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 Communications Team Clarifies Autocomplete Functionality Amid User Concerns
Google’s Communications team addressed user complaints and misconceptions about its Search Autocomplete feature on X. Autocomplete is a tool that helps users quickly complete their searches. According to Google, the recent issues with Autocomplete were a result of outdated protections and bugs in their system. Google utilizes algorithms to make predictions for search queries and assures continuous improvements in this area. However, they acknowledge that there may be instances where the predictions are unexpected or imperfect, as bugs can occur in any system. It is important to note that many platforms, including the one we are currently using, may display strange or incomplete predictions at times.
Google Updates its Publisher Tag Ads Library to Improve Interaction to Next Paint (INP) Scores
Google rolled out a new update to its Publisher Tag Ads Library, aiming to enhance the Interaction to Next Paint (INP) scores. This update specifically targets out-of-viewport ad slot insertions when utilizing Single Request Architecture (SRA). By incorporating a new feature, this update enables more effective ad loading for slots that are not initially visible to users. The ad library now prioritizes immediate content and interactions, allowing for better performance by accommodating these out-of-viewport insertions. As a result, there is a potential improvement in INP scores, leading to a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
Google Expands ‘About This Image’ Feature to Circle to Search and Google Lens
Google made significant updates to its search capabilities by expanding the “About this image” feature to Circle to Search and Google Lens. This enhancement allows users to obtain valuable image context in 40 different languages worldwide. With the increasing globalization and diversity of online content, this expansion is a crucial step towards ensuring that users can access relevant information regardless of their native language. Additionally, Google has taken proactive measures to combat the rise of explicit deep fakes in search results. By updating its algorithm, Google aims to minimize the dissemination of manipulated and misleading content that can potentially harm individuals or spread false information.
Gary Illyes Says Google May Rely Less On Hreflang Annotations, Shift To Auto Language Detection
Gary Illyes, a Google analyst, has expressed his belief that search engines should reduce their reliance on annotations such as hreflang and instead prioritize automatically learned signals. During a podcast, Illyes stated that his ultimate goal is to see fewer site annotations and more reliance on signals that are learned automatically. This suggests a shift towards a more intuitive and efficient search engine algorithm that can better understand user intent and deliver relevant results without the need for manual annotations. Illyes’ perspective highlights the importance of continuously improving search engine technology to enhance the user experience and provide more accurate search results.
Gary Illyes Discusses Concerns About Incorrect Hreflang Implementation and its Impact on SEO
In an episode of Google’s Search Off The Record podcast, Gary Illyes, a member of Google’s Search Relations team, discussed the concerns surrounding incorrect hreflang implementation and its potential impact on SEO. Illyes mentioned that during his involvement with the parsing and promotion implementation of hreflang in the past, it did not cause any problems. However, he acknowledged that since then, numerous changes have been made, and he would need to verify whether incorrect hreflang implementation currently poses any issues. This suggests that while incorrect hreflang implementation may not directly result in SEO problems, it is important to keep up with the latest developments to ensure optimal implementation.
Gary Illyes Suggests That Country Code Top-Level Domains Could Lose SEO Value in Years
Gary Illyes suggested that country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) could lose their SEO value in the coming years. Illyes mentioned that he believes the current benefit of using ccTLDs for search engine optimization will eventually fade away. This could mean that Google might reduce the SEO boost given to websites with ccTLDs. One reason for this change could be the creative use of ccTLDs for branding purposes, which makes them less reliable for geographic targeting. As a result, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to focus on creating high-quality content and implementing proper hreflang tags for international SEO strategies.
Google Tests New Sitelinks Pill Formats on Desktop Search Results
Google is constantly testing new features and formats to improve the user experience on its search engine. One of the latest tests conducted by Google is the new site links and pill formats to desktop search results. These new formats feature bubbles surrounding the links themselves, and a blue background appears when the user hovers over them. This visual enhancement aims to make it easier for users to identify and click on relevant site links, ultimately improving their overall search experience. By experimenting with different formats, Google continues to refine its search engine to provide users with the most appropriate and user-friendly search results.
Google’s John Mueller addressed concerns raised by publishers who noticed that image thumbnails were not appearing in search results. In response, Mueller advised these publishers to exercise a little more patience and wait for the next core update. He assured them that this update was not too far off and suggested that it might address the issue they were experiencing. While it can be frustrating to encounter such problems, it is important to remember that Google continuously works on improving its algorithms and addressing any issues that arise. By waiting for the upcoming core update, publishers may find that their concerns are resolved.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Ads is Experiencing an Outage Affecting Several Key Features and Reports
Google Ads, the popular online advertising platform, is currently experiencing an outage that is affecting several key features and reports. Advertisers are unable to access important tools such as Report Editor, Dashboards, Saved Reports, and product-related pages. This incident started on August 1, 2024, at 15:27 UTC and has caused inconvenience for many advertisers who rely on these tools for their advertising campaigns. Ginny Marvin, Google’s Ads Liaison, acknowledged the issue and assured users that they are actively investigating the problem. She thanked users for their patience and promised to provide an update as soon as possible.
Google Introduces AI-Powered Tools for Performance Max Campaigns
Google unveiled its AI tools for Performance Max, a move that aims to enhance reporting, creative capabilities, and brand safety measures for advertisers across various campaign types. With these AI-powered tools, advertisers can now have access to advanced reporting features that provide comprehensive insights into campaign performance, allowing them to make data-driven decisions for optimization. Additionally, these tools enable advertisers to create more engaging and personalized ad experiences by leveraging AI to tailor creatives based on user preferences and behavior. Moreover, Google’s AI tools also incorporate robust brand safety measures, ensuring that advertisers can maintain a safe and trusted advertising environment while reaching their target audience effectively.
