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 is testing an Ask AI Mode anything carousel feature. Bing is testing an updated Copilot product search box. Google Merchant Center allows you to use your own brand name in your short title. Google Discover was showing the publisher's name twice, it was a bug. Plus, I am offline today for Sukkos, so this email was pre-written and scheduled.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
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Bing Testing Updated Copilot Product Search Box
Microsoft is testing a new and updated layout for its Copilot product box/section within the Bing search results. It looks like they just swap the answer and product listing sections from one side to the other. -
Bug: Double Publisher Name On Google Discover
Google had a bug in Google Discover that showed the publisher's name and logo twice on a story. The publisher's name showed once at the top and once at the bottom of the article card in the Google Discover feed. -
Google Ask AI Mode Anything Explore Carousel
Google Search is testing a new carousel to promote AI Mode named "Ask AI Mode anything." It gives you ideas on how to "Explore" new or related topics in AI Mode. -
Google Merchant Center Lets You Use Your Own Brand In Short Title
Google updated the wording in the title documentation for Merchant Center, now suggesting you can use your own brand or company name in the short title of your products. That is, if you manufacture your own products. -
Google Hoopbus - Summer Festival
Google had the folks at Hoopbus, I guess entertainers who use basketball, at the Google office a couple of weeks ago. It was part of the endless summer festival on September 20th. -
Programming Note: Offline For Sukkot On Tuesday & Wednesday
This is a programming note that Tuesday and Wednesday are Sukkot and I will be offline the next two days. I will be offline on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 7th and October 8th.
Other Great Search Threads:
- Fyi if you want to see which links were shared on Bluesky from a site, search for domain:example.com, John Mueller on Bluesky
- We've got some Halloween accessibility tips right here (timestamped for you). They are from last year's annual scream queens Candour podcast., Myriam Jessier on Bluesky
Search Engine Land Stories:
- Google Search serving issue in some locales
- New Bing Places for Business is live
- Aashna Makin’s experience of when best practices backfire
- The latest jobs in search marketing
Other Great Search Stories:
AI & LLMs
- Google Home's future is brighter than ever, 9to5Google
- Washington Post's chatbot has received 'tens of millions' of queries, Press Gazette
Analytics
- Session Duration vs. Avg Engagement Time, KRM Digital Marketing Ltd
Industry & Business
- Breaking up (Google) is hard to do, The Verge
- Did Google Just Kill OpenAI and Become the Best AI Stock to Own Today?, The Motley Fool
- Google announces new $4 billion investment in Arkansas, Google Blog
Links & Content Marketing
- 6 Pitfalls to Avoid When Using ChatGPT for Website Content, JDSupra
- Content Ideation 101: 13 Proven Strategies (2025), Shopify
Local & Maps
- This privacy-focused navigation app gives Google Maps a run for its money, Make Use Of
- Now In India, Instagram rolls out Map feature to help people connect with friends, Meta
SEO
- How to Track Site Migrations Using Your GSC Data, SEOgets
- The Definitive Guide To Image SEO: Google Content Warehouse ImageData Schema Analysis, Hobo
- Why IndexNow is Now Essential for AI Visibility: How ShowUpInAI helps you achieve better AI Visibility, ShowUpInAI Blog
PPC
- Google & YouTube App for Shopify Now Includes VAT in Conversion Tracking, FeedArmy
- Improving Your Quality Score for Better Google Ads Performance, Level343
Search Features
- AI Overview Citations Now 54% from Organic Rankings, BrightEdge
- How to Remove AI Mode from Pixel’s search bar widget, Piunika Web
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.
Note: This was pre-written and scheduled to be posted today, I am currently offline for Sukkot.
