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 Local Service Ads is asking for more photos. SEOs, please don’t remove the contact us and about us pages. Hotels can remove pricing details from its Google listings. Google Local reviews is testing reactions. Google Analytics real time reporting had issues today. Google help documentation is testing using AI features.

Search Engine Roundtable Stories:

SEOs, Please Don’t Remove Contact Us & About Us Pages

Google’s John Mueller asked if it would be alright not to list a contact us and about us page on their website. The reason is, they would only add it if Google wanted it, but not for users. John Mueller responded, “I can think of good reasons for some sites to have these kinds of pages, but, after double-checking, there’s nothing in our search developer documentation that suggests this is needed.”

Google Local Service Ads Sends Email Asking You To Upload Photos

Google is sending some Local Service Ads advertisers emails asking them to upload photos to their profiles. The email says, "Photos are coming to your Local Services Ads. Upload images to your profile to help your business stand out." But don't LSAs already contain photos?

Google Search Developer Docs Gain AI Generated Help Features

A week ago Monday, March 18th, I noticed Google’s search developer documentation had generative AI features to help you find the answers to your question. This is in the form of an improved search, summary of the page content, a chat feature and more. I was told this was rolled out on some developer docs earlier in the year.

Google Local Reviews Reactions Notice

In November 2023 we started to see Google allow reactions on local photos and some reviews. Well, it seems to be rolling out more widely now.

Google Analytics Real Time Data Lagging Today

There are countless complaints across the forums and social media that Google Analytics real time data is lagging and not reporting accurately. It seems like those complaints are legit after checking a number of sites.

Google Cafe Cleaning & Delivery Robot

You probably have seen these cleaning and delivery robots in some restaurants and lounges but have you seen them in the Google cafes? Here is one doing its thing at one of the cafes at the GooglePlex in Mountain View, California.

Other Great Search Threads:

It’s also not a request for the site’s homepage nor for a comprehensive sorted list – it’s a restrict. Sometimes the homepage doesn’t show on top, I wouldn’t take that as a sign of anything in particular. It’s a bit easier with small sites, but not always, John Mueller on X
It’s really refreshing to see this level of detail after an appeal is denied in GBP. This saves us a lot of time trying to get everything ship shape! Also – make sure you know who has admin access to your GBP, y’all.., Carrie Hill on X
That’s correct – hreflang is not geotargeting, it’s all about alternate versions., John Mueller on X
When I joined Google in early 2021, it was clear that regulatory & privacy changes and AI (automation) advancements would be key focus areas for marketers over the next several years. Fast-forward three years, and we’re now at the inflection point., AdsLiaison on X
Hey Brett, This is currently in closed beta. I don’t have further details to share at this time, but we’re continuing to test it., AdsLiaison on X

Search Engine Land Stories:

LinkedIn Ads launches dynamic UTMs for campaign tracking
YouTube issues guidance on when to post content for maximum reach
YouTube warns creators not to delete videos
Google expands Product Studio to Australia and Canada
5 reasons why rankings are lying and how to fix them
Google adds 3D model markup for product structured data
App store optimization: 8 tips to leverage your SEO research skills
Mikhail Parakhin, head of Microsoft Bing Search and Microsoft Advertising steps down

Other Great Search Stories:

Industry & Business

The Real Reason Why Google Is Lagging: The Bing Reality, Seeking Alpha
AI: Inside the shadowy global battle to tame the world’s most dangerous technology, POLITICO
Google’s New NYC Office at St. John’s Terminal: Photo Tour; See Inside, Business Insider

Links & Content Marketing

SEO Content Tip: Write Content to Answer Questions, SearchLab Digital
What Is Enterprise Content Marketing? Strategies You Need To Be Successful, Ahrefs
Unique Elements of a B2B SEO Content Strategy, Online Marketing Blog

Local & Maps

Apple, Google, Meta: What Happens Next With EU Probe Is Key, Bloomberg
Apple Maps May Gain Custom Routes With iOS 18, MacRumors
This Google Maps Alternative Just Got Another Update With Good News for CarPlay, AutoEvolution

Mobile & Voice

Apple isn’t getting a generative chatbot — yet, AppleInsider
Gemini AI is coming to Android tablets with a Google Assistant advantage, Android Authority

SEO

All about Core Web Vitals: INP (Interaction to Next Paint), Yoast
Google Shopping GTIN Requirements Explained!, ZATO Marketing
Google’s Helpful Content Update & Ranking System: What Happened and What Changed in 2024?, Amsive
How to Do Keyword Mapping for SEO (+Free Template), WordStream
Managing decentralized marketing for international SEO, Oncrawl
Structured data for SEO: What you need to know, Wix SEO Hub
The helpful content system has changed, Marie Haynes
Why Site Speed Matters for SEO, Lumar
Content Pruning: Why It Works, and How to Do It, Ahrefs
Does Google rank AI content?, SERP’s Up SEO Podcast
How To Survive 3 New Threats to Your SEO Strategy, Content Marketing Institute

PPC

A Guide to Paid Search Ads: Definition + How to Set up Campaigns, Semrush
AI stands to make climate disinformation worse, report says, Check My Ads
Navigating the Paradigm Shift from Keywords to Conversations in Paid Media, PPC Hero
Share Ad Preview Live for Performance Max, PPC News Feed
The Ultimate Guide to Google Ads Bid Strategy (with Examples), Semrush

Other Search

A native version of Chrome arrives for Arm-based Windows PCs, The Verge
How to download Google Chrome on Arm-compatible Windows PCs, Google Blog
Perplexity, Copilot, You.com: Putting the AI search engines to the test, The Verge

Feedback:

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