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 Removes Outdated JavaScript SEO Warning From Documentation
Google has removed an old JavaScript SEO warning from its documentation, stating that the guidance is outdated. The company noted that Google Search has been able to render and process JavaScript for many years, making the previous caution unnecessary. The update reflects improvements in Google’s rendering capabilities and modern web development practices.
Google Explains How It Chooses Thumbnails For Search & Discover
Google has updated its documentation to clarify how it selects thumbnail images for Google Search and Discover. The company says thumbnail selection is automated but publishers can influence it by specifying a preferred image using metadata such as schema.org structured data or the og:image meta tag. Google also recommends using high-quality, relevant images and avoiding generic visuals like logos.
Google Updates AI Mode Recipe Results
Google has updated how recipe-related results appear in AI Mode after criticism from recipe publishers who said the feature reduced traffic to their sites. The company adjusted the experience so users are more likely to see links and visit recipe websites rather than getting the full instructions directly in AI responses. The change aims to balance AI-generated answers with visibility for content creators and publishers.
Google Tests Bold Site Names In Search Results
Google is testing a new search results layout where the site name appears in bold within the search snippet. The change makes the website’s brand more visually prominent compared to the URL and other elements in the result. This appears to be a UI experiment aimed at improving brand visibility and helping users quickly identify the source of a result.
Google Tests Colorful Sections In Knowledge Panels
Google appears to be testing color-coded sections in knowledge panels within search results. Instead of the usual neutral layout, some panels now display background colors such as blue, orange, green, and gray for different sections. The change seems to be a UI experiment aimed at making knowledge panels more visually distinct, and it has been spotted rolling out in some search results.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Merchant Center Adds “Build-to-Order” Attribute For Vehicle Listings
Google has introduced a new “build-to-order” attribute in Google Merchant Center specifically for vehicle listings. The attribute allows dealers to indicate that a vehicle is not immediately available but can be built or customized to order, helping Google display more accurate availability information in listings. This update gives auto sellers a clearer way to represent vehicles that require manufacturing or customization before delivery.
Google Publishes New Help Document On Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP)
Google has released a new help document explaining the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) and its role in powering checkout experiences on Google. UCP is an open standard designed to enable AI-driven shopping and agentic checkout across platforms like Google Search AI Mode and Gemini. The feature is currently limited to eligible U.S. merchants and aims to streamline purchases directly through AI-powered experiences.
