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 Maps documented some of its review spam and enforcement practices and policies. I published the monthly Google webmaster report, which is chock full of details. Google is testing the Google Lens button in web search. Google Search Console domain properties can now show as a snapshot in web search. Google’s new partner program has gone live after two years of delays.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
February 2022 Google Webmaster Report
This month was packed with a handful of unconfirmed Google search algorithm updates, as you will see in the bulleted list below. In fact, there may be a more subtle update going on now…
Google Maps Details Review Spam Policy Enforcement Systems
I believe for the first time, Google has provided more detail on how it handles review spam policy enforcement for Google Maps. The search company wrote a blog post, accompanied by a short video, describing what they do to tackle issues with reviews in Google Maps.
Google Search Console Domain Properties Can Now Be In Search Results
Google announced on Twitter yesterday that the Search Console snapshot in the search results now also supports domain properties. This is a snapshot card of some of the higher level data for your site from Search Console directly in the search results.
The New Google Partners Program Is Here
After a lot of saga, postponements and changes, Google has finally launched the new Google Partner program details. Google also launched a new Premier Partner status for the top 3% of partners.
Google Tests Lens Button In Search Bar On Desktop Search
Last November, we spotted Google testing adding the Google Lens icon/button to the mobile search bar. Now, according to 9to5Google, Google is testing adding the Google Lens icon/button to the desktop search results on google.com.
Highlighters For Google For Education Swag
Google is sending out swag to some of the administrators or maybe top contributors for Google for Education in the Google Workspace group. The swag includes highlighters, pen, pad, t-shirt, folder,
Other Great Search Threads:
I’ll pass this feedback on to the team., AdsLiaison on Twitter
Everybody makes a mistake sometimes… 💡 @JohnMu dives into the two ways Google handles honest mistakes regarding webmaster guidelines and web spam policies in this episode of #AskGooglebot. → https://t.co, Google Search Central on Twitter
Heads-up, Chrome 98 rolled out. Here’s what’s new: *Opting out of auto-dark mode *COLRv1 font support (wild fonts) *Emulate Chrome 100 in the UA string In DevTools: *set longer timeout for user flow recording *Back/forward cac, Glenn Gabe on Twitter
How does https://t.co/JXVbiJGDq2 use content updates to retain and grow their Google rankings? [CASE STUDY] For example https://t.co/ewOIuvsTmJ: – Published: Sept 21, 2020 – First update: Jul 22, 2021 – Second update: Oct 7,, Alex Buraks on Twitter
You don’t have to look at that from an SEO point of view. Who’s your audience, how do you – literally – speak their language, and how do you want to reach them?, John Mueller on Twitter
Search Engine Land Stories:
Revamp your ABM strategy and fix the broken sales-marketing lead funnel
Performance Max campaigns get support in Data Studio
Google Q4 search ad revenue: $43.3 billion
Google finally launches revamped Partners program
Google Search Console snapshot in search results now can show domain properties
Google opens up about how Maps review moderation works
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
Using Navigation Analysis in Google Analytics, Portent
Step-by-Step: Linking Google Analytics 4 to Google Ads, Krista Seiden
Industry & Business
Giving $2 billion to nonprofits since 2017, Google Blog
Two more AI ethics researchers follow Timnit Gebru out of Google, Engadget
S.Korea seeks improved compliance plans from Apple, Google on app store law, Reuters
Links & Content Marketing
Finding New Readers for Your Blog with Guest Posting, Problogger
Steer Clear of Overused Stock Photos With These Planning Tips and Resources, Content Marketing Institute
Local & Maps
Android Auto is looking more like CarPlay in new leaked images, The Verge
Yelp releases Trust & Safety Report for 2021, Yelp – Official Blog
Local Citation Management for Dealerships, DealerOn
Today I learned a handy trick to zoom in and out of Google Maps, The Verge
What’s new with your Google Business Profile?, Vertical Leap
Mobile & Voice
Fly around your phone with Android’s hidden voice command center, Computerworld
Google Pixel 6 & 6 Pro new updates, bugs, issues, problems tracker, Piunika Web
Hey Siri, darken the sunroof glass in my Apple Car, Cult Of Mac
SEO
Featured Results and Google’s De-duplication might be lowering your click through rate in the SERPS., Internet Marketing Ninjas
How to Choose the Right Long-Tail Keywords, Semrush
How to use Python for NLP and Semantic SEO, RankRanger
How to write an SEO-friendly conclusion, Yoast
Leveraging Synergies Between SEO and Other Channels: An Integrated Marketing Approach, Moz
When to Do SEO, Leverable SEO
Google URL Inspection API with Python, JC Chouinard
Local Keyword Generator Tool – get search volume at scale using Keyword Surfer or Semrush API, tl;dr Marketing
Screaming Frog SEO Spider Update – Version 16.6, Screaming Frog
PPC
February 2022 update to Display & Video 360 API v1, Google Ads Developer Blog
How Content makes PPC Advertising Successful, PPC Hero
Introducing the new Merchant Center Status Dashboard, Google Ads Developer Blog
Search Features
Google splits Web & App Activity to Workspace search history, 9to5Google
Other Search
SearchResearch Challenge (2/2/22): Search in a world of changing names?, SearchReSearch
Winter Games 2022 Begin! (Feb 4), Google Doodles
Feedback:
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter @rustybrick or @seroundtable, you can follow us on Facebook and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or just contact us the old fashion way.
