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 Confirms Disavow File Order Is Irrelevant for SEO
Google’s John Mueller has clarified that the sequence of URLs in a disavow file does not influence how Google processes them. The disavow file isn’t applied instantly; instead, its effects are realized as Google naturally recrawls the web, making the order of entries inconsequential.
Google Search Console Adds ‘Discussion Forum’ Search Appearance Filter
Google Search Console has introduced a new “Discussion Forum” search appearance filter in its Performance reports, enabling site owners to monitor the visibility and engagement of forum-based rich results in Google Search. This filter is also accessible via the Search Console API under the label “FORUMS,” facilitating deeper analysis and reporting for discussion content.
Google AI Mode Yields Different Sources Across Devices and Browsers
Google’s AI Mode displays varying sources for identical queries depending on the device, browser, or even upon refreshing the same browser. This variability, highlighted by Jes Scholz, indicates that AI Mode’s results are highly dynamic, emphasizing the need for SEO professionals to assess AI visibility across multiple platforms and sessions.
Bing Tests Sticky and Zoomable Related Searches for Enhanced User Engagement
Microsoft is experimenting with new interactive features in Bing Search, including a “sticky” related searches panel that remains fixed at the top-right corner during scrolling, and a “zoomable” effect that enlarges related search terms upon hover. These enhancements aim to improve user navigation and encourage deeper exploration of search topics.
Google Tests Price Range Labels in Search Result Snippets
Google is experimenting with adding “low price,” “typical price,” and “high price” labels to standard search result snippets, particularly for eCommerce product detail pages. These labels, based on pricing insights from the past 90 days, appear as extensions within the snippets and may display differently on mobile devices. While similar labels have been seen in product grid results, this test marks a potential expansion into regular search snippets.
Google Keyword Planner Adds Forecast Breakdowns by City, Region & Device
Google has updated its Keyword Planner tool to provide more granular forecast views, allowing advertisers to segment keyword performance predictions by city, region, and device/platform. This enhancement facilitates precise budgeting and targeting for multi-location or geo-focused campaigns. Additionally, grouped keyword ideas are now accessible within the Keyword Ideas section, streamlining keyword organization.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Tests “People Also Considered” Carousel in Google
Google is experimenting with a new “People also consider” carousel within Google Ads, which showcases alternative product or service suggestions directly under sponsored listings. This test appears on mobile and desktop search results and resembles organic “People also search for” carousels, potentially increasing visibility for competitor ads.
Google Ads Editor 2.10 Introduces Over 20 Features for Enhanced Campaign Management
Google has released version 2.10 of Google Ads Editor, introducing more than 20 new features aimed at improving campaign management efficiency. Key updates include campaign-level negative keywords in Performance Max, support for 9:16 images in Demand Gen ads, desktop OS-specific targeting, and AI-powered tools like AI Max for Search campaigns. Additional enhancements encompass landing page previews for Demand Gen videos, barcode and QR code support in promotion assets, and partial downloads for extensions, offering advertisers greater control and streamlined workflows.
