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 updated its business profile guidelines for service-area businesses that sell age-restricted products. According to the revised guidelines, businesses associated with products or services requiring customers to be of a certain minimum age, such as alcohol, cannabis, or weapons, can no longer operate as service-area businesses without a physical storefront. This means businesses in these categories must have a physical location to be eligible for a business profile on Google. These new guidelines aim to ensure compliance with local regulations and protect the safety and well-being of users.
Google Updates Crawlers Documentation to Prioritize Protocol for Optimal Crawling Performance
Google has made a minor update to its crawlers and fetchers documentation, stating that Googlebot will now select either HTTP/1.1 or HTTP/2 based on which protocol offers the best crawling performance. The choice may vary depending on crawling statistics from previous sessions. While the default protocol is HTTP/1.1, using HTTP/2 may help save resources like CPU and RAM for both the site and Googlebot. However, no direct SEO benefits, such as ranking boosts, are associated with HTTP/2. Site owners can opt out by configuring their server to return a 421 status code.
Google Adds Merchant Center Recommendations Directly to Google Analytics
Google Analytics has integrated Merchant Center recommendations into its recommendations section, providing users with alerts about issues preventing product approval in Google Merchant Center. These insights will help identify and resolve product disapprovals, ensuring that items are eligible to appear in Google Shopping results and ads. This integration simplifies the process for e-commerce businesses to monitor and fix issues, ultimately improving product visibility and performance in Google’s shopping ecosystem. By addressing these issues promptly, merchants can enhance their chances of successful product listings.
Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, Explains Why Google is Hiding Search Result Counts
Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, explained why Google made finding the results count in search queries harder. He stated that the result count can be a distraction, particularly for researchers focusing more on the data. Sullivan added that tools like Google Trends offer more valuable insights for research purposes. On Bluesky, he clarified, “We try to present the most immediately useful information” while keeping result counts available for those needing them without distracting general users.
Google Rolls Out New Search Console Recommendations to Help Webmasters Optimize Sites
Google has introduced new recommendations in its Search Console to assist webmasters in optimizing their websites. These recommendations aim to enhance websites’ overall performance and visibility in search engine results. With the ever-evolving nature of SEO practices, webmasters must stay updated with the latest guidelines and strategies. Following the recommendations, web admins can ensure their websites are well-optimized and provide a seamless user experience, leading to higher visibility and better search engine rankings.
Google Kills Google Explore and Ends Continuous Scroll in Mobile Search Results
Google removes the Google Explore feature and ends the continuous scroll in mobile search results. This move surprises many, as the continuous scroll was a popular feature that allowed users to effortlessly browse through search results without clicking on page numbers. By removing these features, Google aims to simplify the search experience and streamline the interface for mobile users. While some users may be disappointed by the change, it is important to remember that Google is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the needs of its users.
Thanksgiving and the Google Core Update for November 2024
This year’s Thanksgiving Doodle on Google seems to capture the volatility of the search results, reflecting the ongoing fluctuations in rankings amid the still-unfinished November 2024 core update. As many users have noticed, search results are shifting unpredictably, with some websites experiencing significant boosts while others see drops in visibility. Google’s core updates typically bring algorithmic adjustments. The update is not fully rolled out; SEO professionals and website owners are left navigating this uncertain terrain, anticipating further changes post-update completion.
Google Search Tests Large Thick Fonts in the Search Results
Google Search is constantly evolving to improve the user experience, and one of its recent tests involves using large, thick fonts in the search results. This new design feature aims to make it easier for users to read and engage with the search results. By increasing the font size and thickness, Google hopes to provide a more visually appealing and accessible search experience. This test is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to optimize search results and ensure that users can quickly find the information they seek. As with any test, Google will carefully evaluate the feedback and data before implementing this change permanently.
Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
YouTube is enhancing its Inspiration Tab, a valuable tool for content creators. This tool allows creators to gain insights into their audience and improve their content. In a recent video demonstration, YouTube showcased new AI-powered features that will be launched shortly. Originally designed as a research tool, the Inspiration Tab now goes beyond that by helping creators identify audience interests and content gaps. With these new AI features, creators can boost their creativity and streamline their content creation process. This update is set to provide creators with even more tools and resources to generate ideas, create outlines, and design eye-catching thumbnails.
YouTube Expands Creator Tools and Launches New Content Disclosure System
YouTube is rolling out new creator tools, including enhanced short editing, AI-powered text assistance, and image-based quiz options. The update also streamlines cross-platform sharing, allowing creators to access YouTube’s creation features directly from other platforms. A new content disclosure system has been introduced, enabling creators to verify and disclose content captured using compatible cameras. These updates simplify the creative process, improve transparency, and help creators reach a wider audience with more interactive and polished content.
LinkedIn Shares Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Maximizing Post Visibility
LinkedIn has shared key do’s and don’ts for boosting post visibility. The platform will limit the reach of posts that lack professional value or insights. The algorithm favors content with industry knowledge, career tips, and business advice to maximize engagement while discouraging engagement-bait tactics. Posts that offer personal perspectives alongside shared content also perform better than simple reposts. Creators are encouraged to share meaningful, original content that adds value to their professional network, ensuring higher visibility and stronger connections.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Updates Ad Policy to Combat Misleading Button Designs in Ads
Google updates its Google Ads Misrepresentation policy to strengthen enforcement against misleading ad designs. The new rules target ads that use deceptive buttons, making it unclear when users are interacting with an ad. Specifically, ads featuring standalone buttons in image ads without clear context or that are disproportionately prominent compared to the surrounding content will be restricted. Google aims to improve transparency and user experience by ensuring that ad buttons are clearly labeled and their purpose easily understood, preventing misleading interactions and enhancing ad integrity.
