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
Why Google Core Updates Roll Out in Phases: What It Means for Rankings
Google explained that core updates are often released in stages because different systems and data centers update at varying times, leading to gradual changes in search results. This phased rollout can cause fluctuations in rankings over several days or weeks. As a result, site owners should avoid reacting too quickly and instead monitor performance trends until the update is fully complete.
Google Explains Googlebot File Size Limits & How Its Crawling System Works
Google clarified that its crawling system operates with different byte limits depending on context, including a general 15MB crawl limit and stricter limits like 2MB for HTML and 64MB for PDFs when indexing for Search. These limits are part of a broader crawling architecture where different systems handle fetching and indexing separately. The update emphasizes that most sites aren’t affected, but oversized pages can lead to partial crawling or missed content.
Google Says Page Sizes Are Growing—But Performance Still Matters
Google highlighted that web pages have nearly tripled in size over the past decade, raising concerns about performance and efficiency. Despite this growth, page weight still impacts crawling, rendering, and user experience, meaning larger pages can create issues if not optimized. Google emphasized that developers should continue focusing on performance, as bigger pages don’t remove the need for speed and efficiency.
Google Business Profiles May Let Users Call, Text, or WhatsApp Businesses Directly
Google is testing new contact options in Business Profiles that allow users to reach businesses via call, SMS, or WhatsApp directly from search and Maps. This appears to be part of a shift away from Google’s native chat feature toward more widely used messaging platforms. The update aims to make business communication faster and more convenient by using channels customers already prefer.
Google “Ask Maps” AI Feature Now Available in the U.S. and India
Google’s Gemini-powered “Ask Maps” feature is now fully rolling out to users in the U.S. and India, bringing conversational AI directly into Google Maps. It allows users to ask complex, real-world questions and receive personalized recommendations for places, routes, and plans. The feature signals a shift toward AI-driven local discovery, combining Maps data, reviews, and user preferences into a single interactive experience.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Bing Tests AI-Powered Shopping Recommendations in Search Results
Bing is experimenting with a new AI-driven recommendations block in its Shopping tab, displaying curated product suggestions at the top of results along with citation sources. The feature appears to aggregate insights from across the web to highlight recommended products, resembling AI-generated summaries. While still in testing and not widely available, it signals Bing’s push toward more personalized, AI-enhanced shopping experiences.
Microsoft Merchant Center Now Allows Store Name & Domain Updates
Microsoft Advertising has introduced a self-serve feature that lets merchants update their store name and domain directly within Merchant Center, eliminating the need for support requests. Store name changes require editorial review, while domain updates need ownership verification before going live, with ads continuing to run during the transition. This update gives advertisers more flexibility and control, especially during rebrands or site migrations.
