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.
Microsoft demoed its new Bing experience with co-pilot, ChatGPT and I got to say, it was much more impressive than what Google Bard shared. Bing also updated its webmaster guidelines to support this new AI search experience. Google is officially removing podcast carousels from search. Google Business Profiles is removing emojis and special characters from business names. And Google is testing clipable coupons directly in search.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
Microsoft Bing’s New AI Features Are Really Impressive & Thought Out
Yesterday I was at the Microsoft office with dozens of other media folks (lots of famous YouTubers also) for Microsoft to showcase its next evolution of Bing, the co-pilot for the web powered by the upgraded ChatGPT.
Microsoft Bing Updates Webmaster Guidelines: Conversation Mode and Bing Image Creator
Microsoft has updated the Bing webmaster guidelines to support the updates with the new co-pilot, AI, ChatGPT-powered version of Bing. Bing updated the answers section and added a new section for “conversation mode and Bing image creator.”
Google Business Profiles Removing Emojis & Special Characters From Business Names?
For the past few weeks, there have been reports via the Local Search Forum that Google has been removing emojis and special characters from business names within Google Business Profiles. This means if you try to add an emoji for your name to stand out in the Google local listings, Google may remove that emoji.
Google Search Feature: Coupons From Stores
Almost a year ago, Google began to integrate clipable coupons into Google Shopping. Well, now it seems that Google is testing showing those clipable coupons directly in Google Search, and not just in Google Shopping.
Google Confirms Podcast Carousels Going Away In Search On February 13
A few weeks ago, we reported that Google dropped the podcasts carousel from the search results. Well, now Google confirmed the podcast carousel is 100% going away within the Google Search results.
Google Digitale Werkplaats In A Mobile Home
Here is an interesting photo from the Google Netherlands office of what looks like a mobile home vehicle inside the office that is named Google Digitale Werkplaats.
Other Great Search Threads:
Anyone else notice the @bing mouse logger script running on their search results? @facan it seems to be running and collecting data even if you don’t accept Microsoft’s privacy policy… @BingWMC is the data going to y, David Iwanow on Twitter
Cool mobile SERP feature during the Grammys last night. Live badge & then an updated set of photos that you could swipe through. And tapping the “expand” icon yielded an Instagram/TikTok-like feed of photos & descriptions. Wou, Glenn Gabe on Twitter
Google > Mobile Hotels listed in the middle of the SERPs. With the header including “Your Query, Pipe symbol & Location” I haven’t seen this before., Saad AK on Twitter
Pracctically, I’d make sure this actually affects your site’s page experience & CWV (assuming that’s what you care about)., John Mueller on Mastodon
The best approach is not too make them. Also, what is a spam score anyway., John Mueller on Twitter
There is some confusion about the Google Analytics notices letting users know that if you haven’t already set up a GA4 property, we’ll help jumpstart the process for you. Here’s what is happening & the options available, AdsLiaison on Twitter
Why does Google Search Console think my website has AMP pages (and gibberish pages) when I specifically prevent AMP in WP?, Reddit
Search Engine Land Stories:
Google launches Bard, its answer to ChatGPT – here’s what it looks like
Conductor acquires Searchmetrics in big enterprise SEO merger
This day in search marketing history: February 7
10 awesome reasons to attend an SMX Master Class
Advanced image SEO: A secret manual
How to write long-form content: 7 smart steps and examples
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
Beyond Just Pageviews: How Google Analytics 4 Differs From Universal Analytics, PCQuest
Industry & Business
Announcing the Search Central Live Brazil roadshow, Google Search Central Blog
China’s Baidu (9888) Stock Surges After Prepping ChatGPT-Style ‘Ernie’ Bot, Bloomberg
Google Is Feeling the Heat From Its Own Employees, CNET
The Hypocrisy Of Layoffs At Google, Microsoft, And PayPal, Forbes
Time to Shine: MozCon 2023 Community Speaker Pitches Now Open, Moz
Links & Content Marketing
How to Earn Backlinks from Sites like Reader’s Digest and American Express, 3Q/DEPT
How to Execute the Skyscraper Technique (And Get Results), Ahrefs
Local & Maps
What Could AI for Local Search Look Like?, Local SEO Guide
Local Consumer Review Survey 2023: Customer Reviews and Behavior, BrightLocal
Mobile & Voice
Apple updates tvOS and HomePod Software to 16.3.1, AppleInsider
SEO
6 Predictions For Ranking In Google’s AI Chatbot, Go Fish Digital
A Guide to How User Experience Impacts SEO, Atigro
How To Fix “Server Error (5xx)” in Google Search Console, Onely
SEOs are underestimating The Yandex leak, Kevin Indig
10-Second Local SEO Win: Request Indexing of That New Page in Google Search Console, Local Visibility System
PPC
Account-Level Negative Keywords Now Available in Google Ads: What You Need to Know, WordStream
Beat the Competition With Best Long-Tail Keyword Finder, PPC Expo
Build for the future of video streaming with Google Ad Manager, Google Blog
The future of advertising is through transparent connections, Microsoft Advertising
Other Search
The Race to Build a ChatGPT-Powered Search Engine, Wired
Feedback:
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