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

What Google’s John Mueller Says on Ideal Numbers of Products on a Page in Context of Ranking?

Google’s John Mueller recently provided insight into the optimal number of product listings on a page for ranking purposes. While there isn’t a specific number that fits all websites, he suggests being mindful of user experience when determining the number of products to display. Too many listings on a single page could make it difficult for users to find what they are looking for and can lead to higher bounce rates. On the other hand, too few listings could result in missed opportunities for ranking well for particular keywords. Ultimately, the focus should be on providing users a positive experience while considering the SEO benefits of including certain products on a page.

Google Updates Googlebot Verification Documentation 

Google has recently updated its documentation about Googlebot with new guidelines concerning visits from IPs linked to GoogleUserContent.com. This move aims to clarify how these visits are handled and what webmasters can expect. The new procedures include how Googlebot accesses pages, how often it crawls web pages, and what it considers a quality website. Google emphasizes that web admins should not take steps to block this traffic, as it is an essential part of their indexing process. With these new guidelines, businesses can confidently create websites optimized for Google’s criteria, leading to improved visibility and higher search rankings.

Google is Testing Displaying Follower Counts in Search Results Snippets 

Google is always testing new features to improve user experience; this time, they’re focusing on social media accounts. In a recent test, Google displays social media follower counts in mobile search results, providing users with a quick and easy way to gauge the popularity and influence of a particular account. This information is usually displayed in the snippet, but Google is experimenting with showing the count directly underneath the site name. This could be a game-changer for businesses and influencers, as followers can greatly impact their online presence and visibility. It’ll be interesting to see how this feature pans out and if it becomes a permanent addition to mobile search results.

Google is Texting Google Business Profile to Validate the Information

As a business owner, it’s important to keep your information up-to-date on Google so potential customers can easily find you. However, there has been some concern among local SEOs about the legitimacy of text messages claiming to be from Google asking for verification. While the number used to send the message is confirmed by Google, it’s understandable to be cautious. Double-checking all communication and ensuring it aligns with Google’s official communication methods is always a good idea.

Google is Testing a Grid Format for Local Results in Mobile Web Search 

Google is constantly updating and experimenting with its search results layout, and it appears they may be testing a new grid-like format for local search in mobile web searches. While we’re used to seeing this layout for product and shopping searches, it’s relatively new for local listings. This potential change could have implications for businesses and consumers, making scanning and comparing local options easier. As always, we’ll keep an eye on any updates and keep you in the loop.

Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine

Youtube Educates Creators on Copyright Concerns and Provides Music Alternatives 

YouTube is not just a platform for people to share videos of their cats or pranks gone wrong. It’s a powerful educational tool for creators as well. With its comprehensive resources on copyright laws, YouTube ensures its creators are informed and equipped to navigate the complex world of intellectual property. And for those who worry about using copyrighted music in their videos, YouTube offers a solution through its Audio Library and Creator Music. So if you’re a savvy content creator looking to protect your work and keep your viewers engaged with the best tunes, YouTube has got you covered.

Youtube Introduces AI-Powered Music Ads to Connect With Gen Z

As Gen Z continues to dominate the digital landscape, advertisers constantly seek new ways to connect with this elusive demographic. And YouTube has a solution that may just do the trick. Introducing their AI-powered music ad solutions can help brands and artists capitalize on the latest music trends that Gen Z is passionate about. The Gen Z Music package identifies songs trending among this demographic, and Trending Music on Shorts allows advertisers to align themselves with viral music trends. With increased exposure and engagement, it’s never been easier for brands and artists to forge meaningful connections with their Gen Z audience.

PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine

Google Updates its Ads Policy for Products With Risk of Death 

To ensure user safety, Google has updated its policy to regulate ads for dangerous products. With a focus on protecting consumers from harm, the tech giant is now taking a firm stance against advertisements promoting unsafe or harmful products. This move comes after extensive research and analysis and reflects Google’s commitment to advertising online and offline wellness. By firmly regulating such ads, Google ensures that users are shielded from untoward or dangerous products and can continue using their platform with the utmost trust and confidence.

Google Releases Google Ads API Version 13.1

Google has announced the release of its latest Google Ads API version 13.1, and there are some major updates that advertisers need to be aware of. One of the most crucial changes is the addition of bid simulation retrievals, which will help you understand the impact of your bids on your campaign performance. Furthermore, there are new recommendation types related to Shopping campaigns, providing even more options and opportunities to optimize your ad campaigns. With these upgrades, Google Ads API remains one of the most powerful tools in the digital advertising industry, allowing businesses to reach their target audience with precision and efficiency.

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.