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
Gary Illyes Explains How Google Chooses Canonical Webpages
Google’s Gary Illyes explains how Google chooses canonical web pages. He says, “Google determines if the page is a duplicate of another already known page and which version should be kept in the index, the canonical version.” Essentially, Google aims to identify the primary version of a page that should be displayed in search results. To do this, Google analyzes the content of a page, particularly its main content or centerpiece, and compares it with other pages containing similar content. This process is known as duplicate clustering. Google then evaluates various signals it has calculated for each page to select the canonical version.
Google Releases a Video Tutorial on Identifying Interaction to Next Paint (INP) Issues
Google released a video tutorial on identifying Interaction to Next Paint (INP) issues using Chrome DevTool. This tutorial is valuable for SEO professionals and web developers aiming to navigate this transition and deliver optimized websites. INP has replaced First Input Delay (FID) as a Core Web Vital, making it crucial to assess and optimize your website’s INP score. By following the steps outlined in the tutorial and staying informed about the latest developments, you can ensure your website remains competitive and provides an optimal user experience.
Google’s John Mueller Offers Advice on When To Fix Sites Hit By March 2024 Core Update
Google’s John Mueller advises on whether to fix a website before the Core Update is fully rolled out, stating, “No, it’s not complete. It’ll be labeled complete when it’s finished rolling out.” However, if there are noticeable improvements to be made on your site, Mueller suggests proceeding with the changes. The focus shouldn’t solely be on pleasing search engines; improving user experience should also be a priority. Users will benefit from enhancements even if search engines haven’t updated their perception of your site yet.
Google’s John Mueller Suggests That Overfocusing On Links Could Be A Waste Of Time
Google’s John Mueller suggested that over focusing on links could potentially be a waste of time. He explains that there is no objective way to count links on the web, as each tool collects its data from crawling, which can be done differently by each tool. This means that there will always be differences in the link counts reported by different tools. Therefore, Mueller recommends not placing too much emphasis on the absolute count of links. He goes on to highlight that search engines have multiple ways of discovering websites, including through the use of sitemaps. There are other more important factors for websites to consider, and hyper-focusing on links can often lead to wasted time on activities that do not actually improve the overall quality of the website.
Google Search Console Reporting Bug for Web Stories & AMP Pages in Google Images
Between March 28, 2024, and April 2, 2024, Google encountered a reporting and data logging problem within Google Search Console, impacting the reporting of AMP pages and Web Stories in Google Images. This issue was identified as a logging error by Google, which prevented accurate reporting during the specified period. Users might observe a decline in clicks and impressions for AMP pages and Web Stories in the Search Console Performance report. However, Google reassured us that this was solely a logging issue and didn’t affect actual traffic or user engagement.
Google Tests an Arrow to Toggle to The Next Local Pack Listing in The Search Result
Google is constantly testing and experimenting with new features and updates to improve user experience. One of their recent tests includes an arrow or toggle that allows users to easily navigate to the next local pack listing in the search results. This feature becomes visible after clicking on an individual local listing in the Google Search results. By clicking on the arrow or swiping on mobile devices, users can quickly move on to the next listing without having to go back to the search results page. This new feature aims to enhance navigation and make it more convenient for users to explore local businesses or services within their search results.
Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
YouTube rolled out a new feature in its Studio analytics that provides valuable insights into the number of impressions from both new and returning viewers. This latest addition is designed to assist channels in gaining a better understanding of their audience composition and reach. By utilizing these insightful metrics, content creators can now tailor their content strategy to cater to both new and returning viewers effectively. This will enable channels to deliver more personalized and engaging content, ultimately resulting in higher viewer retention and increased channel growth.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Tests Search Ads Carousel Slider in the Search Results
Google is testing a new format where search ads are displayed in a slider or carousel. This format allows users to swipe through various ads, providing them with a more interactive and engaging experience. By incorporating this slider format, Google aims to make ads more visually appealing and easier to navigate. This new format also benefits advertisers by increasing the visibility of their ads and potentially improving click-through rates. As Google continues to refine and optimize this new ad format, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the advertising landscape and user behavior.
Google Ads Tests “Related To Your Search” Label
Google is constantly working to improve its search experience for users, and one of its recent tests involves a new label on search ads. This label, which reads “Related to your search,” aims to provide users with more context and relevance for the ads they see. By indicating that the ads are related to the user’s search query, Google is helping users make more informed decisions about the content they choose to engage with. This test aligns with Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and deliver a more personalized search experience for its users.
Microsoft Announces a Number of New Microsoft Advertising Features
Microsoft unveiled several exciting additions to its Microsoft Advertising platform. Among the key updates is the expansion of the “maximize conversion value” feature, previously limited to shopping search campaigns, to now include search campaigns as well. This enhancement aims to boost conversion value across different advertising formats. Additionally, Microsoft announced the introduction of Microsoft Click ID and AI image cropping capabilities and disclosed the deprecation date for the hotel center.
Google Ads New Text Or Email To Call Feature
Google Ads introduced a new feature for Call Us extensions, making it easier for users to connect with businesses. Previously, Google displayed a QR code on the screen that users could scan from their phones to initiate a call. However, Google is now testing an alternative method, which is sending the phone number directly to users via text or email. This update aims to enhance user experience and streamline the process of contacting businesses through Google Ads. By providing multiple options for initiating calls, Google is ensuring that users can easily connect with businesses in a way that is convenient and accessible to them.
