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 Marketing Live was yesterday and we covered all of the search ad announcements including that ads are coming to AI Overviews. I am seeing a possible Google ranking update, unconfirmed of course. Google and Bing both recommend you upgrade to WordPress 6.5 because it supports native lastmod elements in the sitemap files. There is this weird surge in Google Search Console performance reports for product snippets. Bing is testing search tag filters. Apple Maps may mark a business closed due to missing an address and/or business hours.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
Google Search Ranking Volatility Spike Around May 22
After a few days of calm Google weather, we are now seeing a spike in volatility, fluctuations and SEO chatter around Google search ranking movement. It is somewhat early on but I am seeing both a spike in SEOs noticing ranking movement and many of the tools are showing a spike in volatility.
Google Ads In AI Overviews, AI Shopping Ads, Brand Profile Ads & More AI Ad Tools
Google Marketing Live was yesterday, and the Google Ad team announced a ton of new AI formats, new ad tools, and changes to the Google Ads platform that are coming soon. The big items for me are ads in AI Overviews, new AI Shopping Ads, Brand Profile ads, and more AI tools to help you create your ads.
Unusual Surge In Google Search Console Product Snippets Search Performance
Google Search Console may have another data bug, maybe, this time with product snippets. If you look at your Search Performance report, then filter by search appearance for product snippets, you will likely see a surge in impressions and clicks over the past few days.
Google & Bing Say Upgrade To WordPress 6.5 To Gain Lastmod Sitemap Support
Google and Bing are recommending that those on WordPress to upgrade to version 6.5 because 6.5 now supports lastmod dates in the sitemap files natively. In fact, Fabrice Canel from Bing says this is a “game-changer.”
Bing Search Testing Tag Filters
Microsoft is testing a way to filter your Bing Search results based on tags. The tag filter is showing up for some searchers via a tab that you can click on via the right side of the page that will expand and show you tag filter options.
Apple Maps Listing Permanently Closed Over Missing Business Hours & Address
Did you know that Apple can mark a business listing within Appel Maps / Apple Business Connect, as permanently closed if that business listing is missing the business hours and business address and/or if the business hours and address do not match what is on the business’s website or other local listings (like on Yelp, Google Maps, etc)?
Here is a photo from a Google event named “Grow with Google” where there are Google branded gold clubs in this backdrop. You can see them in the golf bag on the right of the photo.
Other Great Search Threads:
Do you use AI generated images for your GMB?, Local Search Forum
Sorry about that. Yes, we’re seeing some issues in certain cases in how we interpret units for conversion. We’re working on resolving it now. Apologies again., Google SearchLiaison on X
These “/1000” URLs don’t matter either way – redirecting is fine, 404’ing is fine. You definitely do not need to fix anything there., John Mueller on X
We can be better about recognizing and rewarding the work that makes a difference (measurably improves our products at scale). The visibility teams get from showcasing new capabilities at I/O is easy to mistake for value to people, but luckily a vast majo, Rajan Patel on X
Search Engine Land Stories:
Google Marketing Live 2024: Everything you need to know
WordPress 6.5 gains lastmod date for sitemaps files
Google tests AI-powered ads for complex purchases
Google PMax upgrade allows mass AI creative asset production
Google rolls out immersive, AI-powered Shopping Ads
Google visual storytelling advances for YouTube, Discover, Gmail
Google starts testing ads in AI overviews
Google’s first-party data unification Ads Data Manager available to all
Google gives merchants new brand profiles, AI branding tools
So you’ve ‘won’ SEO – now what?
Google Lens and Circle to Search gains more links, facts and AI Overviews
Shopping graph optimization: The future of ecommerce SEO
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
Universal Analytics Back-up: Transitioning to G4 Data Measurement, Chief Marketer
Industry & Business
AI summit secures safety commitments from 16 companies, Reuters
Google threatens to pause Google News Initiative funding in U.S., Axios
State of the SEO Job Market: Q1 2024, SEOjobs
Vidhya Srinivasan Has the Hardest Job in Advertising, AdWeek
Links & Content Marketing
22 Proven Content Marketing Examples to Inspire Your Strategy, Backlinko
Agile Content Marketing and SEO Strategy, MarketingProfs
AI-Generated Content: A Complete Guide to the Pros & Cons, Semrush
How to Streamline and Automate Your Content Strategy with Botify, Botify
The Future of Content Success Is Social, Moz
Local & Maps
Google Earth: Explore the Globe Via Satellite Images, Make Custom Maps, Business Insider
Five Google Maps features you probably haven’t tried out yet, Cybernews
Mobile & Voice
iOS 18 tipped for major new AI feature — here’s what you need to know, Tom’s Guide
Siri could get a more conversational voice in iOS 18, Cult of Mac
/e/OS Review: This Operating System Is Better Than Android. You Should Try It, Wired
My favorite XR glasses for productivity and traveling just got 3 major upgrades, ZDNET
SEO
Early Look at Google’s AI Overviews, Practical Ecommerce
Google’s new AI Overviews not ready for wide release, SEOs say, eMarketer
SEO Roadmap: How to Create One + Free Template, Semrush
Some fun Google coincidences, Garbage Day
What Is an SEO Score? (+ How to Check It for Free), Semrush
BBC’s UK website Rises Sharply in Mid-May Google Search Movements, SISTRIX
Low-Hanging Fruit Keywords: How to Find & Leverage Them for More Traffic, SEOTesting
PPC
4 Practical Ways Beginners Can Succeed in PPC Ad Management, BruceClay
8 Fast Takeaways from Google Marketing Live 2024, WordStream
How to Navigate Your Google Ads Suspension, PPC Hero
Is Your Google Ads Account Leaking Money? 8 Ways to Stop It, MarlinSEM
Leaked Presentation Shows How Google Is Pitching Its 2024 AI Agenda to Ad Buyers, AdWeek
What Google’s VP and GM of Search Ads has to say about AI-powered results, Marketing Brew
Search Features
Google’s Circle to Search tipped to gain a ‘listen’ feature and more, Android Central
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