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’s Gary Illyes Answers a Question About H1-H6 Headings For SEO
In response to a question about H1-H6 headings for SEO, Google’s Gary Illyes emphasizes the importance of keeping their documentation up to date. He states that they frequently refresh their SEO starter guide to ensure its relevance. Therefore, the information provided in the guide can be considered accurate and reliable. Illyes also cautions against relying solely on non-Google tools to determine what is good or bad for SEO. Just because a tool suggests something is good or bad, it may not necessarily be relevant to Google’s algorithms. However, it could still be a useful practice in general.
Google’s John Mueller Shares Tips on How to Verify an SEO Agency’s Work
Google’s John Mueller shared valuable insights on how to verify the work of an SEO agency. He emphasized the importance of regular meetings to discuss the agency’s work, review progress reports, and plan for future projects. While this may require additional time and effort from both parties involved, Mueller found it to be incredibly insightful. To further understand the process of hiring an SEO agency, he recommended checking out Google’s page on the subject, as well as their SEO starter guide, which offers more in-depth information. These resources can help individuals gauge the effectiveness of an SEO agency’s work and make informed decisions.
Google Confirms There’s no way to Block Specific Content From Discover Feed
Google officials have addressed concerns regarding the inability to block specific content from appearing in the Google Discover feed. Although users have the option to block content on Google News, this feature does not extend to the Discover feed. This issue was brought up by Lily Ray, who expressed concerns about content that may not be suitable for Google News or Discover but still performs well in organic search results. In response, the Search Liaison confirmed that after discussing the matter with John Mueller, they are confident that there is currently no option to block content specifically from the Discover feed.
Google Renders all Web Pages, Including JavaScript-Heavy Websites, for Search Indexing
During an episode of Google’s “Search Off The Record” podcast, Zoe Clifford, a member of the rendering team, joined Martin Splitt and John Mueller from Search Relations to shed light on how Google handles websites that heavily rely on JavaScript. The discussion revolved around Google’s affirmation that it renders all websites in its search results, regardless of their reliance on JavaScript. This is an important assurance for website owners and developers who utilize JavaScript to enhance user experience and functionality on their sites. It reaffirms that Google’s search algorithm is capable of comprehending and indexing JavaScript-heavy websites, ensuring their visibility in search results.
Google Tests Bolding the Query in the Search Box
Google is conducting tests to determine the effectiveness of bolding the query in the search box. This change occurs when users click their cursor outside of the search box. In this test, when the cursor is inside the search box, the query remains in normal plain font text. The purpose of this experiment is likely to improve user experience by making it easier for users to identify their search terms when they are not actively typing. By bolding the query, Google aims to enhance clarity and make the search process more efficient for its users.
Google Tests Store Ratings Review Stars in the Knowledge Panels
Google is testing a new feature that displays store ratings and review stars in the Knowledge Panels. This update aims to provide users with more information about a specific store or business before they make a decision. By clicking on the stars, users are directed to the Google Store Rating panel, where they can find detailed reviews and ratings from other customers. This feature will enable users to make more informed choices and have a better understanding of the reputation and quality of a store or business.
Danny Sullivan, the Google Search Liaison, Says Core Update is Expected In The Coming Weeks
Danny Sullivan, the Google Search Liaison, said that a core update is expected to be released in the coming weeks. However, he clarifies that the exact date is not known yet as these updates are not scheduled for a specific day. The ranking team at Google carries out changes, tests them, evaluates the results, and then sets a launch date accordingly. Sullivan admits that there have been situations where he could have confidently announced a “core update next week!” due to the progress being made. Still, unforeseen circumstances or additional work required caused delays. As a result, Google aims to ensure that the updates are thoroughly prepared and optimized before their release.
Google Tests AI-Organized Search Results Pages for Local Search Queries
Google is constantly working towards improving its search engine capabilities, and one of its latest initiatives involves testing AI-organized search results pages for local search queries. This new feature aims to provide users with more relevant and personalized search results based on their location and preferences. By utilizing artificial intelligence, Google can analyze various factors such as user behavior, search history, and location data to deliver more accurate and tailored search results. This testing phase indicates Google’s commitment to enhancing the search experience for users and showcasing its dedication to leveraging advanced technologies to deliver the best possible results.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Announces that Google Merchant Center Next is Now Coming to all Merchants
Google announced that Google Merchant Center Next will be available to all merchants this month. This update brings a refreshed user interface, reinvented complex features, and new experiences. It is an exciting development for merchants who have been using the classic Merchant Center. Google has started notifying users who are still on the classic platform about the availability of the new experience. With the introduction of Google Merchant Center Next, merchants can expect a more streamlined and user-friendly interface, along with enhanced features to improve their online selling experience.
Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
YouTube Shorts Introduces New Creation Tools: Auto Layout, Text-to-Speech, Enhanced Captions & More
YouTube Shorts has announced the introduction of new creation tools. These tools are designed to enhance the content creation experience for users and further engage viewers. One of the notable features is Auto Layout, which automatically adjusts the positioning of elements in a video, allowing creators to focus more on their content rather than spending time on manual adjustments. Additionally, Text-to-Speech has been added, enabling creators to convert their written text into voice overs, adding another layer of creativity to their videos. Furthermore, enhanced captions have been introduced to improve accessibility and ensure that the content is accessible to a wider audience.
