SearchCap: Google Local Pack Study, AdWords Scripts & Facebook M

Below is what happened in search today, as reported on Search Engine Land and from other places across the Web.

From Search Engine Land:

Look Out Siri, Google Now & Cortana, Facebook M Wants To Be Your Digital Assistant
The social network is experimenting with a service within Messenger that it believes will make better recommendations than its rivals. M will even complete tasks for people.
Marin Software & SocialPro Launch 2nd Annual Biggest Social Geek Contest
Grand prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to SocialPro 2015 and their choice of an Apple iPad Mini, an Xbox One or a Sony PlayStation 4.
AdWords Script: Find Your Best And Worst Search Queries Using N-Grams
Former Googler Daniel Gilbert of Brainlabs shares a script to help you identify wasted AdWords spend using n-grams.
Is Responsive Design A Ranking Factor?
Google has stated multiple times that responsive design is their preferred mobile configuration, leading many to speculate that responsive sites might get a rankings boost. Columnist Clay Cazier explores this idea to see if it has any merit.
Study: Google’s New Local Pack Shows In The Number One Spot 93% Of The Time
Now, with the new 3-pack local results box, you are way more likely to see them in the number one position.
Last Chance: SMX East Rates Increase Saturday — Register Now!
Early Bird rates for SMX East expire this Saturday, August 29. Register now! Join us September 29–October 1 in New York City for: Innovative sessions covering the latest paid search and SEO developments. Check out the agenda. More than 100 expert speakers presenting real-world proven tactics for SEO, paid search, local/mobile search and social media marketing. Career-defining opportunities with […]