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 Crawl Budget Documentation with Clearer Guidance
Google has updated its Optimize Your Crawl Budget documentation to improve clarity and explain how crawl capacity works. The revised guide notes that every website starts with a conservative crawl capacity limit, which Google automatically increases over time if there is demand and the site remains healthy. It also emphasizes improving page speed, using 304 (Not Modified) HTTP responses, and maintaining a healthy site to help Google crawl more efficiently.
Google Says AI Search Sends Billions of Clicks to Websites Every Week
Google’s Head of Search, Nick Fox, said that AI Overviews and AI Mode now send billions of clicks to websites every week, while Google Search overall continues to drive billions of clicks every day. He added that Google is continually improving how links appear in AI-powered search to make it easier for users to discover and visit websites.
Google Adds “Review Not Posted” Email Notifications
Google is rolling out “Review Not Posted” email notifications to inform users when their Google Maps reviews are automatically rejected for potentially violating Maps content policies. The notification explains why the review wasn’t published and includes an appeal option, giving users more transparency and a chance to request another review of their submission.
Google Business Profile Review Replies Not Displaying Due to Bug
Google is investigating a Google Business Profile bug that is causing business owners’ replies to customer reviews not to display for many users. The replies appear to still exist and may be visible in some cases (such as in Incognito mode), indicating a display issue rather than lost data. Google is aware of the problem and is working on a fix.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Platforms
Google to Transition Local Services Ads Into Google Ads
Google has announced that Local Services Ads (LSAs) will be migrated into the Google Ads platform through a new Performance Max campaign type optimized for pay-per-lead goals. The phased rollout begins in August 2026, allowing advertisers to manage LSAs within Google Ads while retaining the pay-per-lead model, keywordless targeting, and placements on Google Search and Maps.
Google Advised Shopify Merchants Not to Reinstall Google & YouTube App
Google has advised Shopify merchants using the Google & YouTube app not to uninstall and reinstall the app ahead of the Merchant API migration. Google confirmed the migration will happen automatically, while reinstalling the app may trigger a known bug that changes product IDs and causes merchants to lose historical performance data.
Google Updates Guidance on AI Labels for Image Assets
Google has updated its guidance for AI-generated image labels, advising advertisers not to place labels in the corners of image assets to reduce the risk of them being cropped during rendering. The update replaces the previous recommendation of keeping labels within a specific margin, giving advertisers more flexible guidance across different ad formats.
Google Opens Content API Extension Request Form
Google has launched an extension request form for merchants that need more time to migrate from the Content API for Shopping to the Merchant API before the August 18, 2026 deadline. Approved merchants may receive extended access until October 15 or December 31, 2026, helping prevent disruptions to Shopping ads and free listings while they complete their migration.
Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Platforms
YouTube Explains What Can Prevent Channels From Earning Revenue
YouTube has clarified the main reasons a channel may be ineligible for monetization through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The platform says channels can lose or be denied monetization for reasons such as reused or repetitive content, policy violations, artificial engagement, or failing to meet advertiser-friendly and community guidelines, encouraging creators to publish original, high-quality content and follow its monetization policies.
