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 to Discontinue Business Profile Chat Feature in Google Business Profiles by July 31
Google has announced that it will be discontinuing the Business Profile chat feature by July 31. While this may come as a disappointment to some businesses who have been relying on this feature to communicate with their customers, there is no need to worry. Google has assured that customers will still be able to contact businesses through other means. In addition, businesses will have the option to download their chat history before the feature is deactivated. This will allow them to retain any important conversations or information that may have been exchanged with customers.
Data Reveals Google AI Overviews are Disrupting Ecommerce Search Visibility
The analysis conducted by Bartosz Góralewicz, founder of Onely, sheds light on the disruptive nature of Google’s AI overviews on ecommerce visibility. The study, which examined 25,000 ecommerce queries, reveals that 16% of these queries now display an AI overview in the search results. This has significant implications for online retailers, as these AI overviews account for 13% of the total search volume in this sector. What is particularly interesting is that 80% of the sources listed in these AI overviews do not rank organically for the original query. This suggests that Google’s AI is pulling product data from non-ranking sources, further complicating the visibility of ecommerce websites.
Google Rolls Out New Social Profile Feature For Reviewers
Google is introducing a new social profile feature that enables users to access, control, and distribute their written reviews on Google’s different platforms. The company made this announcement through an email sent to individuals who have shared reviews on Google Search. According to Google’s email notification, the main aim of this feature is to enhance the usefulness of users’ reviews for others. With this new social profile feature, users can now easily manage and share their reviews, ensuring that their feedback reaches a wider audience and provides valuable insights for those seeking recommendations or information.
Google Search API Documentation Leak: Sparked Controversy Within the SEO Community
The leak of Google API documents has caused a stir within the SEO community, as they seem to contradict Google’s previous public statements. This revelation has ignited intense debate among industry professionals, who are trying to make sense of the implications. However, without official confirmation from Google, it is difficult to ascertain the true significance of these leaked documents. SEO experts are eagerly awaiting an official response from Google to provide clarity on the matter. Until then, speculation and discussions will continue to dominate the SEO community.
Google Confirms Search Ranking Data Leak But Urges Caution
Google has confirmed that there was a leak of search ranking data. However, the company is urging caution when it comes to making assumptions about how Google Search ranking works based on the leaked documents. While the leak may provide some insights into the inner workings of Google’s search algorithm, it is important to remember that the algorithm is complex and constantly evolving. Making assumptions based solely on leaked documents may not provide an accurate understanding of how rankings are determined. It is always best to rely on official statements and guidelines from Google when it comes to optimizing websites for search rankings.
Google Adds a Couple of New Options to the Spam Reporting Tool
Google added new options to its spam reporting tool aimed at improving site reputation and addressing the issue of expired domain abuse. These additions to the tool provide users with more comprehensive ways to report spam and ensure that Google’s search engine optimization algorithms are able to identify and penalize websites that engage in these abusive practices. By allowing users to report site reputation abuse and expired domain abuse, Google is taking steps to maintain the quality and credibility of its search results.
Google Tests People Also Ask Shaded Boxed Interface Within the Mobile Google Search Results
Google is constantly testing and refining its search engine interface to provide the best user experience possible. One of its recent experiments involves a shaded boxed interface for the “People Also Ask” feature within the mobile Google search results. This new design aims to make it easier for users to navigate through related questions and find the information they are looking for. By grouping the questions in a shaded box, Google creates a visually distinct section that stands out from the rest of the search results.
Google Offers Early Adopter Badge For Using Search Notes
Google is offering an Early Adopter Badge to users who utilize the Search Notes feature. This badge is being promoted in the Google Discover feed and encourages users to add a note in order to earn it. With Search Notes, users can jot down important information or reminders directly within the Google app. This feature allows users to access and reference their notes whenever needed easily. By rewarding early adopters with a badge, Google is incentivizing users to engage with this new feature and take advantage of its benefits. This strategy not only encourages user participation but also helps Google gather valuable feedback to improve its services further.
Google Adds Wheelchair Accessible Icon to the Business Profile Listings in Google Maps
In an effort to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities, Google has introduced a new feature in Google Maps. Businesses that self-claim to be wheelchair-accessible now have a distinctive icon displayed next to their name in the Business Profile listings. However, it is worth noting that this feature is currently only visible in Google Maps and not in Google Search. This addition aims to provide wheelchair users with valuable information when searching for accessible businesses, making it easier for them to navigate their surroundings.
Google Tests a Large Blue Visit Button on its Mobile Search Results Interface
Google is currently conducting tests on its mobile search results interface by implementing a large blue visit button. This button is strategically placed under the sitelinks, making it highly visible and difficult to overlook. The purpose of this test is to enhance user experience and make it easier for searchers to navigate to the desired website. By prominently displaying the visit button, Google aims to streamline the process of accessing relevant information and improve overall user satisfaction. It will be interesting to see the results of this test and whether the visit button becomes a permanent feature in Google’s mobile search results interface.
Google Images New “See Exact Matches” Feature Helps You Find Who Stole Your Images
Google Images introduced a new feature called “See Exact Matches,” which allows users to identify instances where their images have been stolen easily. By uploading an image, users can now see all the locations across the web where Google finds that image. This feature enables individuals to track down those who have used their images without permission and take appropriate action. Whether it’s for personal or professional reasons, this tool empowers users to protect their intellectual property and ensure that their creative work is respected. With the ability to easily identify image theft, individuals can now take the necessary steps to have their stolen images removed from unauthorized sources.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Undated Google Ads Experiments Will Now be Assigned a Default End Date of August 23, 2024
Google notified some Google Ads advertisers via email that if any of their Google Ads experiments do not have an end date specified, a default end date of August 23, 2024, will be assigned to them. This update aims to ensure that advertisers keep their experiments active and relevant. However, Google also emphasized that advertisers have the flexibility to adjust their end dates for ads manually to prevent them from expiring automatically. By allowing advertisers to customize the duration of their experiments, Google aims to provide more control and flexibility in managing advertising campaigns effectively.
