Possible Google Search Ranking Volatility Around January 12
I am seeing signs of a possible Google search ranking update or volatility around January 12, 2026. This is weird in that most of the tools, not all, are mostly calm, but the chatter has picked up and many SEOs are noticing ranking fluctuations.
Latest Articles
Google Trends Explore Page Adds Gemini
Google has added Gemini to the Google Trends Explore page to help you find new and fresh search terms. It will also compare those search terms automatically for you, all in a new design. This is rolling out now, but you might not see it just yet.
Daily Search Forum Recap: January 14, 2026
Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...
Search Video Recaps
Google: We Prohibit Showing Different Prices In Search/AI Mode vs Website
The other day, I saw the Google News channel on X respond to claims that Google is going to allow merchants to overcharge you for products sold through the new AI checkout protocol. I found it crazy because Google has checks and balances to ensure merchants can't do this and Google responded as such.
Google: Linking Brand Websites Together At Reasonable Scale Is Fine
Google's John Mueller was asked if it was acceptable to link your brand websites together on a brand page to communicate to your users that the company owns multiple brands. John said, it is pretty common to do so and if done as a reasonable scale, it is fine to do.
Google AdSense Earnings Dropping Again eCPM/RPM - Complaints
I am seeing a spike in complaints from Google AdSense publishers of earnings dropping again over the past 24-hours or so. This is similar to last week, and it also coincides with an unconfirmed Google search ranking update.
Archives
Google Ads Faster Account Set Up With Campaigns
Jan 14, 2026Microsoft Advertising Releases Guide To AEO & GEO
Jan 14, 2026Daily Search Forum Recap: January 13, 2026
Jan 13, 2026Official: Apple Intelligence & Siri To Be Powered By Google Gemini
Jan 13, 2026Microsoft Advertising Now Allows Up To 50 Search Themes In PMax Campaigns
Jan 13, 2026Google Shopping Promotions Support Subscription Fees & Abbreviations
Jan 13, 2026Google Hotel Knowledge Panels Posting Currently Turned Off Bug
Jan 13, 2026Daily Search Forum Recap: January 12, 2026
Jan 12, 2026Google Integrates Core Search Signals Into AI Experiences
Jan 12, 2026Picture of the Day
