Published on 2024-11-02 by Marcus Tober

Timeframe: Last 7 Days
Number of articles: 26
Categories: General SEO, SEO News, Technical SEO, Local SEO, Mobile SEO, SEO Strategy, AI News, Content Marketing, Google Updates

Redefining SEO: AI Overviews and the road ahead

The SEO landscape is rapidly evolving, particularly with the introduction of AI Overviews by Google, which are reshaping how search results are displayed. Featured snippets may now serve as citations in AI Overviews, suggesting that optimizing for them remains valuable. Interestingly, AI Overviews can pull from multiple sources, meaning that ranking outside the top 10 can still lead to visibility. High-quality content is essential, as low-quality material is becoming obsolete. Brand mentions are gaining importance, and being active on platforms like Reddit and Wikipedia can enhance visibility in AI Overviews. Additionally, optimizing click-through rates (CTR) is crucial as AI Overviews may divert clicks from traditional SERPs. Brands must also guard against negative SEO tactics that could manipulate AI outputs. Understanding retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) technology is vital for adapting SEO strategies to this new landscape. Overall, SEOs must rethink their approaches to thrive in an AI-driven search environment.
Source: Search Engine Land
Link: https://searchengineland.com/redefining-seo-ai-overviews-447872
Date: October 31st, 2024

Google Search Entity Trust Scores From APIVoid & ScamAdviser

Google is now displaying trust scores for certain website entities in its knowledge panel, sourced from APIVoid and ScamAdviser. For instance, a search for ‘GoogleWatchBlog’ reveals an APIVoid score of 90% and a ScamAdviser score of 75%. This feature, first noted by Valentin Pletzer, is not universally available for all websites, sparking discussions in online forums about its implications for SEO and website credibility.
Source: Search Engine Roundtable
Link: https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-trust-scores-38314.html
Date: October 31st, 2024

Google Menu Highlights Search Carousel

Google has introduced a new feature that displays a restaurant’s menu directly at the top of search results when users search for the restaurant’s brand name. This ‘menu highlights’ carousel showcases selected menu items prominently, moving beyond the traditional local pack listings. BrightLocal first reported this update, emphasizing its visibility on desktop searches. This change may impact how restaurants are perceived in search results, as related places can also appear, potentially overshadowing the brand itself.
Source: Search Engine Roundtable
Link: https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-menu-highlights-carousel-38302.html
Date: October 31st, 2024

NerdWallet reveals costly Google SEO visibility challenges

NerdWallet faced significant challenges in organic search visibility during Q3, with CEO Tim Chen noting a 16% year-over-year drop in credit card revenue, primarily due to declining organic search traffic. The rise of Google AI Overviews, which provide direct answers in search results, is contributing to this trend, with predictions of a potential 25% decline in search traffic by 2026. Monthly unique users fell by 7%, and while shopping traffic showed some recovery, education-oriented traffic continued to decline. Despite these hurdles, NerdWallet reported a 25% increase in Q3 revenue, reaching $191 million, highlighting their brand strength and user relationships amidst the evolving search landscape.
Source: Search Engine Land
Link: https://searchengineland.com/nerdwallet-organic-search-visibility-challenges-447884
Date: October 30th, 2024

Google’s next algorithm update is coming soon, but don’t expect to recover lost traffic

Google is set to release a new algorithm update soon, but content creators who have experienced ranking declines should not expect to recover lost traffic. This was a key takeaway from the recent Web Creator Summit held at Googleplex, where executives addressed concerns from affected creators. Notably, Google acknowledged that the content itself may not be the issue and that larger sites are manipulating search rankings. Attendees were left with mixed feelings; some are considering new projects, while others still hope for improvements. Key insights included that Google cannot guarantee recovery and that the focus should be on creating valuable content for readers. The event highlighted Google’s commitment to listening to feedback and improving its algorithms to support independent creators.
Source: Search Engine Land
Link: https://searchengineland.com/googles-next-update-coming-soon-but-dont-expect-to-recover-lost-traffic-447873
Date: October 30th, 2024

We Studied 200,000 AI Overviews: Here’s What We Learned

In 2024, AI-driven search results are reshaping website visibility, making insights into AI Overviews (AIOs) crucial for staying competitive. An analysis of 200,000 keywords revealed that 82% of desktop and 76% of mobile AIOs were for low-volume keywords, primarily targeting informational queries (80% desktop, 76% mobile). Notably, top organic rankings do not guarantee AIO inclusion, with only 5% of SERPs featuring both AIOs and PPC ads. The average AIO response length was 119 words on desktop and 91 on mobile, often containing numerous links—up to 302 for specific queries. Industries like Health and People & Society frequently triggered AIOs, with question keywords being the most common. This data highlights the evolving landscape of SEO, where maintaining visibility in AIOs is as important as traditional rankings. As Google integrates ads into AIOs, understanding these dynamics is essential for marketers aiming to optimize their strategies in this new search environment.
Source: Semrush Blog
Link: https://www.semrush.com/blog/ai-overviews-study/
Date: October 30th, 2024

Google Loses €2.4B Battle Against Small Business Founders via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

A significant legal battle between a British couple, Shivaun and Adam Raff, and Google has concluded with Europe’s highest court upholding a €2.4 billion fine against the tech giant. The Raffs, who launched the price comparison site Foundem in 2006, faced severe penalties from Google that buried their site in search results, effectively cutting off their traffic. After years of appeals and a European Commission investigation, which revealed similar issues for other services, the court’s ruling confirms that Google engaged in anti-competitive practices by favoring its own services. Despite Google’s claims of compliance and improvements, the ruling comes too late for Foundem, which closed in 2016. The case has set a legal precedent that could influence future digital marketplace regulations, including the EU’s Digital Markets Act, and the Raffs are now pursuing a civil damages claim against Google, scheduled for 2026.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-loses-e2-4b-battle-against-small-business-founders/531171/
Date: October 29th, 2024

Transformation Complete: Google’s New AI Shopping Experience Verticalizes Search via @sejournal, @Kevin_Indig

Google has launched a revamped shopping experience powered by AI, aiming to enhance personalization and compete more effectively in the ecommerce space. This new layout transforms Google into a shopping marketplace, integrating 45 billion product listings with advanced AI models. As Google shifts focus from general search to verticalized experiences, the demand for specialized SEO skills is growing. The urgency for this transformation is heightened by competition from Amazon and TikTok, which are increasingly encroaching on Google’s territory. While the impact of this personalized shopping experience on organic clicks remains uncertain, early indications suggest a significant shift in ecommerce SEO strategies, emphasizing product page optimization over category pages. Additionally, Google’s approach to personalization may evolve, leveraging user behavior and data from platforms like YouTube. The article highlights the challenges marketers face in adapting to these changes and the potential implications for organic traffic and ecommerce dynamics.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/transformation-complete-googles-new-ai-shopping-experience-verticalizes-search/531039/
Date: October 29th, 2024

Core Web Vitals Documentation Updated via @sejournal, @martinibuster

The recent update to the Core Web Vitals documentation introduces Interaction to Next Paint (INP), a new metric that measures how quickly a website responds to user interactions like clicks and taps. Officially recognized in Spring 2024, INP replaces the retired First Input Delay metric, offering a more comprehensive view of user experience. The scoring thresholds for INP are set at under 200 ms for ‘good’, 200-500 ms for ‘needs improvement’, and over 500 ms for ‘poor’. Notably, these thresholds are uniform across devices, reflecting user expectations rather than device capabilities. The decision to focus on mobile performance stems from the high traffic from mobile users, with the top 10,000 websites revealing that achieving a 300 ms threshold would classify many as ‘poor’. The Chrome team aims for realistic metrics, especially for lower-end mobile devices, making the 200 ms threshold a reasonable target for good user experiences. This update clarifies how Chrome defines achievable metrics and enhances understanding of INP’s role in web performance.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/core-web-vitals-documentation-updated/531052/
Date: October 29th, 2024

Google Expands AI Overviews In Search To Over 100 Countries via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

Google is expanding its AI Overviews in Search feature to over 100 countries, reaching more than one billion users monthly. This rollout, the largest since its US launch in May, includes multilingual support in languages like English, Hindi, and Spanish. Enhancements for website discovery include improved link displays and mobile-optimized icons, which have reportedly increased website traffic. Additionally, Google has started integrating ads within AI Overviews for mobile users in the US, clearly distinguishing between organic and sponsored results. This significant update raises questions about its effects on traditional search rankings and web traffic patterns.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-expands-ai-overviews-in-search-to-over-100-countries/531016/
Date: October 28th, 2024

Google Search Console Performance Report Showing Almost No Data Today

Users of Google Search Console are experiencing a significant bug where today’s performance report shows almost zero data. This issue appears to be widespread, affecting multiple properties and is not isolated to individual users. Complaints have surfaced on social media, confirming that many are facing the same problem. Importantly, this glitch seems unrelated to the recent unconfirmed Google ranking update. As of now, Google has not provided any official comment on the matter, but users can find ongoing discussions about the issue on various forums.
Source: Search Engine Roundtable
Link: https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-performance-report-bug-38311.html
Date: October 28th, 2024

Google’s SEO Tip for Fixing Canonical URLs via @sejournal, @martinibuster

In a recent LinkedIn discussion, Google’s John Mueller clarified how the search engine determines canonical URLs, which are essential when multiple URLs contain the same content. He emphasized that while there are three primary methods to indicate a preferred URL—redirecting duplicates, using the rel=canonical link attribute, and listing it in the sitemap—Google relies on additional signals beyond these. Internal linking plays a crucial role; strong internal links to a preferred URL can significantly influence Google’s choice. Mueller also noted that issues like outdated internal links or incorrect redirects could lead to Google selecting the wrong canonical URL. Therefore, SEOs should ensure their internal linking strategy aligns with their preferred canonical URLs to improve search visibility.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/googles-seo-tip-for-fixing-canonical-urls/530952/
Date: October 28th, 2024

Automattic’s Response To WP Engine Lawsuit Reframes Narrative via @sejournal, @martinibuster

In a recent legal dispute, Matt Mullenweg and Automattic filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from WP Engine, arguing that WP Engine is the party causing harm by exploiting WordPress resources without giving back to the community. The motion highlights Mullenweg’s role in founding WordPress and his commitment to its open-source principles, asserting that WP Engine has benefited significantly from the platform while failing to support it. The defendants accuse WP Engine of trademark infringement for using the WordPress name in its products without permission and emphasize that Mullenweg’s public stance was a defense of the WordPress community. The motion reveals a complex relationship where Mullenweg sought to engage WP Engine as a partner, but their refusal to contribute meaningfully led to the current conflict. The case now awaits a judicial decision, with the narrative showcasing differing perspectives on the dispute.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/automattics-response-to-wp-engine-lawsuit-reframes-narrative/531495/
Date: November 01st, 2024

Google Ad Revenue Up 10% - With Biggest Ad Revenue Quarter Ever

In its Q3 2024 earnings report, Google/Alphabet announced a record ad revenue of $65.85 billion, marking a 10% increase from $59.65 billion in the same quarter last year. Overall revenue rose 15% to $88.3 billion, with profits soaring 33% to $26.3 billion. Notably, search revenue alone increased by 12% to $49.39 billion. CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the company’s strong momentum, attributing success to ongoing innovation and significant investments in AI, which have also led to a remarkable 90% reduction in costs per query for AI Overviews. This quarter’s ad revenue surpasses the previous record set in Q4 2023, reinforcing Google’s dominance in the digital advertising space. Meanwhile, Reddit also reported a 16% increase in earnings, showcasing a competitive landscape in online advertising.
Source: Search Engine Roundtable
Link: https://www.seroundtable.com/alphabet-google-ad-revenue-up-10-38322.html
Date: October 30th, 2024

ChatGPT search officially launches

OpenAI has officially launched its ChatGPT search product, allowing select users to search the web directly through ChatGPT. This marks a significant step in OpenAI’s strategy to compete with Google’s search dominance by offering a cleaner, ad-free user experience. ChatGPT search features real-time information across categories like weather, stocks, sports, news, and maps, with sources cited through inline citations. Currently, access is limited to ChatGPT Plus or Team users, with plans to roll out to free users in the coming months. The search utilizes a fine-tuned version of GPT-4o and collaborates with Microsoft Bing for data. OpenAI aims to enhance the search experience further, particularly for shopping and travel queries, while also exploring the integration of its experimental SearchGPT prototype. This development could reshape how users interact with search engines, emphasizing relevancy and reducing misinformation.
Source: Search Engine Land
Link: https://searchengineland.com/chatgpt-search-officially-launches-447919
Date: October 31st, 2024

YouTube Expands AI-Generated Video Summaries, Adds New Tools via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

YouTube is expanding its AI-generated video summaries feature globally, allowing viewers to quickly grasp video content without replacing creators’ descriptions. The platform also introduced a revamped mobile content management system, enhancing organization and visibility for creators. Community engagement tools are being updated, with a new ‘Community’ tab offering improved metrics and AI-driven comment suggestions. Additionally, an AI-powered support chatbot is being tested for creators on Studio desktop. These features will be rolled out gradually, with YouTube seeking feedback from users during the process.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/youtube-expands-ai-generated-video-summaries-adds-new-tools/531348/
Date: October 30th, 2024

Meta Takes Step To Replace Google Index In AI Search via @sejournal, @martinibuster

Meta is reportedly developing a search engine index for its AI chatbot, aiming to reduce its reliance on Google for generating summaries of current events. The bot, known as Meta-ExternalAgent, has been actively crawling the internet since summer, with reports of excessive activity, including one user noting 50,000 hits. Despite claims of respecting robots.txt, the bot did not adhere to this protocol. The goal is to create a search index that complements Meta AI, allowing it to provide AI-generated summaries directly within the chatbot. Currently, the Meta AI still links to Google for search results, indicating that this initiative may be a precursor to challenging Google and other search engines in the AI search space.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/meta-takes-step-to-remove-google-from-ai-search/531200/
Date: October 30th, 2024

How Compression Can Be Used To Detect Low Quality Pages via @sejournal, @martinibuster

The article explores the concept of compressibility as a quality signal in SEO, highlighting its potential to identify spammy web pages. Compressibility refers to how much a file can be reduced in size while retaining essential information, and search engines may use this metric to detect duplicate content and doorway pages. A significant 2006 research paper by notable computer scientists, including Google’s Marc Najork, found that web pages with a compression ratio of 4.0 or higher were predominantly spam, with 70% of such pages classified as low quality. However, relying solely on compressibility can lead to false positives, as it only identifies specific types of spam. The study concluded that combining multiple on-page signals enhances spam detection accuracy and reduces misclassification of legitimate pages. Key takeaways include the effectiveness of compressibility in spotting redundancy-type spam and the importance of using a variety of signals for reliable SEO strategies.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/how-compression-can-be-used-to-detect-low-quality-pages/530916/
Date: October 27th, 2024

A New Era Of SEO: Leveraging YouTube, LinkedIn, And Cross-Channel Strategies For Success via @sejournal, @gregjarboe

SEO professionals are entering a transformative era, moving away from the ‘Age of the One-Trick Pony’ that began in 2002 with Google’s dominance. To thrive, SEO specialists must expand their skill sets to include digital analytics, digital advertising, content marketing, and social media marketing. Traditional metrics like keyword rankings are becoming less relevant, as nearly 60% of Google searches result in zero clicks. Learning digital analytics can help measure success against business goals, while collaboration with advertising teams can enhance marketing strategies. As the landscape evolves, SEO roles may shift away from traditional titles, emphasizing the need for a broader understanding of digital marketing strategies. The future demands a focus on integrated approaches and continuous learning to seize opportunities in a rapidly changing environment.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/new-era-seo-leveraging-youtube-linkedin-cross-channel-strategies-for-success/527768/
Date: October 28th, 2024

Turning Insights into Action: Benchmarking & Strategic SEO via @sejournal, @Conductor

SEO is more than just improving search engine rankings; it’s about understanding your audience and adapting to ever-changing algorithms, especially with the rise of generative AI. To create an effective SEO strategy, businesses should align their goals with key performance indicators (KPIs), set realistic expectations, conduct thorough audits, and perform keyword research. Identifying valuable pages, keeping content updated, optimizing user experience, and analyzing competitors are crucial steps. Building brand authority through link building and integrating SEO into workflows can enhance results. Finally, aligning SEO with the customer journey and regularly measuring success are essential for long-term growth. With dedication and a tailored approach, even beginners can achieve high rankings in search results.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/rundowns/turning-insights-into-action-benchmarking-strategic-seo/
Date: October 31st, 2024

4 of the best technical SEO tools

In the quest to enhance SEO strategies, selecting the right tools is crucial. This article highlights four top technical SEO tools: Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, URL Profiler, and GTMetrix. Screaming Frog is a cost-effective desktop tool that excels in technical SEO analysis but has a steeper learning curve. Ahrefs, a cloud-based platform, offers comprehensive site audits and user-friendly insights, making it ideal for broader SEO tasks. URL Profiler automates the fetching of authority metrics, particularly useful for analyzing large backlink datasets. Lastly, GTMetrix helps identify page speed issues and complements other tools like Page Speed Insights. Each tool brings unique strengths to optimize website performance and user experience.
Source: Search Engine Land
Link: https://searchengineland.com/best-technical-seo-tools-447763
Date: October 31st, 2024

I Analyzed 300K Keywords. Here’s What I Learned About AI Overviews

A recent study analyzed the differences between AI Overview (AIO) SERPs and non-AIO SERPs, revealing key insights for SEO strategies. AIO SERPs predominantly feature low-volume, long-tail keywords, averaging only 150 searches per month—98% lower than non-AIO keywords. AIO keywords also show 88% less traffic potential and have a median keyword difficulty of 12, compared to 33 for non-AIO keywords. Interestingly, 99.2% of AIO keywords are informational, with commercial intent making up less than 10%. AIO SERPs are characterized by a high presence of other SERP features, with 99.9% displaying at least one additional feature, such as Featured Snippets and Discussions. Mobile traffic is significant, accounting for 81% of AIO queries. To optimize for AIO visibility, focus on educational content, mobile readiness, and leveraging prominent SERP features. This research underscores the importance of understanding AIO dynamics to enhance organic search performance.
Source: Ahrefs Blog
Link: https://ahrefs.com/blog/ai-overview-keywords/
Date: October 31st, 2024

6 SEO Practices You Need To Stop Right Now via @sejournal, @martinibuster

In the evolving landscape of SEO, several outdated practices are hindering content ranking. Key issues include reliance on expired domains, which Google has long since neutralized, and the use of paid links that offer only temporary boosts. Additionally, the common use of ‘index, follow’ in meta tags is redundant, as these are default behaviors for Googlebot. Scraping Google’s search features for keywords can lead to keyword spamming, while outdated keyword strategies ignore Google’s natural language processing capabilities. Copying competitors’ content with the intent to improve it is flawed, as is the belief that more content automatically leads to better rankings. Misinterpretations of Google’s Information Gain patent and reliance on isolated SEO studies further complicate effective strategies. Ultimately, SEO requires a nuanced understanding of user needs and content quality rather than adherence to outdated tactics.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/6-seo-practices-you-need-to-stop-right-now/531366/
Date: October 31st, 2024

How content is critical to a winning ecommerce strategy by Edna Chavira

In the competitive world of ecommerce, delivering fast and personalized customer journeys is essential. Success relies not just on great products but on strategic, adaptable content that resonates with users. As consumer expectations evolve and technology advances, businesses must adopt a dynamic approach to content management. Composable content emerges as a key strategy, allowing marketers to create and distribute tailored content across various platforms, enhancing product discovery and boosting conversions. Join the upcoming event on November 5th to explore effective strategies for optimizing ecommerce through personalized content and omnichannel marketing.
Source: Search Engine Land
Link: https://searchengineland.com/how-content-is-critical-to-a-winning-ecommerce-strategy-447894
Date: October 30th, 2024

How Many Keywords Should You Target?

In the updated guide ‘How Many Keywords Should You Target?’, the author emphasizes the importance of strategic keyword research over the traditional approach of amassing exhaustive lists. Highlighting that many SEOs delegate keyword research to junior team members, the article argues for a focus on quality over quantity. Instead of trying to capture every possible keyword, the author suggests targeting a few main keywords that cover the primary intents of a page. Additionally, the article critiques the reliance on manual data collection from Google SERPs, advocating for the use of automated tools to streamline the process. It also points out that search volume alone is not a sufficient metric, as click-through rates (CTR) can vary significantly. The key takeaway is to prioritize strategic thinking in keyword research to avoid wasting time on tedious tasks.
Source: Moz Blog
Link: https://moz.com/blog/how-to-do-better-keyword-research
Date: October 30th, 2024

Ready to Make Reddit Work for Your Brand? [Webinar] via @sejournal, @brentcsutoras

Unlock the potential of Reddit for your brand with insights from industry experts in an upcoming AMA session. Moderated by digital marketing veteran Brent Csutoras, the panel includes Susan Billingsley, Rob Gaige, and Nishe Modoyan, who will share strategies for engaging Reddit’s diverse user base, optimizing ad spend, and leveraging community-driven content. Attendees will learn how to effectively use Reddit Ads, predict consumer trends, and balance organic engagement with paid advertising. This interactive event is perfect for marketing leaders and digital strategists looking to enhance their brand’s reach and community engagement. Don’t miss this chance to ask your burning questions and gain a competitive edge in the marketing landscape.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Link: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/ready-to-make-reddit-work-for-your-brand-webinar/530677/
Date: October 29th, 2024

Written by Marcus Tober