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 Rolls Out December Core Algorithm Update, Set to Complete in Two Weeks
Google has rolled out its December core algorithm update, which is expected to be completed over the next two weeks. This update, known as the December 2024 core update, closely follows the November 2024 core update. These updates are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality and relevance of its search results. While the specific details of the update have not been disclosed, website owners and digital marketers should monitor their rankings and traffic during this period to assess any impact on their online visibility. It is essential to stay up-to-date with these algorithm updates to ensure that websites meet Google’s guidelines and provide a positive user experience.
Google has released a new FAQ to clarify its site reputation abuse policy, providing essential insights for publishers. The FAQ confirms that third-party content alone doesn’t violate Google’s policy unless it manipulates a site’s ranking signals. Moving penalized content to subdomains won’t resolve violations, and using new domains is recommended for safer recovery. Additionally, adequately marked affiliate content remains compliant with the policy as long as it follows the guidelines. The update aims to help publishers better understand Google’s rules and offer guidance on recovering from penalties related to reputation abuse, ensuring fairer treatment in search rankings.
Google Addresses and Resolves Ongoing Indexing Issues Impacting Search Rankings
Google has resolved ongoing indexing delays that were impacting search rankings. The company acknowledged the issue, noting that only a few sites were affected. The delays led to slower indexing and fluctuations in search visibility for some websites. Google is investigating the root cause of the problem, which was causing temporary disruptions in the accuracy of search results. While the issue has been addressed, Google assured users it will monitor the situation and provide a more detailed update soon.
Google Tests Gemini 2.0-Powered AI Overviews in Search Results
Google has announced its new AI model, Gemini 2.0, which is now being tested to power AI Overviews in Google Search. According to Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, the upgraded AI Overviews are designed to tackle more complex topics and multi-step questions, including advanced math problems, multimodal queries, and coding challenges. Limited testing began this week, with broader rollouts expected early next year. Gemini 2.0 will enhance Search by answering increasingly complex inquiries, making it one of the most transformative features in Google Search. Pichai also highlighted that AI Overviews now reach over 1 billion users, becoming one of Search’s most popular tools.
Bing Search Removes Cache Link from Search Results
Bing Search significantly changed its search results by removing the cache link. This feature allowed users to view a cached webpage version, particularly useful when the original page was unavailable or experiencing issues. However, Bing decided to remove this feature, citing low usage and the need to simplify the search results page. While some users may be disappointed by this change, Bing aims to streamline its search experience and focus on delivering the most relevant and up-to-date information directly from the source.
Google Search Console Faces Issue with Performance Report Date Comparison
When comparing two date ranges, Google Search Console is currently experiencing a bug with its date picker feature. The tool often defaults to the last month of data rather than allowing users to select the correct custom date range for comparison. While the issue doesn’t affect all users, it has caused frustration for those trying to analyze performance across specific periods. Google’s John Mueller has acknowledged the problem and mentioned that he will escalate it to the team for further investigation. Users can expect a fix soon, which should restore the functionality of the date comparison tool.
Google Business Profiles Expands with New Hours Categories
Google Business Profiles has expanded its offerings by adding new hours categories to help businesses provide more accurate information to customers. The new categories include Access, Brunch, Dinner, Happy Hours, Lunch, Prayer, Takeout, Adoration, Breakfast, Confession, Delivery, Drive Through, Jummah, Kitchen, Mass, Online Service Hours, Sabbath, Senior Hours, and Worship Service. These additions enable businesses to better reflect their operating hours for specific services or events, improving the accuracy of their listings and helping customers find relevant hours more efficiently.
Google Tests New Search Tools Design with Enhanced User Interface
Google Search is testing a redesigned user interface for its search tools menu. Previously located below the search bar, the tools menu is now positioned directly under the “Tools” button, offering a cleaner, more streamlined layout. This update aims to improve the user experience by making the search tools more accessible while decluttering the main search page. The new design is currently being tested with select users. If successful, it could roll out more broadly to provide more straightforward navigation and quicker access to various search filters and options.
Google Tests New ‘Track Price,’ ‘Save,’ and ‘Share’ Buttons for Product Listings
Google is testing new features in Google Search and Google Shopping, allowing users to track prices, share, and save products they are interested in. After clicking on an individual product in Google Search results, users will see new buttons to track price, save, and share the product. These features enhance the shopping experience by making it easier for users to monitor price changes, keep favorite items for future reference, and share products with others.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Product Studio Expands Availability to More Countries
Google Product Studio has expanded its availability to 15 additional countries, bringing its total reach to 30 countries. The platform, designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), allows brands to create professional and engaging product visuals and videos easily. Product Studio’s key features include background removal tools, video generation, seasonal overlays, and more, enabling businesses to enhance their marketing efforts without advanced design skills. This expansion provides even more SMBs access to powerful creative tools, helping them showcase their products and connect with customers more effectively in global markets.
Google Merchant Center has released a new help document explaining the annotations and badges available for free and paid Google Shopping results. The document outlines various badges, such as “Sale” or “Top Rated,” that may appear alongside product listings, helping merchants understand how these features can enhance their visibility. It covers how these annotations apply to free and paid ads, providing valuable insights for merchants looking to optimize their product listings. This new guide aims to help sellers improve engagement and visibility in Google Shopping.
