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 Search rankings are heated again, they just do not calm down. Bing says to optimize for AI Search is to optimize for normal search. Google draws a parallel between the keywords meta tag and the new LLMS.txt file. Google Merchant knowledge panel changed promotions to deals. Google Shopping is testing a new sort-by button. And I posted the weekly SEO video recap today.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
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Google Search Ranking Volatility Heated Yet Again
Guess what - another story on Google Search volatility and how it is heated and the chatter within the SEO industry is pretty high right now. We reported about it a lot during the Google June 2025 core update and after that core update and nope - it is not calming down yet. -
Bing: Optimize For AI Search By Following SEO Guidelines
Fabrice Canel, long time Microsoft employee and the Bing Search Product Manager, said the way you optimize for AI Search is by following SEO guidelines. He echoed Google's statement that doing normal SEO works for AI Search. -
Google: Easy To Draw Parallel Between Meta Keywords & LLMS.txt File
Google has been outspoken about not being a fan of the LLMS.txt file. Now, Gary Illyes from Google said it is a lot like the keywords meta tag in the early days and we all know how that went. -
Google Merchant Knowledge Panel Deals Section Update
Google has replaced the promotions section in the merchant local knowledge panel with a deals section. There are still clipable coupons but it is renamed "Deals" instead of it saying "Promotions." There is also a new green percentage icon next to each deal. -
Google Shopping Tests New Sort By Button Filter
Google is testing a sort by button filter at the top right of the Google Shopping interface. This is instead of Google putting the sort by on the left-hand bar, with all the other filters. -
Piano At The Google Austin Office
Here is a photo of a piano at the Google office in Austin, Texas. This looks to be in some sort of cafe or lunch eating area. We've seen pianos at the Google offices before but here is a new one I have not seen. -
Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Volatility, Search Live With Video, AI Mode Updates, Google Ads, Local & More
Google's search ranking volatility continues and continues, it is weird at this point. Google Search Live with video is finally rolling out. Google AI Mode added file uploads...
Other Great Search Threads:
- We’re investigating an issue with PageSpeed Insights. Will get it working again soon…, Barry Pollard on Bluesky
- All you need to know about the Product Experts Program, Google Merchant Center Community
- Google is finally planning to roll back infinite events in mobile device but with a separate events menu in Google Search . ( currently testing in USA only) After click on more events> it redirect me to new event section, Vijay Chauhan on X
- Issue with Ad Revenue Metrics, Google YouTube Community
- Our statement on today's appeal decision in our US lawsuit with Epic Games: "This decision will significantly harm user safety, limit choice, and undermine the innovation that has always been central to the Android ecosystem. O, News from Google on X
- This is a crazy story! A realtor in Las Vegas was scammed because Google AI Overviews surfaced a scammer's phone number for a very specific search query that should have surfaced Royal Caribbean's customer service number.... in, Joy Hawkins on X
- Update to Google Ads Healthcare and Medicines Policy, Joe on X
- Welcome to the Google Merchant center Community!, Google Merchant Center Community
Search Engine Land Stories:
- Your ChatGPT conversations may be visible in Google Search
- Google still leads, but Gen Z and AI are reshaping search behavior: Survey
- Why AI visibility starts with ops – not marketing
- How to analyze your marketing funnel and fix costly drop-offs
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
Industry & Business
- Epic Games Win Over Google in Fortnite Fight Upheld on Appeal, Bloomberg
- How Google’s New AI Architect Plans to Spread Gemini Everywhere, The Information
- International Intern Day 2025 at Google, Google Blog
- Tim Cook says Apple is 'very open' to AI acquisitions, CNBC
Links & Content Marketing
- Top 10 Content Marketing Tools , ReadWrite
Local & Maps
- Android Auto update adds full Material You color themes, 9to5Google
- EP 217 - The Future of Maps: User Focused, Contextual & Integrated AI with Goetz Weber, Near Media
- Google Is Reading Your Instagram Captions - Make Them Count for Bookings, Hotel News Resource
- How Local Citations Impact Local SEO and Map Rankings, Local SEO Guide
Mobile & Voice
- Apple Home to gain new AI adaptive temperature in future update, AppleInsider
- Google says Nest 'no video available' errors should happen less, 9to5Google
SEO
- Is SEO Dead? Real Data vs. Internet Hysteria, Ahrefs
- Keeping Content Discoverable with Sitemaps in AI Powered Search, Bing Webmaster Blog
- Publishers see search visibility drop by up to 80% since 2019, Press Gazette
- What Is Answer Engine Optimization? And How to Do It, Semrush
- What Is LLMs.txt & Should You Use It?, Semrush
- Why Schema Markup Needs to Be in Your 2026 Digital Budget, Schema App Solutions
PPC
- How to Setup Google Consent Mode in WordPress, Measure Minds Group
- July 2025 update to Display & Video 360 API, Google Ads Developer Blog
Search Features
Other Search
Feedback:
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