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 Shares New Information on Topic Authority: An SEO Ranking System For News Websites 

In the world of online news, the competition for attention can be fierce. That’s why Google’s recent announcement about its new Topic Authority system is noteworthy. This ranking system values original reporting and prioritizes local and regional publications over major national news sources. This means that publishers who focus on providing excellent coverage of a particular topic or region may see more success with Topic Authority. It’s a refreshing change of pace in a world where clickbait articles and sensational headlines often dominate the online news landscape. With Topic Authority, journalistic integrity and genuine expertise seem to be rewarded.

Google Job Search Bug: Not Showing Recent Job Postings

Job searching can be stressful, but when technology fails, it can be even more frustrating. For the past several days, users of Google’s Jobs Search could not see new or recent job listings from the past three days due to a pesky bug causing headaches for job seekers nationwide. However, after four days of the issue persisting, Google finally fixed the bug on May 24th at around 2 pm ET. As a tool many rely on for their job search, this bug caused quite a stir and highlighted the importance of technology functioning correctly in our everyday lives.

Google Bard New Update Regarding Images 

Searching for images became even easier with Google Bard’s new feature – bringing images directly from Google Search! Now, you can ask Bard for images, and the search engine will promptly provide a selection. To provide added convenience, Bard will also show the source for each image. No more wasted time sifting through countless search results! Whether you’re looking for images for a presentation or just satisfying your curiosity, Google Bard has made the process more efficient than ever.

Google Testing a New Feature: Suggestions For Your Search

Google is always one step ahead when innovating and improving the search experience. Recently, they have rolled out a new feature called “suggestions for your search,” which promises to revolutionize how we search for information. This new feature is interactive and visually engaging, making it easier for users to expand and dig deeper into their search process.

Google Replaced Trusted Store Badge Within Google Search Results With Top Quality Store Badge

Google constantly looks for ways to improve the user experience and provide the best possible results. Recently, Google announced replacing the “Trusted Store” badge in the product results with a “Top Quality Store” badge. This new badge will help shoppers easily identify stores with exceptional customer service, reliable shipping, and high-quality products. The best part? Merchants don’t need to do anything to earn this new badge – it will be automatically applied based on existing metrics. It’s another way that Google works to make online shopping more enjoyable and stress-free.

Microsoft Announces Bing Search is The Default Search Engine for ChatGPT 

When finding information online, having a reliable search engine is essential. That’s why ChatGPT has made Bing Search the default search engine for the platform. With its intuitive interface and powerful search algorithms, Bing Search makes it easy to find the information you need quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re looking up a recipe, researching a topic, or just need to settle a bet with a friend, Bing Search can help. ChatGPT lets you access all of Bing Search’s features from the platform, making your search experience even more seamless.

Google’s John Mueller Says Incorrect Last Modification Date in HTTP Header Does Not Hurt Your SEO

Google’s John Mueller has clarified an important point regarding website SEO. In a recent post on Mastodon, he reminded website owners that having an incorrect date set in their last modification date within the HTTP header won’t harm their search engine ranking. Many website owners obsess over the details of their metadata, often thinking that small errors could harm their SEO. However, Mueller’s PSA serves as a reassuring reminder that, sometimes, small mistakes don’t have a major impact on a site’s overall performance. Website owners must focus on creating high-quality content and building a strong audience rather than getting too wrapped up in minor details.

Bing Search Testing Blue Highlighted Text In AI Chat Answers Within Search 

Bing Search has constantly been evolving to provide the best search experience for its users. Recently, they started testing the integration of their Bing Chat AI answers into their search results. And now, they are taking it up a notch by highlighting portions of the AI chat answer in blue. This feature will make it easier for users to locate the relevant information while also making the overall search experience more engaging. As Bing continues to innovate, we can expect to see even more exciting features that will make our search journey smoother.

PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine

Google Showcases Google Ads Sponsored Search Ads in The New Google Search Generative Experience

At the Google Marketing Live event, Google showcased new sponsored search ads for their Google Ads program. These ads are featured in the Google Search Generative Experience and offer additional positions and features for advertisers. While Google has made it clear that these ad positions and features are subject to change as they continue to experiment with the new search experience, it’s exciting to see how Google Ads is evolving and offering more opportunities for businesses to reach their target audiences. It will be interesting to see what other changes Google has in store for its advertising platform in the future.

Google Announces New Google Merchant Center to Replace Classic Merchant Center 

Google extends its list of products by offering a new, more simplified version of its Merchant Center. Known as Merchant Center Next, this version is lightweight and user-friendly, making it easy for retailers of all sizes to manage their products and listings. Though the company is streamlining the process, it assures that essential features for larger retailers will remain available. This new feature is set to take over the current version of Merchant Center, replacing it over time and ensuring that it will no longer be available by the end of 2024. Google Merchant Center Next is a step forward in making retail marketing more straightforward and effective for businesses of all sizes.

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.