easier to find and analyze your search data.

However, Elizabeth has heard people say that the AI can sometimes show you different results than the ones you’ll see if you filter through the data manually.

Hear all about this development in today’s episode of the Whitespark Local Update, plus:

  • New weekly and monthly views in Search Console

  • Google introduces social channels in Search Console

  • Stop asking ChatGPT how it works (Britney Muller)

  • Google review blocks are on the rise (Claudia Tomina)

  • Google revamped the verification issue options in GBP Support forms (Claudia Tomina)

Watch the episode here 👇️

🎧 Or if you prefer listening, find it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

P.S. I’ll be on Local U’s December webinar today, talking about the 3 major local SEO threats to prepare for in 2026 along with Joy Hawkins and Luc Durand. Join us at 11am ET 👇️

Surviving Local SEO in 2026: 3 Major Threats You Must Prepare For - Local University

localu.org/etn/surviving-local-seo-in-2026

Darren