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 Makes It Easier to Remove Personal Information from Search Results
Google has introduced new features to simplify removing personal information from search results. Users are now alerted when personal data, such as phone numbers or email addresses, appears in search listings. With the addition of a convenient three-dot menu, removal requests can be submitted more easily. This feature allows users to flag sensitive information for removal directly from the search result page. Additionally, Google now offers a way for users to refresh outdated or incorrect results, enhancing privacy control and giving individuals more power over the data that appears about them online.
During a Reddit discussion, Google’s John Mueller recently delved into the perplexing issue of the ‘Noindex Detected’ error in Google Search Console. The error indicates the presence of a ‘noindex’ directive in the X-Robots-Tag HTTP header for pages that supposedly lack such instruction. Mueller shared potential causes for this anomaly, prompting insightful responses from fellow Redditors offering plausible explanations and remedies. This collaborative effort sheds light on troubleshooting strategies to address the erroneous indexing signals, highlighting the importance of accurately configuring robots directives to ensure proper indexing and visibility of web content. Such insights from industry experts like Mueller contribute significantly to resolving technical SEO challenges effectively.
Bing Search Now Displays AI Sources Used in “From Sources Across the Web” Feature
Microsoft has taken a step towards transparency by revealing the sources utilized to compile its AI-driven “from sources across the web” feature on Bing Search. Users can now access a list of the sources contributing to the displayed information by clicking on the information icon. This move enhances credibility and allows users to trace the origins of the data presented. The initiative underscores Microsoft’s commitment to providing users a clear understanding of the sources behind the information displayed on Bing Search, promoting trust and reliability in the platform’s content.
Google Adds “Top Search” Definition Box Below Auto Suggestions for Select Queries
Google has introduced a new feature in its Search interface, displaying a “top search” definition box below auto-suggestions for specific queries. This update aims to provide users with quick, relevant definitions or explanations directly within the search dropdown, enhancing search efficiency. The feature appears for select keywords, likely based on trending or commonly searched terms. By offering instant context, Google helps users refine their searches without clicking through multiple results. This enhancement aligns with Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the search experience and deliver more direct, useful information to users at the point of query input.
Microsoft Tests New Formatting for Bing Ads: Underlined & Bold Sponsored Links
Microsoft is experimenting with a new format for Bing’s sponsored results by introducing underlined and bold text. This test aims to enhance the visibility of paid ads, making them more distinguishable from organic search results. Microsoft emphasizes key elements to improve user engagement and ad click-through rates. The update aligns with Bing’s ongoing efforts to refine its search experience and give advertisers better visibility. While still in the testing phase, the new formatting could become a permanent feature if it effectively drives ad performance and improves overall search usability for Bing users.
Google’s Gary Illyes Says “Much More Work Needed” to Improve Crawling Efficiency
In a LinkedIn post, Google’s Gary Illyes responded to David Minchala’s inquiry about the progress of Google’s crawling efficiency improvements. Illyes acknowledged that significant progress has been made but emphasized that “there’s lots more in the works” to optimize the process further. Despite this, he expressed satisfaction with the visible improvements that users have already observed. His comments highlight that while strides have been made, the team is still focused on refining and enhancing crawling methods to improve the overall search experience. This ongoing effort underscores Google’s commitment to continually enhancing its search infrastructure.
Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
LinkedIn Introduces Email Metrics for Newsletter Publishers to Enhance Engagement
LinkedIn has introduced new email metrics for newsletter publishers to help them better understand their audience engagement. The added data includes key performance indicators such as email sends and open rates. These metrics offer valuable insights into how healthy newsletters resonate with subscribers, allowing publishers to track the effectiveness of their content and optimize future campaigns. By providing more granular data, LinkedIn aims to empower publishers to enhance engagement, improve targeting, and drive meaningful connections with their audiences. This update underscores LinkedIn’s commitment to supporting content creators with better tools for audience growth.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Ads Changes: Separate Auctions for Ad Locations in Latest Documentation Update
Google Ads has changed its auction system and runs different auctions for each ad location. According to a documentation update, separate auctions are held for various ad placements when someone searches on Google. For example, ads at the top of search results are selected through a different auction than those in other locations. While your ads will only show once within a single ad location, they have the potential to appear multiple times across different ad locations, giving advertisers more opportunities to gain visibility and engagement.