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’s John Mueller, Martin Splitt, and Gary Illyes Discusses Site Quality in a Recent Podcast

In a recent podcast, Google’s John Mueller, Martin Splitt, and Gary Illyes discussed site quality and provided insights into different ways of thinking. They emphasized that understanding site quality is not as complex as it may seem, stating that it is not rocket science. This suggests that the factors influencing site quality could be simpler than most assume. By delving into this topic, the trio shed light on how Google evaluates the quality of websites, providing valuable information for web admins and SEO professionals looking to enhance their site’s performance in search results.

Google: Fix Technical Issues Before Chasing SEO Trends

In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization (SEO), getting caught up in the latest trends and advanced tactics is easy. However, Google’s Search Off The Record podcast team has recently emphasized the importance of getting the basics right first. Martin Splitt, Gary Illyes, and John Mueller of Google’s Search Relations team have pointed out that many websites still struggle with fundamental technical SEO issues such as site crawlability, indexing, and page rendering. These foundational factors directly affect a site’s performance in search results. Therefore, it is crucial to address these issues before diving into less critical optimizations.

Google’s John Mueller Answers a Question on Reddit About SEO Tools

Google’s John Mueller responded to a Reddit question regarding using SEO tools. The individual who posed the question seemed unsure about the suggestions provided by these tools. In his response, Mueller emphasized the importance of writing in a manner that resonates with the target audience. He stressed that SEO tools should not be relied upon to dictate how content should be reported. Instead, he advised conducting one’s research to ensure that the content is tailored to the needs and preferences of the intended readers. This highlights the significance of understanding and effectively communicating with the audience rather than relying solely on automated SEO guidance tools.

Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, Confirmes Follower Count Is Not A Google Search Ranking Factor 

Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, has confirmed that follower count is not considered a search ranking factor by Google Search. This clarification came in response to a query about the number of followers displayed on search engine results pages (SERPs). Despite the visibility of follower counts, Sullivan stated it does not impact search rankings. Furthermore, when it comes to social media profiles, Sullivan mentioned that he hasn’t observed any dependency on follower count as a ranking factor. However, he did acknowledge that there could be other factors related to follower trust that Google’s algorithms may consider.

Google Tests a New Section Fast Pickup Or Delivery Search Box 

Google is always looking for new ways to improve user experience. In its latest move, the company is testing a new section to display products available for fast pickup or delivery. This new feature will help users save time and effort by showing them products that can be delivered or picked up quickly. Google already has information about product delivery or pickup time in its index, and it will use this data to group them in one search box. This feature is being tested, and it will be interesting to see how users respond to it.

Google Search Shows “Ask A Doctor” PAA Section in the Search Results

Google Search now features a new section titled “Ask a doctor,” which bears a striking resemblance to its existing “People Also Ask” (PAA) section. This new addition aims to provide users with quick and reliable medical information directly in search results. By clicking on this section, users can access a variety of commonly asked health-related questions, which medical professionals answer. This feature not only saves users time by providing them with instant answers, but it also helps them make more informed decisions about their health. With “Ask a doctor,” Google continues to enhance its search capabilities, offering users even more valuable and trustworthy information.

Google Announces its New Small Business Shopping Filter on Search and Google Maps

Google announced its search and map features. Users can now filter their search results by small businesses on both Google Search and Google Maps. However, this news may not surprise some, as the small business filter was introduced shortly after the small business attribute was announced. This new feature allows users to easily find and support small businesses in their local area, giving them more visibility in the online marketplace. It is a positive step towards promoting and empowering small businesses through technology.

PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine

Microsoft Advertising Shares Festive Holiday Marketing Playbook

In its Festive Season Marketing Playbook, Microsoft Advertising offers valuable insights and strategies for businesses looking to make the most of the festive season. This comprehensive guide is designed to help companies understand consumer behaviors and tailor their marketing efforts accordingly. By understanding the preferences and habits of their target audience, companies can create more effective advertising campaigns that resonate with consumers. Microsoft’s advertising capabilities play a crucial role in this process, offering companies the tools to maximize their reach and revenue during this important time of year.

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.