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 Unveils AI-Driven In-Store Shopping Features to Enhance Retail Experience
Google has announced new AI-powered in-store shopping features and expanded payment options just in time for the holiday retail season. One of the exciting updates is the integration of Google Lens with in-store shopping. Users can simply photograph products using Google Lens and instantly access relevant information such as reviews, prices, and inventory details. Furthermore, Google Maps is also stepping up its game by introducing product search features that allow shoppers to find specific items in nearby stores easily. Lastly, Google Pay is enhancing its security measures by offering virtual cards for Discover users, providing an added layer of protection for online transactions.
Google has updated its search documentation to emphasize the importance of both page-level and site-wide signals for rankings. The search engine’s ranking systems are designed to evaluate individual pages based on various signals and systems. This means that each page is assessed independently to determine its ranking. However, site-wide signals and classifiers also play a role in understanding the overall quality and relevance of a website’s content. It is important to note that having some strong site-wide signals does not guarantee that all content from a site will rank highly. Similarly, poor site-wide signals do not necessarily mean all content will rank poorly.
Google Search Tests Icons & Labels in the Sitelinks Within the Search Results Snippets
Google Search is constantly evolving to provide users with a better search experience, and it is currently testing a new feature that adds icons and labels to site links within the search results snippets. These icons include a phone, price tag, fork/knife, map pin, and information icons. By incorporating these visual cues, Google aims to enhance the user’s understanding of the site links and make finding the specific information they seek easier. This new feature can potentially improve the efficiency and effectiveness of search results, ultimately benefiting both users and businesses.
Bing Tests New Circle-Shaped Favicons in Search Results
Bing is testing a new design feature in its search results by introducing circle-shaped favicons. The change aims to enhance search listings’ visual appeal and uniformity, offering a more modern and sleek look. Favicons, which typically appear as small icons following website URLs, will now be displayed within circular frames instead of the traditional square shape. This update is part of Bing’s ongoing efforts to refine its user interface and improve the overall search experience for users and brands.
Bing Tests Video Categorization in Search Results to Improve Content Discovery
Microsoft is conducting tests to categorize the videos displayed in its Bing search results. This new feature aims to enhance the user experience by providing more organized and relevant video content. Bing showcases a featured video at the top of the current interface, specifically chosen for the search query. Following this, users can find trending videos related to their search, which helps them stay up-to-date with popular topics. Bing also displays short videos, allowing users to access concise and informative content quickly. Another category of videos that users can expect to see is a selection of related videos that align with their original search query. Finally, the normal video thumbnails appear, providing users with a comprehensive range of options.
Google Removes the Page Experience Report from Google Search Console
Google announced removing the Page Experience report from the Google Search Console. This report provided a summary of data from the Core Web Vitals and HTTPS reports, which will still be available individually. The decision to remove this report was made to streamline the Search Console and make it easier for users to find the needed information. However, Google still emphasizes the importance of providing a good page experience to readers and encourages website owners to monitor the status of their site’s page experience through the Core Web Vitals and HTTPS reports.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Search Shows Pop-Up Ads For Google Ads Promotions in the Search Results
Google displays pop-up ads promoting its advertising platform, Google Ads. These ads appear when users search for their businesses while logged into their Google Business Profile accounts. What makes these ads particularly intrusive is their size, as they cover a significant portion of the screen, obstructing access to the search results page and even managing the Google Business Profile itself. Furthermore, these ads encourage users to invest in Google Ads by offering promotional credits.
Microsoft Mixes Ads & Organic Results in Bing Search Results
Microsoft has significantly changed its search engine, Bing, by mixing ads and organic results. This move aims to improve user experience and provide more relevant search results. By mixing ads with organic results, Microsoft aims to make it less obvious to users that the results are paid advertisements and organic search results. This change is expected to positively impact advertisers as well, as it may increase click-through rates for ads. However, how users will respond to this update remains to be seen and whether it will ultimately enhance their search experience.