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 Warns: URL Parameter Issues Causing Crawler Inefficiencies
In an episode of Google’s Search Off The Record podcast, Gary Illyes shed light on the impact of URL parameters on crawl efficiency. He highlighted the potential issues that arise when parameters create an infinite number of URLs for a single page. This can particularly affect e-commerce websites, where parameters are commonly used to filter products. Illyes explained that servers will simply ignore parameters that do not alter the response. However, this can still lead to wasted crawl resources as search engine crawlers navigate through countless variations of the same page. It is, therefore, crucial for website owners to optimize their URL structures and manage parameters effectively to ensure a smoother crawling process.
Google’s Gary Illyes Reveals Googlebot Collects Links Rather Than Following Them in Real-Time
In an episode of Google’s Search Off The Record podcast, Analyst Gary Illyes shed light on the intricacies of how Googlebot interacts with links during the crawling process. Contrary to popular belief, Illyes clarified that Googlebot does not simply follow links linearly. Instead, it collects links it encounters and then goes back to those links at a later stage. This clarification emphasizes the importance of having a well-structured website with easily accessible links, as Googlebot relies on these links to discover and index web pages. By understanding how Googlebot operates, website owners and SEO professionals can optimize their sites for better visibility in search engine results.
Google Tests a New Label for its Search Results Snippets
Google is always looking for ways to improve its search results and provide users with more relevant information. As part of this ongoing effort, the company is currently testing a new label for its search results snippets. The label, named “you may like,” aims to help users discover content that they may find interesting or helpful. By using this label, Google hopes to enhance the user experience and make it easier for people to find information that is tailored to their interests. This new feature is still in the testing phase, but if successful, it could be rolled out more widely in the future.
Bing Search Ranking Algorithm Update Around May 29th? Fabrice Canel from Microsoft Says No
There have been speculations about a Bing search ranking algorithm update that occurred around May 29th. However, Fabrice Canel from Microsoft stated on X that nothing unusual was released around this date. It is important to note that Bing regularly tests different features and implements successful ones on a daily basis. While these updates may impact certain websites, they are not necessarily indicative of a major algorithm change.
Google Shows User Review Images in the Shopping Product Image Carousel
Google is testing a new feature in its Google Shopping product image carousel. This new feature involves showing photos from reviews submitted by actual users. When a user clicks on a product listing and swipes through the images, they may come across actual photos that other users have submitted in their reviews. This update aims to provide potential buyers with more visual information about the product, allowing them to make more informed purchasing decisions. By including photos from real users, Google is enhancing the credibility and trustworthiness of the product listings in its shopping platform.
Google introduced a new interactive knowledge panel layout for local knowledge panels in its search results. Although this design has been around for a couple of years, it is now being rolled out for the local version of knowledge panels. This update aims to enhance the user experience by providing more interactive and engaging content within the knowledge panels. With this new layout, users can expect to find relevant information, images, videos, and other interactive elements directly within the knowledge panel itself. This move by Google demonstrates their commitment to continuously improving their search experience and providing users with easy access to valuable information.
Google Tests “Explore More With Search” Carousel With Search Section
Google is constantly experimenting with new features and enhancements to improve the user experience. One such experiment is the “Explore More With Search” carousel with a search section. This new feature aims to provide users with a more comprehensive and interactive search experience. The carousel displays related search queries that users can explore by clicking on them. This allows users to discover more information on a particular topic without having to perform multiple searches. The accompanying search section provides additional details and context for each query, making it easier for users to find the information they need.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Introduces AI Photo Selection Feature for Local Services Ads
Google announced the latest update to its Local Services Ads (LSA) platform. This update introduces an automated photo selection feature that will automatically choose photos for Local Services Ads. The inclusion of photos in these ads may have an impact on their ranking. To optimize their ads, Google recommends that advertisers upload 3-5 high-quality, relevant, and original images to their LSA profiles. However, it is important to note that not all ads will consistently include photos, as this feature is automated and may not always select images for every ad. Advertisers should take advantage of this new feature to enhance the visual appeal and effectiveness of their Local Services Ads.
Google Announces the Release of the Google Ads API Version 17.1
Google announced the release of the Google Ads API version 17.1, which offers several new features and improvements. One notable addition is the inclusion of shareable ad previews, allowing advertisers to easily share previews of their ads with others for feedback and collaboration. Another feature is the ability to remove specified automatically created assets linked to Responsive Search Ads, providing advertisers with more control over their ad assets. Additionally, Version 17.1 introduces the capability to retrieve offline conversion diagnostics and offline diagnostics report metrics, enabling advertisers to gain insights into the performance of their offline conversions. Furthermore, this release also includes standard bidding strategies specifically designed for video campaigns, offering advertisers more options and flexibility when managing their video ad campaigns.
Google Ads to Transition The Functionality of Smart Campaigns to Performance Max
Google Ads announced that it will be transitioning the functionality of Smart Campaigns into Performance Max campaigns in the coming months. This move is aimed at providing advertisers with more comprehensive and advanced features to enhance their advertising strategies. According to an email sent to one advertiser, Google stated that Performance Max campaigns will offer all the same benefits as Smart campaigns but with additional features and capabilities. This transition is expected to provide advertisers with more flexibility and control over their campaigns, allowing them to optimize their advertising efforts and drive better results.
