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 Advises on Semantic HTML: Not a Ranking Factor But Still Important

When optimizing your website for search engines, semantic HTML is a strategy that might seem small but can significantly impact. Google’s John Mueller has stated that even though it’s not a ranking factor, it can help search engines better understand your site’s content. Semantic HTML refers to using specific tags that provide additional context to your content. Consider implementing semantic HTML to improve your site’s overall user experience and visibility.

Google’s Search Relations Team Shares Insights Into Why a Website’s Homepage May Not Be Indexed

In the latest episode of the ‘Search Off The Record’ podcast, Google’s Search Relations team shares valuable insights into why a website’s homepage may fail to get indexed. The podcast features a team of experts comprising Martin Splitt, John Mueller, and Gary Illyes, who delve into the complex world of search indexing. Whether SEO, web crawling, or website ranking, these experts reveal the secrets behind the algorithms governing website indexing.

Another Unconfirmed Google Search Ranking Algorithm Update (June 28th & 29th) 

Google may have rolled out another update to their search ranking algorithm on June 28th and 29th. While there is no official confirmation from Google about the update, many SEO experts notice significant fluctuations in search rankings. As with any update, webmasters and SEO professionals must closely monitor their sites and make any necessary adjustments to maintain or improve their rankings.

Google is Rolling Out a Dedicated Perspectives Feature

Google has recently announced that a dedicated “perspectives” filter may be rolling out soon – not just the one that debuted a short while ago. Building on their earlier work and commitment to showcasing more diverse perspectives, the new filter promises to be more robust and accessible, with a dedicated section on the results page. This is an excellent development for anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of well-researched topics and gain insights into important issues. If you value a range of perspectives, watch for the new filter.

Google Updates Rich Testing Tools Drop Down Selector Now Shows URL Inspection Tool 

Google has made an essential update to its Rich Results test that should help people understand where their results are coming from. The test now spells out that it is coming from the Google URL Inspection tool, making it easier for users to understand the source of their data. Previously, the selector only mentioned Googlebot smartphones and desktops, which could have been confusing for those unfamiliar with the specific terminology. By making this change, Google has made it straightforward for everyone to know the source of their data, which is always important when analyzing any kind of result.

Google Adds a “By Owner” Button to The Local Panel

Google continues to refine its platform to make it easier for users to discover and interact with local businesses. The company’s latest addition is a “by owner” button to the local panel within Google Search. When a user clicks on this button, they can quickly access a detailed business description and Google Posts/Updates provided by the owner. This feature is handy for small businesses with a small presence on social media or other platforms, allowing them to showcase their business directly on Google Search.

Bing Webmaster Tools is Testing Sitemap Index Coverage Report

With the testing of the Sitemap Index Coverage Report, website owners can now get an in-depth view of how their sitemap is performing on Bing. This feature provides valuable data on index coverage, allowing website owners to know which URLs are being indexed and which are not. The Sitemap Index Coverage Report is an essential tool for website owners who want to optimize their website’s performance in Bing search results. Now, with the ability to test the Sitemap Index Coverage Report, website owners can ensure that their website is performing at its best and is being appropriately indexed by Bing.

Google Analytics 4 Now Supports AMP Pages – Days Before GA4 Migration Deadline 

Google has great news for publishers using AMP to create fast-loading pages. They can now measure their website performance with Google Analytics 4. With this latest update, publishers can track how their readers engage with their AMP pages and how long they stay on them. Ginny Marvin, the Google Ads Liaison, emphasized how easy it is to implement this new feature with a simple update to the amp-analytics configuration. It’s an exciting development for publishers who want to understand how their readers interact with their AMP pages, making it easier for them to optimize their content and make data-driven decisions to improve their readers’ experience.

PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine

Microsoft Advertising Announced Policy Updates

To prioritize user protection, Microsoft Advertising has announced updates to its policies. These changes include clarifying how policies are enforced and the penalties for violating them. Moreover, the company has also implemented new regulations to restrict certain types of advertising in specific countries. These measures demonstrate Microsoft Advertising’s commitment to ensuring users feel safe and secure while browsing and interacting online. With these new protections in place, customers can rest assured that their privacy and security are of utmost importance to the company.

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.