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 Publishes a Case Study that Shows the Importance Of Structured Data
Google published a case study that highlights the importance of using structured data and adhering to best practices. The study specifically focused on the use of video-structured data, but the findings can be applied to various content types. By implementing structured data and following recommended guidelines, websites experienced improved discoverability and increased search traffic. The case study serves as a valuable resource for website owners and digital marketers seeking to enhance their online presence and drive more organic traffic to their platforms.
In an update to its coupons FAQs, Google has provided further clarification on how its site reputation abuse policy would impact certain websites. The clarification was made in the original Google March core update blog post. According to Google, white-label services that primarily focus on redistributing coupons with the intention of manipulating search rankings would be deemed in violation of its policy. This move by Google aims to crack down on any practices that seek to manipulate search results and maintain the integrity of its search engine. It serves as a reminder for businesses to prioritize ethical practices in their online marketing strategies.
Google Discussion Forum Structured Data Now Includes Support for SocialMediaPosting Markup
Google made an update to its discussion forum structured data help documentation to provide clarity on the support for SocialMediaPosting markup. While Google had previously indicated that this markup was more suitable for “generic social media platforms” rather than discussion forums, it now confirms that SocialMediaPosting markup is indeed supported. Additionally, Google also specified that comments within this markup should only contain images or videos without any accompanying text. This update ensures that webmasters and developers understand the proper implementation of structured data for their discussion forum websites and can optimize their content accordingly.
Google Will Still Index Websites That Are Not Mobile-Friendly After 5th July
In a LinkedIn post, Gary Illyes from Google clarified that Google will still index websites that are not mobile-friendly after July 5th. However, there is one important change – the site must be accessible to the smartphone user agent of Googlebot. Previously, if Googlebot was unable to access a site due to network or HTTP errors, it couldn’t be indexed in Google Search. This rule will still apply. The mobile-friendliness of the site is not a determining factor in this case, although it is recommended for a better user experience. Website owners need to ensure that their sites are accessible to the smartphone user agent of Googlebot to maintain their visibility in Google’s search results.
Google’s Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan, emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback in improving search results. Rather than being upset about complaints and feedback, Google sees them as valuable opportunities for growth and enhancement. Sullivan believes that those who receive feedback should recognize its value and actively seek ways to improve based on it. This approach is central to Google’s philosophy in the realm of search. They carefully analyze the feedback they receive, striving to understand how they can enhance their search algorithms and user experience. While perfection may be elusive, Google continuously works towards improvement, acknowledging that progress takes time.
Google Tests a New “Chat” Section With SMS & WhatsApp in the Google Business Profiles
In a move to enhance communication between businesses and customers, Google is testing a new “Chat” section on its Business Profiles. This feature allows businesses to interact with their customers via SMS and WhatsApp. By integrating these popular messaging platforms, Google aims to provide a seamless and convenient way for users to connect with businesses. This update is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises that rely heavily on direct customer engagement. With the “Chat” section, businesses can respond to customer queries in real-time, build stronger relationships, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction.
Google Fixes The Search Console Links Report Bug
The Google Search Console link report recently experienced some issues, resulting in a decline in the number of links being reported by the tool. A significant drop followed this decline in link counts a few days later. However, it appears that the tool has now been fixed, as it is displaying the previous link count before the bug occurred. This is good news for website owners and SEO professionals who rely on accurate link data to measure the performance and visibility of their websites. With this fix, users can once again trust the link report provided by the Google Search Console for their analysis and optimization efforts.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Ads Prepares Advertisers for Upcoming Data Privacy Compliance Laws
Google Ads is taking proactive measures to prepare advertisers for the upcoming data privacy compliance laws. With user privacy concerns reaching an all-time high, many individual states have taken it upon themselves to enact their own privacy law provisions. These laws are set to be implemented later this year, and advertisers need to be aware of and comply with these regulations. Google Ads recognizes the importance of protecting user data and is working closely with advertisers to ensure that their campaigns adhere to these new laws. By providing guidance and resources, Google Ads aims to support advertisers in maintaining the highest standards of data privacy compliance.
Google Tests New Analytics for the Google Merchant Center
Google Merchant Center is currently experimenting with various new analytics features for its Merchant Center console. While the data being analyzed is not new, the user experience (UX) has undergone significant improvements. The analytics are now displayed in a more user-friendly and easy-to-navigate manner, making it simpler for users to access and interpret the data. These updates aim to enhance the overall usability of the Merchant Center console and provide merchants with more intuitive tools to optimize their online selling strategies. With these new analytics features, merchants can gain valuable insights into their performance and make informed decisions to drive better results.
Import Google Ads Conversion Data to Microsoft Advertising Automatically
Microsoft reached out to a select group of Microsoft Advertising advertisers through email to inform them about a significant update. For those who have previously imported data from Google Ads into their Microsoft Advertising accounts, Microsoft will now automatically import their Google Ads conversion data into their Microsoft Advertising campaigns. This new feature aims to streamline the process for advertisers and ensure that they have access to accurate and up-to-date conversion data from both platforms. By automating this process, Microsoft is making it easier for advertisers to optimize their campaigns and make informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
Microsoft Advertising Announces To Move Smart Shopping Campaigns To Performance Max
In its monthly update, Microsoft made an important announcement regarding the migration of smart shopping campaigns to Performance Max. Microsoft notified advertisers of this change through emails. This transition to Performance Max is expected to enhance the functionality and performance of smart shopping campaigns. With this update, Microsoft aims to provide advertisers with a more efficient and effective advertising experience.
