We hope you are in good health. Here are some of the major SEO news updates of the week that you need to know:
Search Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Releases a New YouTube Series “SEO Made Easy”
Google has launched a new YouTube series called “SEO Made Easy” to help individuals enhance the performance of their websites in search results. In the first episode, Martin Splitt, a member of Google’s Search Relations team, delves into how sites can personalize the display of their brand name in Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs). This educational video series caters to novices and experienced website owners, providing valuable insights and tips. Splitt highlights the usefulness of tools like Google Search Console in identifying easy wins and suggests implementing lazy loading for an improved page experience.
Google Completes September 2023 Helpful Content Update Rollout
Google recently concluded the rollout of the September 2023 Helpful Content Update, a significant update that started on September 14 and concluded on September 28. According to Roger Montti from Search Engine Journal, this update has introduced three important changes to the guidelines of the Helpful Content System. Firstly, adjustments have been made to the guidance provided for machine-generated content. Secondly, there are revised rules regarding hosting third-party content on subdomains or the primary domain. This aims to provide website owners with clearer guidelines on handling third-party content effectively. Lastly, additional advice has been given on what actions to take if a website experiences a loss in traffic following a Helpful Content Update.
Google Updates Content On Analyzing Organic Search Traffic Drops & Search Console Bubble Charts
Google released two updated documentation pages that were previously blog posts. These pages have been revamped, including additional best practices for analyzing Search data. The first documentation page focuses on debugging drops in Google Search traffic. It provides valuable insights and strategies for identifying and troubleshooting any issues causing a decline in organic search traffic. The second documentation page delves into improving SEO using a Search Console bubble chart. This chart visually represents the website’s impressions, clicks, and average position performance. The aim is to optimize the website’s SEO performance and ensure it continues to move “up and to the right” regarding search visibility and traffic.
Google’s John Mueller Says Removing Content Doesn’t Make The Other Content Rank Higher
In a recent tweet, Google’s John Mueller emphasized that removing content from your website does not automatically result in higher rankings for the remaining content. He said, “Keep in mind that removing content doesn’t make the rest rank higher.” This statement highlights that simply deleting certain pages or articles will not directly impact the overall visibility and ranking of other content on your website. Instead, creating high-quality, relevant, and useful content that resonates with your target audience and aligns with search engine guidelines is important. By consistently publishing valuable content, optimizing it for search engines, and promoting it effectively, you can improve your chances of achieving higher rankings and organic traffic.
Google Fixes Delayed Search Console Reports
Google has acknowledged the delayed Google Search Console reports and assured users that they are actively working on resolving the problem. These reports, typically updated daily or within a few days of the current date, have been experiencing delays of up to a few weeks. John Mueller, a member of Google, acknowledged the issue and stated that the company is aware of it and is actively working towards a solution. Although no specific timeline or estimated resolution time has been provided, users can rest assured that Google is working diligently to address this issue and restore normal functionality to the Search Console reports.
Google’s John Mueller Says Google Not Rolling Back The Last Helpful Content Update
In a recent statement, Google’s John Mueller said there would be no rollback of the recent update. While acknowledging the disappointment some may feel when their hard work doesn’t yield the desired long-term results, Mueller emphasized that even well-intentioned content may not always be as helpful as intended. He clarified that the update was not implemented to spite anyone but to prioritize outstanding, useful, distinctive, and user-centric content in search results. Google remains committed to refining its algorithms to align with this goal of promoting high-quality content.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Microsoft Advertising Hides Search Ads On Bing Search
Microsoft Advertising’s recent decision to hide search ads on Bing Search without proper labeling has raised user concerns. According to Frank, the average user may not realize that the first organic result on the search engine results page (SERP) is an ad, as it is only marked with a “Verified” badge at the bottom. This lack of transparency in displaying ads can be seen as a questionable tactic by Bing. Users expect clear and distinguishable labeling to differentiate between organic search results and sponsored content.
Microsoft Announces AI-Based Ad Features: Copilot, New Compare & Decide Bing Chat Ads
During the Microsoft AI event last Thursday, Microsoft revealed its plans to introduce new AI-based ad features in the coming months. One of the key features is Copilot, which aims to assist advertisers in creating compelling ads within the Microsoft Advertising platform. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, Copilot will provide valuable insights and suggestions, making the ad creation process more efficient and effective. Microsoft also announced a new ad format called compare and decide ads, which will be exclusively available on the Bing Chat interface. This innovative ad format aims to enhance user engagement and decision-making by providing a side-by-side comparison of products or services, helping customers make informed choices.
