We hope you are in good health. Here are some of the major SEO news updates of the week you need to know:
Search Related News and Updates from Major Search Engines
Google Suggests Using Multiple Date Signals on Webpages
Google emphasizes the need for webpages to include multiple date indicators to ensure that the correct date appears in search results. This recommendation comes after a date error was brought to light on Twitter by Glenn Gabe, leading Google’s Search Liaison Danny Sullivan, to remind the community of the importance of this practice. Webpages need to keep their dates up-to-date, as this can affect their visibility and credibility in search results. By including multiple data signals on a webpage, such as the HTML code publication date and the HTTP header’s modified date, web admins can help prevent errors and ensure that the correct information is displayed to users. By following this recommended practice, web admins can help provide a better user experience and maintain the trust of their audience.
Reports Say Microsoft Bing to Launch ChatGPT in March
According to reports, Microsoft is expected to update its Bing search engine by the end of March to include artificial intelligence from OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot. This new feature will allow Bing to answer search queries with complete sentences rather than just providing a list of links. Microsoft’s goal is to give Bing a competitive advantage over Google, its main search rival. It is not yet known how Bing will integrate OpenAI’s software. This update also represents an opportunity for Microsoft to see a return on its $1 billion investment in OpenAI in 2019.
Google Revises Guidance on Structured Data for Articles
Google has revised the documentation for its Article structured data, which supports the Article, NewsArticle, and BlogPosting Schema types. The update impacts the headline property, ensuring it adheres to guidance on title elements and links. Web admins must stay up-to-date with Google’s structured data guidelines to ensure their content is properly represented in search results and avoid potential penalties. Properly implementing structured data can also help improve the visibility and credibility of a webpage in search results, leading to a better user experience.
Google Search Ranking Algorithm Experienced Updates on January 3rd and 4th
It appears that Google’s December 2022 helpful content update and link spam update are still in progress and have been causing increased volatility and discussions within the SEO industry over the past day. Some speculate that there may be another Google algorithm update happening or that it could be a continuation of the previous updates on January 3rd and 4th. It is common for Google to roll out updates to its search ranking algorithm in stages, and webmasters need to stay informed about these updates to ensure that their websites are optimized for search. It is also worth noting that Google frequently makes small updates to its algorithm regularly, so it is always a good idea to stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
Google Updates Crawl Budget Help Document to Include If-Modified-Since Section
Google has added a new section on the If-Modified-Since request header to its crawl budget management help document. The section titled “Specify content changes with HTTP status codes” explains that Google generally supports using these headers for crawling purposes. However, it also notes that Google’s crawlers may not always include these headers in their requests, depending on the specific use case. This new section provides additional guidance to web admins on using the If-Modified-Since and If-None-Match HTTP request headers to help manage their crawl budget and ensure that Google properly indexes their content.
Social Media Related News and Updates From Major Search Engines
YouTube Makes Predictions for What Will Go Viral in 2023
On a recent episode of YouTube’s official trends podcast, company representatives discussed the video trends they expect to see on the platform in 2023. They predict that travel content will make a comeback and YouTube Shorts will continue to grow in popularity. The hosts share their thoughts on what creators and viewers expect to see in the coming year. If you are a content creator looking for inspiration or just curious about what’s coming up on YouTube, this podcast is a great resource.
LinkedIn Reveals 7 Upcoming Updates for 2023
LinkedIn has announced seven new features that will be released in 2023 as part of the company’s annual preview of upcoming updates. These features include changes to job search, although specific details about the updates have not been revealed. LinkedIn users need to stay informed about these updates, as they may impact how they use the platform. Whether a job seeker or a business owner, keeping up with the latest features on LinkedIn can help you make the most of the forum and stay competitive. It is also worth noting that LinkedIn frequently releases updates and new features throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye out for future announcements.
Instagram CEO Shares Top 3 Priorities for 2023
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has outlined his top priorities for the platform in 2023, which include amplifying content distribution and facilitating new connections. Last year, Mosseri stated that Instagram’s priorities were video, messaging, transparency, and control, and helping creators make a living. While he believes the company made progress on these goals, he admits there were some missteps, such as the full-screen redesign that was met with widespread backlash and eventually reverted to the previous interface. As Instagram looks ahead to 2023, Mosseri focuses on bringing people together through shared interests and passions.
PPC Related News and Updates From Major Search Engines
Google Ads Removes Redundant Keywords Recommendation Across Match Types
Google has sent email notifications to some of its Google Ads advertisers announcing changes to the remove redundant keywords recommendation. The notification states that Google is making “improvements” to this recommendation type, but the specific details of these changes have not been disclosed. The company is now expanding this recommendation to work across match types, which some advertisers may not view as an improvement. Google Ads advertisers need to stay informed about updates and changes to the platform to optimize their campaigns and ensure that their ads are effective.