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
Old Domain History Needs Time to Be Shaken Off, Says Google
Google’s John Mueller warns that when a domain with prior usage or reputation is repurposed, its past “history or state” can linger and affect performance for a while. The shift doesn’t instantly reset rankings or signals. However, unless the domain was used for pure spam or adult content, most of the past shouldn’t permanently block recovery.
Google Introduces Emoji Answer Box to Optimize Emoji Searches
Google has rolled out an “emoji answer box” for emoji-related search queries, showing the actual emojis at the top of results so users can copy them directly instead of clicking through to other sites. This change may reduce traffic to sites that previously ranked for emoji queries.
Google Tests Removing Underline on Hover for Search Snippets
Google is experimenting with removing the underline that usually appears when users hover over linked snippets in search results. This UI tweak is subtle but could affect how clickable links feel and how users interact with search listings. It’s still a test, not a permanent change.
Surge in Google Business Profile Suspensions Raises Alarms Among Local SEOs
Local SEO practitioners are reporting a significant uptick in suspensions of Google Business Profiles, often occurring soon after account creation or edits. Many suspended accounts are getting reinstated upon appeal, but the trend suggests Google’s spam/quality algorithms may have tightened their rules or enforcement.
Google Tests Sticky Citations in AI Overviews
Google is experimenting with making citation links “sticky” in AI Overviews, so that as you scroll, the source citations stay visible alongside the answer. This change aims to maintain transparency and encourage clicks back to original content even when users scroll down the page.
PPC Related News and Updates
New Compliance Rules for Google Ads Message Assets
Google Ads is updating its requirements for message assets, requiring advertisers to include specific business names and comply with stricter ad policies. The change aims to improve transparency and trust, but non-compliant assets may be disapproved. Advertisers should review their existing message extensions to ensure they meet the new standards.
Google Tests Progress Bar in Shopping Ads Carousel
Google is testing a new visual element in the Shopping Ads carousel — a blue progress bar that indicates how much of the carousel remains as users scroll through products. This addition is designed to give users a clearer sense of browsing progress and encourage deeper engagement with the ad unit. If rolled out widely, it could subtly improve user interaction while making Shopping Ads more visually appealing and intuitive.
