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 Updates Guidance on Using llms.txt for AI SEO
Google has updated its guidance on the use of llms.txt for AI SEO, confirming that website owners are free to implement the file if they choose. However, Google clarified that llms.txt currently does not influence search rankings or crawling behavior, meaning it should be viewed as an optional tool rather than a required SEO practice.
Google Tightens Requirements for Domain Migrations
Google has updated its domain migration guidelines, requiring site owners to submit Change of Address requests for all domain variants, including subdomains and both www and non-www versions. The change is intended to help ensure smoother migrations and preserve search performance during domain transitions.
Google Clarifies That Site Folder Structure Has Little SEO Impact
Google’s John Mueller explained that website folder structure has little direct impact on SEO and that search engines do not place significant importance on how URLs are organized. Instead, Google recommends focusing on clear site navigation and a structure that is easy for users to understand and maintain.
Google Business Profiles Tests New Activities Tab
Google is testing a new Activities tab within the Google Business Profile dashboard, allowing eligible businesses to add and manage activity-related details such as names, descriptions, prices, and booking URLs. The feature is aimed at businesses offering tours, events, tickets, and other bookable experiences.
Google Publishes Guidance on Tennessee Search Blacklist Law
Google has released new guidance to comply with Tennessee’s search blacklist law, which aims to provide greater transparency for small businesses. The guidance explains how businesses can receive notifications if their content or reviews are removed or their visibility in search results is impacted.
Bing Webmaster Tools Expands AI Reporting Features
Microsoft has added new AI reporting capabilities to Bing Webmaster Tools, including insights into user intents, topics, citations, shares, and comparisons. The update gives site owners a better understanding of how AI-powered search experiences interact with and reference their content.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Platforms
Google Ads Expands Limits on Unqualified Advertisers
Google is expanding its Limited Ad Serving policy to restrict impressions from advertisers it considers unqualified, particularly in scenarios that could lead to poor user experiences. The policy focuses on factors such as advertiser trust, account history, identity verification, and user feedback, with the goal of improving ad quality and reducing abuse.
Google Ads Launches Promotion Mode Beta and Smart Bidding Updates
Google Ads is rolling out a new Promotion Mode beta that lets advertisers temporarily adjust ROAS targets and increase budgets during peak demand periods such as seasonal events and product launches. Google is also expanding Smart Bidding Exploration and updating bidding target optimization to deliver more predictable performance for budget-constrained campaigns.
Google Tests “Good Price” Labels in Shopping Results
Google is testing a new “Good price” label in Shopping results to highlight products that offer competitive pricing. The feature aims to help shoppers quickly identify value deals and could improve visibility for merchants with attractively priced products.
Google Ads Updates Campaign Status Interface
Google Ads has refreshed the campaign status interface, introducing a redesigned layout for campaign status information. The update aims to make it easier for advertisers to understand campaign performance and quickly identify issues or recommendations.
Microsoft Advertising Launches Product Explorer
Microsoft Advertising has introduced Product Explorer, a new tool designed to help advertisers analyze product performance and discover optimization opportunities. The feature provides deeper insights into product data, enabling merchants to improve campaign effectiveness and drive better results.
