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 has released the December 2022 link spam update that now uses SpamBrain AI for link detection and neutralization; we got you covered in our story. Google Question Hub is going away in a month, maybe it is being replaced by the new Content ideas section in Search Console. Google added a remove business profile option in the menu, be careful with it. Google now allows video uploads through Google Maps mobile. Google has product results with information boxes that open up in search.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
- Google Unleashes December 2022 Link Spam Update With SpamBrain AI
Google began rolling out a revised link spam update on December 14, 2022 named the December 2022 link spam update. This update is new in that it uses SpamBrain AI to "detect both sites buying links, and sites used for the purpose of passing outgoing links," and not just "detect spam directly," Google said. - Google Shutting Down Question Hub Next Month
Google is shutting down the Google Question Hub feature on January 15, 2023 - a month from today. Google officially launched Question Hub in the US two years prior, but it was This feature has been live since 2018, limited to India (Hindi, English), Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia), and Nigeria (English). - Google Business Profile Settings Added "Remove Business Profile"
Google has recently added a new option to the Google Business Profile settings to remove that business profile. It is named "Removed Business Profile" and will allow you to mark a business as closed or permanently remove the business. - New: Video Uploads For Google Reviews On Google Maps App
Google now allows users to upload videos to their local reviews on mobile. Videos uploads were added to the desktop interface in 20216, but now you can upload videos, in addition to photos, on the mobile interface. - Google Product Search Results With Information Boxes That Expand
Google Search has been super busy with tons of unique and different interfaces for shopping and product-related search results. Here is one, that I am honestly not sure is new because I can replicate it, that shows product information boxes that can be tapped on and more information slides in. - Google Holiday Giraffes Scene In GooglePlex Lobby
Here is a photo from the GooglePlex, the main Google headquarters in Mountain View, California. You can see Google put up this holiday scene with giraffes in Santa hats surrounded by snow and winter.
Other Great Search Threads:
- Hi Sam and others who've weighed in here. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I recognize these are not isolated incidents and am escalating these comments to the team., Ginny Marvin on Twitter
- In this week's #SOTRPodcast episode, @JohnMu, @methode, and @okaylizzi chat about the all-new Search Status Dashboard. Find out how it will make the process easier to communicate about incidents. Tune in ↓ https:/, Google Search Central on Twitter
- That’s a structure data page so more a question for @googlesearchc — will pass this along, but it seems to be talking about a personalized display for what might happen for an, Google SearchLiaison on Twitter
- We're introducing the landing page report in Google Analytics 4! Examine the effectiveness of the first pages people land on when they visit your website, Google Analytics on Twitter
- Who are some of your favorite SEO follows on Mastodon?, Barry Schwartz on Mastodon
Search Engine Land Stories:
- 4 new features on the Google Insights page
- Your 2023 guide to SEO reporting and tracking
- New Google Analytics 4 Landing page report
- Google releases December 2022 link spam update
- How to drive 10x more conversions with magnetic paid search offers
- Google launches new Google Search status dashboard
- 4 main types of local links and how to earn them
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
- Everything You Need to Know about GA4 360 Subproperties, Adswerve
- New vs. Returning Visitors: What’s the Difference and How to Interpret the Data?, Databox Blog
Industry & Business
- Botify Expands Executive Leadership and Advisory Bench in Response to Widespread Industry Push to Leverage the Power of Organic Search, Botify
- Google Says Does Not Change Search Results After Hong Kong Anthem Row, Barron's
Links & Content Marketing
- Time For a Content Strategy Pivot? Here’s How To Decide (and Get Started), Content Marketing Institute
- Top 20 Content Ideas for Your Blog - Content Marketing Tips, Level343
Local & Maps
- 13 Age-based Local Business Review Preferences You Can Serve, Moz
- Android Auto's redesign is now available to cars with rotary input, 9to5Google
- Local Guide Reviews, Baroque SERP, Bot vs. Bot, Near Media
Mobile & Voice
- Google Assistant email warns of disabled routines, Hey Google bug, 9to5Google
- Gorillaz turn the world into a stage with augmented reality, Google Blog
SEO
- What are 404 error code and Soft 404? How to fix them?, Onely
- How to Build Content Silos for Local SEO, BrightLocal
- SEO Interview: SEO for Sustainable Fashion Brands & Understanding Organic Marketing ROI, Lumar
- Why the Helpful Content Update isn’t all bad news and how to benefit from it, Builtvisible
PPC
- New insights for the holidays and beyond, Google Blog
- What are Integrated Marketing Campaigns Examples?, PPC Expo
- Australian abortion and contraceptive provider’s ads banned by Google, The Guardian
Search Features
- How to use Google Search to help manage uncertain times, Google Blog
- Search Status Dashboard, Search Off the Record
Feedback:
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