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.
We are seeing Google volatility get heated again, it is early on. Google's Danny Sullivan spoke about commodity vs. non-commodity content. Google local review replies are now moderated. Google's Chrome tab is more Gemini now. Google is hiring a GEO. And Google Ads API version 24 is out.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
-
Google Search Ranking Volatility Heating Up April 23rd
I know it has been a while since I covered the Google Search ranking volatility and algorithm twitches but I am now seeing signs of the volatility heating up. These signs are mostly coming from the tools; the community seems busier with other things. -
Google On Publishing Commodity Content
Danny Sullivan from Google spoke at the Google Search Central event in Toronto a couple of days ago and a few of his slides spoke about it is important to produce "unique, authentic and non-commodity content." And then Sullivan dug into what commodity content is. -
Google Local Review Replies Are Now Moderated (ReviewReplyState)
Google may now hold your review replies for approval before showing them in Google Maps or Google Search. Previously, those replies were immediately shown but that may have changed. -
Google Chrome Tab Transforming To Gemini With Deep Search & Create Images
Google is experimenting with the new tab view in Chrome. This view brings more Gemini features to the forefront, such as Deep Search and Create Images. -
Google Job Listing For Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Partner Manager
Google recently posted a new job listing for a GEO Partner Manager. The position calls for you to be responsible for the "transition Google's engagement model from Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) discovery to formal ecosystem advocacy." -
Google Ads API Version 24 Now Available
Google has released version 24 of the Google Ads API, this is a major release with dozens of updates. This update includes changes to Demand Gen, travel feeds, conversion types, shopping, reporting, videos, and much more.
Other Great Search Threads:
- Think creator marketing is only for brand budgets? Think again. In the latest Ads Decoded, I talk with Melissa Hsieh Nikolic about bringing creator partnerships directly into Google Ads. We’re decoding: Finding the right creator, AdsLiaison on X
- This thing can't even be called mount ai. This is just the great cliff of seo over optimization., Harpreet on X
Search Engine Land Stories:
- OpenAI adds CPC ads to ChatGPT
- Google Ads adds app consent diagnostics to improve privacy performance
- Advertisers test ChatGPT Ads Manager
- Google changes budget pacing rules for scheduled campaigns
- Want to increase visibility? Start by building trust
- How to run an AI-assisted SEO competitor analysis that actually works
- AI safety risk: How Best-of-N jailbreaking bypasses safeguards
- Why ugly ads outperform polished creative and how to test them
Other Great Search Stories:
AI & LLMs
- Could AI Washing Be Creating a Pipeline of Disgruntled Insiders?, Annielytics
- Google teases Gemini-powered Siri upgrade during Cloud Next keynote, 9to5Mac
- How ChatGPT Chooses Which Brands to Recommend, Omi Sido
- How To Make Your Brand Discoverable in AI Search, Moz
- Introducing workspace agents in ChatGPT, OpenAI
- Siri with Google Gemini smarts will come out in 2026, AppleInsider
- How to Choose Prompts to Track for AI Visibility (2026), SE Ranking
Analytics
- Autoblock vs Google Consent Mode Categories: Pros & Cons, Measure Minds Group
Industry & Business
- Google introduces new TPUs at Cloud Next ‘26, Google Blog
- Nourish Can't Ax Wiretap Claims In Google Data Sharing Row, Law360
- Sundar Pichai shares news from Google Cloud Next 2026, Google Blog
Links & Content Marketing
- 17 Content Types to Survive Google’s Zero-Click Era, Zyppy
- AI content marketplaces can't come soon enough for news publishers, Press Gazette
Local & Maps
- Google Maps is about to get a big dose of AI, TechCrunch
- Hidden Advanced Google Business Profile (GBP) Settings You Can’t Ignore, Igniting Business
- Three new ways to build with real-world imagery and AI, Google Maps Platform
SEO
- Good SEO is Good GEO (Not For New Sites, In Any Reasonable Time Frame), Hobo
- Google Deep Links Best Practices: What the New Update Means for SEO, Jona
- Google Search Central Live Toronto Slides (April 2026), JC Chouinard
- How to Speak at SEO Conferences, Majestic SEO Podcast
- Competitive Stalking for SEO: How to Leverage Their Success to Fuel Your Wins, JumpFly
PPC
- The Hidden Costs of Choosing the Wrong CRM, Cypress North
- Daily Checks As An Early Warning System: A Junior PPCer’s Guide to Triage, PPC Live
- Google Retires AW Tag Prefix for Measurement, PPC News Feed
Search Features
- Google is testing a more vibrant, organized Gemini app, and I hope it sticks, Android Authority
Other Search
- Google will fix an Android XR bug that's ruining performance, 9to5Google
- Fast answers in ChatGPT, ChatGPT Release Notes
Feedback:
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter @rustybrick or @seroundtable, on Threads, Mastodon and Bluesky and you can follow us on Facebook and on Google News, add as a preferred source on Google and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or just contact us the old fashion way.
