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.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
- Search Buzz Video Recap: Google Content Indexing Bug, GoogleBot Chrome 76, Favicons, Link Penalties & More
This week I tried to zoom in on sections of the video as I was talking, so you can see the screen better - hope you like it and make sure to subscribe... - Google Still Penalizing Sites For Unnatural Links & It Can Hurt Bad
I absolutely love when the industry is transparent and Dan Petrovic from Dejan SEO said his site was slapped by an unnatural links manual action by Google and the result was that his site no longer ranks for its name or key terms. A lot of folks in the industry have been saying Google has toned down these manual actions, espesially around links but here is one example of one. - Google Tests Featured Snippets Anchors & Highlights On Desktop
Google has a feature on mobile, where if a featured snippet leads to an AMP page, Google can take the searcher after they click on the snippet to your AMP page, anchor them down to the section of the content the searcher wants to see and highlight that content in yellow. Well, Google is now testing that on desktop. - Google Ads Overview Page Filters & Bidding Maximize Conversion Value
Google Ads adds features all the time, I don't cover them all but two ones I want to highlight are a new bidding strategy named maximize conversion value and new filter options on the overview page that both launched this week. - Owners Can Now Reply To Reviews On Google Maps Android
Google now lets owners and managers of verified businesses can reply to reviews directly from their Business Profile on Google Maps Android. You are able to reply to reviews many ways, including Google Maps desktop, Google My Business console and other areas but now also on Google Maps for Android. - Google Expands Favicon & Black Breadcrumb At Top Test
We've covered this user interface test numerous times but this morning, I received dozens of reports from people that they are seeing it. It is weird, I literally received over a dozen notices about this interface where Google is showing the favicon and black URL/breadcrumb at the top of the snippet in both mobile and desktop search results. - Google Electric Bikes
We know Google had a program for e-bikes back in 2015 but here are photos of electric bikes at the Dublin office. This version has the Google logo on it, unlike the 2015 version.
Other Great Search Forum Threads:
- Hey #SEO friends - has anyone actually gone through the process of changing image files so that they are served in "next gen formats" like JPEG 2000 and WebP and actually seen measurable improvement in load speed?, Gaetano on Twitter
- #webzurich friends! Quick! Grab your seat for the BBQ summer special tonight! We've got #fp functional programming, #UX stories & #javaScript #SEO talks 😎 👉 https://t.co/fKE6YUwYJA 👈 https://t.co/YfS, Martin Splitt on Twitter
- Have you ever used the case studies @LizziHarvey put up on the devsite? What else should be in the case studies? https://t.co/W4WgjnuJbh, Gary Illyes on Twitter
- I thought you're supposed to buy the domain names before even planning to do any work on a project?!, John Mueller on Twitter
- Usually you wouldn't even link to the verification file, since it's only for verification, and not for indexing., John Mueller on Twitter
Search Engine Land Stories:
- You can now add custom JavaScript to AMP pages
- What is ‘Google Screened’ and how does it differ from ‘Google Guaranteed’?
- Are other teams unwittingly killing your SEO (and revenue)?
- Never go over budget again with this advanced Google Ads Script
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
- Telia Norway increases mobile sales with Google Optimize, Google
- The mobile challenge, and how to measure it, Google Blog
- 4 ways to Supercharge your Google Analytics data, Smart Insights
- Track These 5 Google Analytics Metrics to Measure Your Blog’s Success, Databox Blog
Industry & Business
Links & Promotion Building
- Doesn't Build Links. Why Did Google Slap a Link Penalty?, Search Engine Journal
Local & Maps
Mobile & Voice
- The Assistant turns your Smart Clock into a digital photo frame, Google Blog
- Google's entry level speaker will reportedly get a new name, improved audio, 3.5mm jack and more, PhoneArena
SEO
- 16 Things That Can Hurt Your Site Rankings (SEO Checklist), SEM Rush
- Goodbye, Generic SEO Audit – Say Hello to Customization & Prioritization - Whiteboard Friday, Moz
- Why creating complete content helps you rank, Builtvisible
Search Features
