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 Defends Lack Of Communication Around Search Algorithms Updates

Google’s Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan, has defended the company’s lack of communication around search algorithm updates. While Google does provide information to the public regarding broad core algorithm updates, it does not announce every minor change or tweak that is made. According to Sullivan, this is because the search engine is constantly making adjustments and improvements to its algorithms in order to provide users with the most relevant and helpful search results. While  Google understands the importance of transparency, it believes that announcing every single change would be overwhelming and potentially confusing for users.

Google Shares Strategies for Managing Outdated Website Content

In the recent episode of the Search Off The Record podcast, Google’s Search Relations team members, John Mueller, and Lizzi Sassman, discussed effective strategies for managing outdated website content. They emphasized the importance of preserving the historical value of old content instead of simply deleting it. To achieve this, they suggested using clear notices, annotations, and transitional pages to inform readers about the outdated nature of the content. Furthermore, implementing regular auditing processes can help ensure the freshness of the website’s content. By following these strategies, website owners can effectively manage content decay and provide a better user experience to their readers.

Google’s John Mueller Addresses the SEO Community’s Concerns About Site Recovery

In a recent address to the SEO community, Google’s John Mueller acknowledged the concerns surrounding site recovery after algorithm updates. Mueller emphasized that recovery from these updates can be a lengthy process, often taking months to see improvements. In cases of significant drops in rankings, multiple update cycles may be necessary to resolve the issue fully. To ensure a successful recovery, website owners and SEO professionals must adapt to the evolving web landscape and meet user expectations. This includes staying updated on best practices and making necessary adjustments to optimize the site for search engines.

Google’s Search Liaison Confirms that Google’s Site Reputation Abuse Update Started on Monday, May 6th

Google’s Search Liaison confirmed the commencement of Google’s site reputation abuse update, which began on Monday, May 6th. This update aims to address the issue of websites utilizing third-party content to improve their search engine rankings. While manual actions have already been implemented, it is anticipated that algorithmic changes will also be introduced in the near future. Consequently, numerous websites have taken the proactive step of removing web pages that may be interpreted as hosting such content. This demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a high level of integrity and relevance in search engine results.

Google Updates their Product Structured Data Documentation Page

Google updated its Product Structured Data documentation page, and the most significant change is the division of the entire document into three separate pages. The original document, previously named Product Structured Data, has now been renamed to Introduction To Product Structured Data. Interestingly, the word count has drastically decreased from 4,808 words to a mere 667 words. However, it is worth noting that around 50% of the new document still contains the same content as before. Alongside these changes, there is now a fresh section on the revamped page called Deciding Which Markup To Use, which serves as a starting point for accessing the two newly introduced pages.

Google Renames the AI Answer Back To AI Overview Again

Google decided to rename the AI overview experimental results to a more concise term, “AI Answers.” However, this change did not seem to last long, as Google decided to revert back to the original name, “AI Overview.” This renaming process might indicate that Google is constantly experimenting and refining its approach in the field of artificial intelligence. As Google continues to innovate and develop its AI capabilities, it will be interesting to see how it can further refine its offerings in the future.

Google Tests Notes Button in the Search Results

Google is testing a new feature called the Notes button in its search results. This button allows users to quickly and easily save notes directly from the search page without having to open a separate app or webpage. The Notes button is much smaller in size compared to other buttons on the search page and features an icon of a notebook with a plus sign within it. This streamlined design ensures that the Notes button doesn’t clutter the search results page and provides a convenient way for users to organize their thoughts and save important information while browsing the internet.

Google Search Ranking Update Volatility in the Search Results Started on 9th May

On 9th May, Google search ranking update volatility was observed in the search results. This volatility refers to the fluctuations and changes in the ranking positions of websites in Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs). It is not uncommon for Google to roll out updates that impact the search rankings, and this particular update seems to have caused some significant shifts in the search results. Website owners and SEO professionals have noticed changes in their website’s visibility and ranking positions during this period. It is important to closely monitor these fluctuations and adapt one’s SEO strategies accordingly to maintain or improve search visibility.

Google Search Tests Showing Only Local Listing from Google Business Profiles for Near Me Queries

Google Search is constantly evolving to provide the best user experience, and one of its recent tests involves showing only local listings from Google Business Profiles for “near me” queries. This means that when users search for a specific service or business near their location, they will only see results from Google Business Profiles, ensuring that they get the most relevant and accurate information. This test is aimed at enhancing local search results and helping businesses gain more visibility in their respective areas. By showing only local listings, Google aims to streamline the search process and make it easier for users to find what they are looking for.

PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine

Google Analytics 4 Introduces a New Beta Google Ads Report Named “Conversion Performance”

Google Analytics introduced a new beta Google Ads report called “Conversion Performance”. This latest report aims to provide advertisers with valuable insights into their Google Ads campaigns and their impact on conversions. By analyzing data from both Google Analytics and Google Ads, advertisers can now gain a deeper understanding of how their ads are performing in terms of driving conversions. The Conversion Performance report offers a wide range of metrics and dimensions, allowing advertisers to evaluate the effectiveness of their ad campaigns and make data-driven decisions to optimize their advertising strategies. 

Microsoft Bing Ads Carbon Neutral Label in Dark Green Color

Microsoft Advertising has made a noteworthy change to its ad labels in Bing. These labels, known as “Marketing with Purpose Attributes,” now come with carbon-neutral labels. Previously, the labels were gray in color, but they have now been updated to a dark green shade. This modification has significantly enhanced their visibility. With this change, Microsoft aims to promote and highlight its commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. By making these attributes more prominent, Microsoft is likely to attract more attention from users and create awareness about its carbon-neutral initiatives.

Author

Navneet Kaushal is the Editor-in-Chief of PageTraffic Buzz. A leading search strategist, Navneet helps clients maintain an edge in search engines and the online media. Navneet is also the CEO of SEO Services company PageTraffic which is one of the leading search marketing company in Asia.