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 Reduces the Frequency of AI-Generated Overviews
Recent research has revealed that Google has made significant adjustments to its AI-generated overviews since its initial rollout. A study conducted by SE Ranking analyzed 100,000 keywords and discovered that Google has decreased the frequency of AI overviews. However, despite the reduced frequency, the study found that when these overviews do appear, they are now more detailed than they were before. This adjustment by Google highlights the company’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality and accuracy of its AI-generated content. With more detailed overviews, users can now receive more comprehensive and useful information directly from Google’s search results.
Google Rolls Out June 2024 Spam Update
Google announced the rollout of the June 2024 spam update. This update has been designed with the objective of enhancing search results by specifically targeting websites that violate Google’s spam policies. The update commenced on June 20 and is anticipated to be fully implemented within a week. With this update, Google aims to provide users with more accurate and relevant information while eliminating websites that engage in spammy practices. This demonstrates Google’s commitment to continuously improving its search algorithm and ensuring a better user experience for its users.
Google’s Gary Illyes Answers to a Question About Fixing Broken Backlinks
In a Google SEO Office Hours podcast, Google’s Gary Illyes was asked about the importance of fixing broken backlinks. His response emphasized the significance of prioritizing broken links that would be beneficial for users. While it is ideal to fix all broken links, Illyes acknowledged the challenges faced by websites that have grown to an extensive size. He compared such sites to mammoths or brontosauruses, implying that it may not be feasible to address every single broken link. Therefore, website owners should focus on fixing broken backlinks that are essential for user experience and overall site functionality.
Google’s Gary Illyes Answers a Question About “Toxic” Links
In response to a question about “toxic” links, Google’s Gary Illyes suggests that the best course of action would be to ignore those links. Google has a strong ability to recognize and disregard links that have no relevance to the website they are directed towards. However, if you feel inclined to take further action, you can choose to disavow these “toxic” links or even file a spam report. This shows that Google provides options for website owners to address any concerns they may have regarding harmful or irrelevant links pointing to their site.
Google’s Search Liaison Responds to The Question of Whether Traffic Diversity is a Ranking Factor
In response to the question of whether traffic diversity is a ranking factor, Google’s Search Liaison emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond Google Search for success. Having worked at Google Search and being part of the search ranking team, the Search Liaison states that great sites with valuable content receive traffic through various channels. These include direct visits from users, referrals through emails, links from other websites, and mentions on social media.
In an episode of Google’s Office Hours podcast, Gary Illyes was asked whether the H1 and title tags should match. His response was clear and straightforward. He stated that there is no requirement for the H1 and title tags to match, and webmasters should focus on doing whatever makes sense from a user’s perspective. This means that prioritizing user experience and creating clear, concise headings and titles that accurately reflect the content is more important than strict alignment between these two elements. Illyes’ advice highlights the importance of putting users first when optimizing website content for search engines.
Google’s John Mueller Explains When Duplicate Content Acceptable For Local SEO
In a discussion on local SEO, Google’s John Mueller shed light on the acceptability of duplicate content for localized websites. Mueller clarified that localized duplicate content across regional websites is acceptable in Google’s eyes. However, he emphasized that unique content is still recommended for specific page types. This means that while it is acceptable to have similar content across different regional websites targeting local audiences, it is still important to create unique and valuable content for pages that serve a specific purpose. This clarification provides valuable insights for businesses aiming to optimize their local SEO efforts while maintaining a balance between duplicate and unique content.
Google Search Indexing or Serving New Content Bug
There seems to be a bug in Google Search that is affecting its ability to index or serve new content. This bug is disrupting the search results as it is not displaying the latest content from websites that are actively creating new content. This issue is concerning for website owners and content creators who rely on Google Search to drive traffic to their sites. Google needs to address this bug promptly, as it can have a significant impact on the visibility and reach of new content.
Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
YouTube Tests Crowdsourced Context Notes for Videos
YouTube is taking steps to combat the spread of misinformation by testing viewer-submitted context notes on videos. This new feature allows approved creators and viewers to add supplemental information to the content. By allowing multiple perspectives and additional context, YouTube hopes to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the video’s content. This initiative could be a significant step towards preventing the dissemination of false or misleading information on the platform. Giving viewers and creators the ability to contribute additional information can help promote accuracy and transparency, ultimately creating a more informed and trustworthy YouTube community.
LinkedIn rolled out new tools for newsletters, providing users with enhanced customization options. One of the key features is the ability to design covers, allowing users to create visually appealing and professional-looking newsletters. Additionally, LinkedIn now allows users to embed profiles directly into their newsletter articles, making it easier to highlight and promote specific individuals or businesses. Another useful feature is the subscriber alerts, which notifies users when someone subscribes to their newsletter. Moreover, LinkedIn has made it possible to embed links to other LinkedIn profiles and pages directly into the newsletter articles, providing readers with quick access to relevant content.
