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’s John Mueller Issues Warning About Custom Elements in the Head Section
Incorporating custom HTML tags within a web page’s head section can adversely affect Google’s rendering and indexing processes, ultimately affecting the page’s search engine optimization (SEO). Although custom tags can be advantageous for developers, it is crucial to exercise caution when utilizing them due to compatibility concerns and potential disruptions in interpreting the web page’s structure. Alternatively, using JSON-LD tags presents a viable solution, as they offer flexibility while enhancing the page’s SEO by providing structured metadata.
John Mueller Talks About Safeguarding Personal Information on Google
Google’s content removal process carefully assesses requests using specific criteria. Should a removal request be declined, there is an opportunity to resubmit it along with additional details. Although Google can eliminate links from search results, it’s important to note that the content might still be accessible elsewhere on the internet.
Microsoft Introduces AI-Powered Predictive Targeting for Enhanced Advertising
Microsoft introduces Predictive Targeting, an innovative AI-driven advertising solution that boosts conversion rates, optimizes targeting methods, and provides adaptable audience strategies. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, this cutting-edge tool revolutionizes the advertising landscape. Enhancing conversion rates effectively increases the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Moreover, it streamlines the targeting process, ensuring that ads reach the right audience at the right time. The tool also offers flexibility by complementing existing strategies, allowing advertisers to refine their approach. However, while it holds immense potential, caution must be exercised to mitigate potential drawbacks arising from relying solely on AI for advertising.
Fluctuating Google Search Rankings Reach Boiling Point During Father’s Day Weekend
On June 14th, a Google Search ranking algorithm update was reported, and since then, the Google search results have continued to exhibit unusually high volatility. It appears as though the metaphorical pot of water has been left on the stove, simmering without respite for several consecutive days. Following the June 14th update, various Google search tracking tools have experienced unprecedented activity, generating sustained discussions within the SEO community. This prolonged period of intense volatility, without any confirmed update from Google, is highly remarkable.
Gary Illyes, a member of the Google Search team, emphasized on LinkedIn the importance of refraining from relying on AI and Language Models (LLMs) when it comes to identifying potential SEO issues or other problems with your website. In his statement, Gary explicitly stated, “Don’t use them for diagnosing potential issues with it.” Gary further elaborated, highlighting the alluring nature of LLMs but also underlining their lack of understanding about individual websites. He warned against using them for diagnosing potential issues, stating, “LLMs have a very high wow factor, but they have no clue about your website; don’t use them for diagnosing potential issues with it.”
Google Extends Deprecation Date for Non-Last-Click Rules-Based Attribution Models to Mid-July
Google has delayed the deprecation of non-last-click rules-based attribution models. Originally scheduled for this month, the date has been pushed to mid-July, resulting in a one-month delay. Newly created conversions will no longer offer first click, linear, time decay, or position-based attribution models as options. Existing conversions currently not using these models will also be unable to switch to them. Accounts with conversions using these attribution models can continue to use them until they are completely removed in September. Google had set the deprecation to occur in June 2023, with complete removal by September 2023. However, the start of the process has been rescheduled to mid-next month.
PPC Related News and Updates From Major Search Engines
Google Analytics 4 Introduces Eligibility for Selecting Google Ads Conversion Credits
In a recent announcement, Google Analytics revealed a new feature that allows users to determine the eligibility of various channels for receiving conversion credit for web conversions shared with Google Ads. By default, the designated channel for credit is Google paid channels. However, users now can select between two choices: Google paid channels (formerly known as Ads-preferred) or Paid and organic channels (previously referred to as Cross-channel). This update in Google Analytics offers marketers and advertisers greater control over the allocation of conversion credit, enabling them to tailor their strategies and optimize their campaigns based on their specific objectives and preferences.
Revamped Google Mobile Search Results Showcase Business Profiles and Reviews as Distinct Entities
A new layout in Google’s mobile search results has been introduced where the Google Business Profile listing is displayed in a distinct section. At the same time, the reviews are presented separately in another area further down the page. This updated format allows users to easily access and evaluate business information through the Business Profile listing before scrolling to the reviews section for additional insights and feedback from other users. By segregating these elements, Google aims to provide a clearer and more organized presentation of the business details and customer reviews, enhancing the user experience when searching for local businesses on mobile devices.
Google Ads Delays Implementation of Data-Driven Attribution Shift Until Mid-July
Starting mid-July 2023, Google will eliminate outdated attribution models within Google Ads and promote its AI-driven model for enhanced and flexible advertising performance. The first click, linear, time decay, and position-based attribution models will be discontinued. Google advocates for its data-driven attribution model, powered by artificial intelligence, which offers superior accuracy and adaptability in analyzing the effectiveness of advertisements. Advertisers are advised to configure data-driven attribution, diligently track attribution insights, and contemplate automated bidding techniques to achieve the best possible campaign outcomes.
Enhance Your Google Ads Experience: Transitioning from Dynamic Search Ads to Performance Max
Advertisers are being notified in the Google Ads console to consider transitioning their Search DSA campaigns to Performance Max, signaling a potential shift in PPC practices. Many PPC professionals view this transition as a gradual replacement of DSAs by PMax campaigns, representing an initial step towards this transition. According to the notification displayed to advertisers, they are advised to enhance their conversion value by upgrading their Search DSA campaigns to Performance Max. The notification emphasizes utilizing existing assets, settings, and budgets to create new Performance Max campaigns. This proactive approach from Google Ads aims to deliver improved results and optimize the efficiency of advertisers’ PPC endeavors.
Social Media Related News and Updates From Major Search Engines
LinkedIn Unveils AI-Powered Profile Fraud Detector
LinkedIn has recently introduced a groundbreaking AI image detector designed to identify fraudulent profile images with an astonishing accuracy of 99.6%. This innovative tool boasts an impressively low false positive rate of just 1%. Emerging reports indicate that this state-of-the-art technology has been extensively tested and demonstrated remarkable effectiveness. Anecdotal evidence further reinforces that the new image detector has successfully pinpointed deceptive profile pictures. LinkedIn’s commitment to leveraging advanced artificial intelligence to combat the proliferation of fake accounts highlights its dedication to maintaining a trustworthy professional network.
