Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web.
Google said it has not pushed out a search algorithm update where it felt it got everything wrong. Google also released its annual web spam report showing SpamBrain did big things to reduce search spam. Bing may use whois private registration information for SEO. Google is expanding the Your Google Ads Summary box in web search. Some SEOs claim the Google indexing API works for a couple days and then doesn't.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
- Google Has Not Pushed Search Ranking Updates Where They Got Everything Wrong
Google's John Mueller was asked about his feelings on the Google March 2023 broad core update and if he can honestly not say that the "update messed the SERP a bit up." John responded saying, "I've seen a ranking update landing as "oops, everything is wrong." There's always room for improvement, I don't think the team sees it as having "messed up the search results." - SpamBrain Flexes In Google's 2022 Web Spam Report
Every year Google releases its web spam report showing how much better the search company got at fighting search spam. This year is no different but here, Google is showcasing how successful SpamBrain was at making big strides in fighting search spam. - Google Tests Expanded Your Google Ad Summary With Edit Ad & Apply Recommendations
Several months ago, Google launched a feature to show those logged into their Google Ads account a section in web search named "Your Google Ad Summary." It seems Google is now expanding that section to let you edit some ads and apply some recommendations. - Bing on Private Domain Registration & SEO
We know Google says there is no pro or con to using private domain registration for SEO or Google ranking purposes. But Fabrice Canel from Microsoft Bing has hinted that it might be a ranking signal for Bing. - SEOs Using Google Indexing API Claim Pages Removed Days After Being Indexed
We know the Google Indexing API should be used for just job postings and live-streaming content. If you use it for other content, it just won't do what you want. A Black Hat World thread seems to confirm that it doesn't work for other content types. - Plant Like Google G Signage
Here is an interesting-looking super G logo sign from the Google Singapore. The super G logo has leaves and other vegetation-like growth art on it. It is like the logo is growing organically.
Other Great Search Threads:
- If you want to achieve something specific with the article markup, I'd recommend checking Google's documentation to see what the requirements are., John Mueller on Mastodon
- Seems like a confusing choice of subdomain, but it should work. I'd only be cautious if you're also using it as an m-dot mobile version (which doesn't sound like your case)., John Mueller on Twitter
- Just noticed a fresh Certification in Google Skillshop: "AI-Powered Performance Ads" Sounds fun, as expected includes plenty of courses related to Pmax campaigns (but also one with title "Apply Recommendations Autom, Dario Zannoni on Twitter
- Who currently uses a soon to be deprecated conversion model in Google ads? Im trying to gauge if its really less than 3% #PPCchat, Anthony Higman on Twitter
Search Engine Land Stories:
- Google Bard adds more search topics to “Google it” button
- When it comes to online reviews, a 3-star rating is bad
- Meta will debut its generative AI this year
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
Industry & Business
- Bank error in your favor: Google Pay bug accidentally sends users free money, Ars Technica
- ChatGPT’s Plugins May Be AI's 'iPhone Moment' and Threat To Google Search, Bloomberg
Links & Content Marketing
- How a Weak Point of View Sabotages Your Content, Content Marketing Institute
- SEO Writing Tools (Do You Really Need Them?), Ahrefs
Local & Maps
- 11 Best Local SEO Tools to Improve Your Local Search Rankings, 99 Signals
- Google Business Profile Quick Tips & Tactics: How to Bury Bad Reviews, SearchLab Digital
Mobile & Voice
- Google Assistant tweaks how voice control works with your Bluetooth devices, Android Police
- Google cuts off third-party smart displays as Assistant support dwindles, The Verge
SEO
- Publishers test generative AI tools to boost SEO, Digiday
- SEO & Reputation Management: An In-Depth Guide, Search Engine Journal
- Yoast SEO 20.5: Improvements and security fixes, Yoast
PPC
- Ad group and keyword forecasts being removed in the Google Ads API, Google Ads Developer Blog
- Can digital marketing agencies stay relevant?, Microsoft Advertising
- Maximizing Your SEO Potential With The Best Keyword Suggestion Tool?, PPC Expo
Feedback:
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Note: This was pre-written and scheduled to be posted today, I am currently offline for Passover.
