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 AI Claims Increased Pixel Height in SERPs: What It Means for Search Results
With an increased pixel height, Google’s AI Overviews are becoming more prominent in search results. This challenges SEO professionals as organic search results are pushed down the page. BrightEdge’s latest data suggests that Google’s AI Overviews are increasingly blocking these organic results. If this trend persists, it could result in Google AI Overviews and advertisements taking up a significant portion of the available space in search results. This has implications for businesses and marketers who rely on organic search visibility, as they may need to adapt their strategies to ensure their content is still visible to users.
Google Explains the Role of CDNs in Search Crawling and Its Impact on SEO Rankings
Google has released new crawl documentation that sheds light on the impact of content delivery networks (CDNs) on crawling and SEO. CDNs are widely used to distribute website content across multiple servers and locations, aiming to improve website performance and user experience. However, these CDNs can sometimes cause crawling issues for search engines like Google. The new documentation provides detailed insights into how CDNs can affect crawling and offers solutions to fix any related issues. This resource will be invaluable for website owners and developers who utilize CDNs and want to ensure their sites are correctly crawled and indexed by search engines.
Google’s John Mueller addressed a question regarding the accuracy of the Google Search Console screenshot feature in the URL Inspection Tool. When asked if the screenshot reflects what Google Search sees, John responded, “For the most part, yes,” acknowledging its general accuracy. However, he also pointed out that some edge cases and temporal anomalies could affect the screenshot’s representation. In a Reddit post, he further invited users to share more about what they are explicitly checking, suggesting that there may be certain situations where the screenshot might not fully capture Google Search’s view.
Google Search Tests New AI-Generated ‘Things to Know’ Feature
Google is currently conducting tests to utilize Gemini, its AI platform, to generate the Things To Know section in Google Search. This section will be powered by artificial intelligence, providing users with concise and informative overviews. These AI-generated results will comprehensively summarize the subject matter, enhancing the user experience by providing easily digestible information. With Gemini’s capabilities, Google aims to create a seamless and intuitive search experience tailored to individual users’ needs. By employing AI in this manner, Google is pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver more intelligent search results.
Google Search Tests ‘Nearby Stores’ Section with Embedded Map and ‘More Options’ Button
Google Search constantly tests and updates its features to enhance user experience and provide more relevant search results. One of the latest tests includes a “nearby stores” section, which integrates an embedded map and a “more options” button that directs users to a local pack. Unlike the previous layout, where the local pack was displayed immediately, now users have to click on the “more options” button to access the local pack. This change allows for a more streamlined search experience and provides users with additional options and information about nearby stores. As Google continues to refine its search interface, these tests aim to improve user engagement and satisfaction.
Google’s Top Priority for 2025: Scaling Gemini for Consumer Use
During a meeting with Google employees, CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized the significance of shipping AI products quickly to meet the upcoming challenges in 2025. Pichai highlighted the importance of scaling Gemini, which will be the company’s primary focus in the coming year. This statement suggests that Google prioritizes expanding and enhancing its consumer-facing AI offerings. With this strategic direction, Google aims to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving technology landscape and continue to deliver innovative AI solutions to its users.
Google Search Tests New AI Explanation Selection Feature for Enhanced Results
Google Search constantly evolves to provide users with more informative and efficient search results. In its latest test, Google is experimenting with a new feature that allows users to trigger an AI explanation directly within the search results. This means that when you select a specific text portion using your mouse cursor, you can click “Get an AI explanation.” This feature aims to give users a deeper understanding of the information they seek by offering an AI-generated overview. Additionally, Google allows users to copy selected text to the clipboard conveniently.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Ads Introduces AI-Powered Image Editing in Asset Library
Google Ads has introduced a new beta feature that allows users to edit existing images within their Google Ads asset library. Previously, this functionality was only available in Product Studio. However, as Menachem Ani, a Google Ads professional, mentioned, this is now a part of the Google Ads asset library. This update provides advertisers greater flexibility and convenience as they can edit their images directly within the platform. This new beta feature allows advertisers to easily modify their pictures to align with their marketing objectives and create more visually appealing advertisements.
New Beta Feature: Google Ads Introduces ‘Leads from Messages’ Conversion Goal
Google Ads has introduced a new conversion goal called “leads from messages,” currently in beta testing. This feature aims to help advertisers optimize their bid strategy and campaign performance. Even if these conversion goals may not appear directly related to sales, Google assures that the data from all campaigns will be used to improve the account’s overall performance. This means advertisers can benefit from a more comprehensive and data-driven approach to their campaigns, leading to better results and more effective bidding strategies. By leveraging this new conversion goal, advertisers can tap into the potential of messaging platforms to generate valuable leads and ultimately drive business growth.
Google Tests New Sponsored Search Ads with ‘Find Related Products & Services’ in Search Results
Google constantly evolves its search advertising platform to provide a better user experience and deliver more relevant results. As part of this ongoing effort, Google is testing a new feature in its sponsored search ads. These new ads include a “Find Related Products & Services” section within the search results. This section provides users with additional options and recommendations that are related to their initial search query. By incorporating this feature, Google hopes to enhance the user’s ability to find relevant products and services while also providing advertisers with more opportunities to reach their target audience.
