Google SEO News
Google Search Console Introduces Recommendations
Google has launched Search Console recommendations, offering optimization tips based on indexing, crawling, and serving data. This feature aims to help websites improve their search presence by suggesting actions like adding sitemaps and using structured data. Currently, in an experimental phase, recommendations will be accessible on the Search Console overview page, rolling out gradually over the coming months.
SEO Recommendations by Jason
This update is great because it highlights Google's focus on improving the user experience and creating an immersive experience in the Search Console. These features enable better decision-making that is based on insights for both SEO professionals, content marketers and webmasters.
Google Updates Search Algorithm to Combat Deepfakes
Google has detailed updates to its algorithms aimed at lowering the rankings of deepfake sites and making it easier to remove such content from search results. By promoting legitimate news over fake content and distinguishing between real and fake images, Google has reduced exposure to explicit content by over 70%. These measures also include demoting sites with high volumes of removed harmful content.
SEO Recommendations by Jason
The definition of deepfake websites is a whole league on its own. Websites that appear exactly the same as others, copying, reusing, or recreating content from existing websites, are unfortunately happening more and more. Added to the mix, AI has facilitated this even more with the acceleration of content creation and deployment. Google's focus on improving the "searcher UX" doesn't align with the increase in the volume of deepfake sites. Therefore, policing these ever-increasing activities is not an option if they want to retain trust with their users and grow their market share, considering the volatile future of search due to AI search alternatives.
Volatility in Google Search Rankings
July witnessed significant volatility in Google Search rankings, peaking at the end of the month. This could indicate a new algorithm update or ongoing tests. SEO community tools show substantial movement, reflecting continuous fluctuations observed throughout the month. Webmasters should stay vigilant as these changes might impact search visibility.
SEO Recommendations by Jason
No major recommendations for this, as we have reported in the last few weeks, it's important to document any major fluctuations measuring "low-lows" and "high-highs" based on fluctuations to make sure that you are not losing key positions vs these normal algorithm updates that do affect search positions, but there is very little that website owners can do about it.
Bing SEO News
Microsoft Bing Advertising Revenue Up 19%
Q4 2024 Earnings Report Shows Growth: Microsoft's Q4 2024 earnings reveal a 19% increase in search and advertising revenue, marking a significant rebound since Q3 2022. Overall revenue reached $64.7 billion, with a 15% increase in operating income and a 10% rise in net income. Despite surpassing earnings expectations, the stock dipped due to disappointing Azure revenue.
SEO Recommendations by Jason
Bing as a search engine continues to grow, and the focus on increasing market share for search means two items: a) create revenue from ads and b) Increase search usage and content indexed in the search engine. As they increase indexed content and searches, their ad revenue will increase proportionately.
Microsoft Testing New Bing Generative Search Experience
Microsoft has started testing a new Bing generative search experience, combining generative AI and large language models to improve search results and overall user experience. This small-scale test includes AI-generated summaries, document indices, source citations, and traditional search results. Microsoft aims to maintain click-through rates and support a healthy web ecosystem while optimizing search accuracy.
SEO Recommendations by Jason
Microsoft has been pushing to keep up with Google on their "AI Overview," as we stated in previous SEO news articles; keeping content-rich, long tail, and semantically linked will be key to not losing search volume with these updates. Although this is a test, we will likely see these major roll-outs happening in the next few months.
Bing Search Ranking Algorithm Update Controversy
There is speculation about a significant Bing Search ranking algorithm update around May 29, 2024, noted by Glenn Gabe. Glenn wrote on X, "I think Bing launched a big update on May 29th. I'm seeing a ton of volatility across sites starting right on that date. The last time I saw something like that, Bing confirmed there was a broad core ranking update. So if Bing is important for your business (yes, it still drives a good amount of traffic for some sites), then check your stats. You might find some surprising things there." However, Microsoft’s Fabrice Canel denied any unusual release on that date. Bing continually tests and implements successful features, which can cause varying impacts on site rankings. Despite these denials, Glenn Gabe's data indicates notable volatility, suggesting a potential unconfirmed update.
SEO Recommendations by Jason
We haven't observed any major Bing Search volume these last few weeks, but our analytics on the sites we manage show stable traffic flow. But as Google and Microsoft roll out major changes, it's highly likely that we will see volatility and fluctuations.
