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.
The big Google webmaster report is now available, it recaps what happened over the past month. Google again said E-E-A-T is not a ranking factor but rather it uses many other signals to help determine if content demonstrates E-E-A-T. Google said avoid using “coming back soon” pages. Google is testing pros and cons for video results. Google is testing colored background for shopping carousel ads.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
May 2023 Google Webmaster Report
While last month’s Google webmaster report was filled with the Google March core update, the product reviews update, Bard, AI, sitenames and more; this month was just as packed. We had the reviews update, a local look at the core update, big updates to the Google ranking systems document, a new search engine for Google code-named Magi and so much more.
Google: We Use A Mix Of Factors To Determine Content That Demonstrates E-E-A-T
Google has been saying for years now that there is no E-A-T (or now E-E-A-T) algorithm, but Google does have factors and signals it looks for that align with the values around determining content that demonstrates E-E-A-T. Google repeated it the other day when referencing its updated helpful content document on Twitter.
Google: Avoid Using “Coming Back Soon” Pages For Site Migrations
Google’s John Mueller said he would “try very hard to avoid having a “coming back soon” page during a revamp.” He said if you must have the “coming back soon” page then do so for a day or so but serve a 503 server status code.
Google Search Video Results With Pros and Cons Within Video
Google Search can show video results, including key moments within the videos. But now Google seems to break down the pros and cons, if available, in a video review for a product.
Google Tests Colored Backgrounds For Shopping Ad Carousel
Google is testing using different lightly colored backgrounds for the shopping ads carousel in mobile search. We saw Google testing lighter variations of this almost a year ago, some with gray shades and some with slightly colored shades. Now we are seeing Google test this with more bold colors.
Google Pedal Park Room
Kirk Williams was at Google a couple of weeks ago and he posted some photos, here is one of the Google Pedal Park room. You can see the bikes inside and the sign.
Other Great Search Threads:
AdSense Earnings and Observations – May 2023, WebmasterWorld
Is anyone else put off by the SEO twitter community?, Reddit
lol, Google Analytics is breathing down our necks now, Lily Ray on Twitter
Search Engine Land Stories:
New update to Meta Ads location targeting
Google expands media buying with real-time bidding integrations
3 new enhancements for YouTube Shorts
ChatGPT fails: 13 common errors and mistakes you need to know
SEO product manager vs. SEO manager: What’s the difference?
20230501 SEL Brief
The latest jobs in search marketing
Other Great Search Stories:
Industry & Business
AI Push Drives Up Capex for Meta, Alphabet and Microsoft, The Information
Behind Google’s failed bid to dismiss its adtech suit, Axios
Big Tech Earnings Spark Hope That Worst Is Over, Wall Street Journal
Google’s delay leaves San Jose funds in limbo, KRON4
Samsung Bans ChatGPT, Google Bard, Other Generative AI Use by Staff After Leak, Bloomberg
Geoffrey Hinton tells us why he’s now scared of the tech he helped build, MIT Technology Review
Links & Content Marketing
AI-Generated Content Is a Tool, Not a Solution, BruceClay
How to Use Digital PR to Improve E-E-A-T Signals, Moz
30+ Content Creation Tools to Streamline Your Workflow, Ahrefs
Low quality sites rising, using AI-made content in various languages, including Tagalog, Rappler
Local & Maps
How to Switch Between KM and Miles in Google Maps and Apple Maps, Guiding Tech
Why Local Presence Management is critical for your brand health, DAC
Navigation Expert Explains Why Google Maps and Waze Aren’t Always the Right Choices, AutoEvolution
Mobile & Voice
$2 billion Apple Watch patent battle ends in mistrial, AppleInsider
How to Make ChatGPT Your New Siri, Gizmodo
SEO
Content Farms 2.0, Location Clicks, Automated CS, Near Media
Is Technical SEO Dead?, MarketingSyrup
University Websites Are Being Flooded with Online Piracy Scams, TorrentFreak
PPC
More effective media buying on apps, Google Blog
YouTube announces new Shorts advertising features, Google Blog
Google Promised to Defund Climate Lies, but the Ads Keep Coming, New York Times
Search Features
Pixel Watch preps ‘At a Glance’ Wear OS complication, 9to5Google
Three tools for stress-free travel around Asia Pacific, Google Blog
Other Search
A tribute to Alan Rickman’s life and roles, Google Blog
Apple Safari outpaces Microsoft Edge in global desktop browser market share in April 2023, MS Power User
Feedback:
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