We had the chance to talk about Sustainable AI (How to do Better) in a recent event with our local B Corp colleagues and B Local Triangle. A few quick takeaways, for some light summer reading…

And if you want the latest look at Sustainable AI insights and other green web and technology tools, check out our site: https://maritdigital.com/resources/.

• Want to avoid AI in your search results? You can always jump over to More > Web in the top Google search tabs. This view will show only the traditional link results. Act fast by adding the string “&udm=14” to your search to remove AI results.
  You can also use a browser like Ecosia to keep that pesky AI out of your results completely.
• Curious about the number of data centers across the US and how they’re powered? I was, so I pulled together the deats. 
  Remember that not all power is created equal. Data centers on well-powered grids, with adequate water, and cooler temperatures will, on average, be less impactful.
• And if you want the latest look at Sustainable AI insights and other green web and technology tools, check out our site: https://maritdigital.com/resources/.

Your Online Business Profile

Bing Business

The Bing “Places for Business” is friendly out of the gate, letting you sign in one of several ways. You can use your Microsoft account, if you have one, but authentication with a Google login is also available. If you choose to use Google to login, and you have an existing Google Business Profile associated with that account, you can “sync” your business profile information to Bing. You may prefer to enter the info manually, or login with your Microsoft credentials if you run your company email and calendaring through Microsoft 365. 

The “Places for Business” dashboard has some other resources for small businesses, including the ability to connect to Bing Webmaster tools. This is roughly equivalent to Google’s Search Console, where you can submit your official website sitemap, and see how your site is performing in search queries. 

And, like Google, both Business search dashboards offer their own analytics for searches and clicks on your company data.

AI is Coming for your Biz Profile

While Google is one of the “Big 3” AI companies out there, you’d be forgiven for forgetting about them with updates coming weekly from OpenAI and Anthropic. But Google is still out there, churning away at its tools and taking advantage of the places where your information already lives.

Released last month (and still making its way to Google Workspace accounts) are new Gemini features for small businesses. This tool will connect your Google Business Profile to Gemini, allowing you to use AI to interact with the information in your profile, including analytics info and reviews. It will also be able to make changes for you, updating hours of operation or other settings, and assessing your profile for missing information or potential improvements.

Your Business Profile Homework

Just like #allthethings, your Google Business Profile needs attention to be successful. If you haven’t looked at your profile in a while, take a moment to login, check your hours, and upload a photo. Updates that show your company and profile are active are important validation for appearing in search results. 

Getting Google Reviews is always helpful, so try to keep those coming in. You can request reviews and take users directly to the form with Google’s provided links and QR code.

Summer Schedule

Bring your tech troubles to the Coven Cary for Open Office hours. We’ll be available August 20 for help. 

Everyone needs a break. If you’re a client looking for support, please remember to email [email protected] for support so if one of us is away, another team member can jump in. Thank you!

Have you scheduled your Annual Review? Marit Digital clients have an annual review of their website(s) and/or productivity platform (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) every year. If you haven’t scheduled yours, use the link below. 

And if you have a site or service that needs a review, get in touch!