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 expanded its video guidelines to the video mode interface, where the video needs to be the main content. Google has this weird invalid sitemap error. Google SGE is testing search by image. Google Search Console dropped its mobile usability report and mobile-friendly test. Google is testing line separators between ads and free listings. I also posted the monthly Google webmaster report.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
Google Expands Video Guidelines (Primary Content) Change To Video Mode Results
Google is now requiring that the video be the main or primary content on the page for it to show your video in video mode, not just as video thumbnails in the search results like it did back in April. Google announced, “we’re extending this change to search results in Video mode.”
Complaints With Google Invalid Sitemap URL Detected Error
Over the past few days or so there has been a spike in complaints around Google Search Console reporting an invalid sitemap error for sitemaps URLs that should be valid. Some are saying adding an allow before the sitemap URL in the robots.txt file fixes the issue but many are curious as to why.
Google Search Tests Line Separator Between Organic & Paid Results
Years ago, Google use to separate the ads in its search results not just with clearer ad labels but also with a line separating the ads from the organic/free listings. Google may be testing that again, as we spotted a line separator between the ads and organic results just recently.
Gone: Google Search Console’s Mobile Usability Report & Mobile-Friendly Tests
Google has removed its mobile usability report within Google Search Console and has dropped the mobile-friendly test and API. This was expected, Google told us this would happen back in April and now it happened.
Google SGE Tests Search By Image Feature
Google SGE, the Search Generative Experience, is testing the ability to not only type your questions with text but also to upload images to your query. So yes, Google SGE is testing search by image.
December 2023 Google Webmaster Report
Here is the December 2023 Google webmaster report for all of you. Here I recap what happened and changed with Google Search on the organic space over the past month or so. The big items, the November 2023 core and reviews updates rolled out. Google also told us the hidden gems algorithm was live. Google Search got more personalized, new follow feature, notes and more.
Wooden Google Bike
A wooden bike was found in or near the Google Boulder office. At least it looks like a bike made out of mostly wood to me. I found this on Instagram and it was tagged as being in the Google office in
Other Great Search Threads:
If I see another person on LinkedIn or TikTok or Instagram talking about creating high-quality content by checking your spelling and “adding videos” and then putting “keywords in”… I will lose my damn mind. As much, Mordy Oberstein on X
Do you trust Domain Authority metric?, Reddit
Google is testing Refine This Search without borders., Shameem Adhikarath on X
I passed it on without judgement … but oh my do I have thoughts on this., John Mueller on X
Search Engine Land Stories:
Google expands video requirements for “Video mode” where video must be main content of the page
Google Local Service Ads roll out impression share data
Google officially drops Mobile Usability report, Mobile-Friendly Test tool and Mobile-Friendly Test API
ChatGPT turns one: How generative AI is revolutionizing PPC
5 Excel and Google Sheets tricks every SEO should know
2024 B2B trends: 6 key areas for marketing success
New Google Search vacation rental rich result
Other Great Search Stories:
Industry & Business
OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap interview with CNBC, CNBC
How OpenAI Rewrote the Rules: A Brand Story, Moz
One Year of ChatGPT: How A.I. Changed Silicon Valley Forever, New York Times
Links & Content Marketing
Content Writing: What It Is + 15 Tips for Success, Semrush
Download backlinks for lots of sites at the same time with Majestic, Majestic
Earned Links: 3 Examples + 4 Steps to Get Them, Erik Emanuelli
How a Small Travel Blog Gained Topical Authority: A Case Study, Moz
The Purpose of 301 Redirects & Canonical Links for SEO, Adam Riemer
Local & Maps
Removing Reservation Button in Restaurants Google Business Profile, Online Ownership
Website Ownership: The Key to Financial Security, Control, and Freedom, Sterling Sky Inc
X Wants SMB Ads, Google Ratings Inflation, Biz AI Adoption Low, Near Media
Mobile & Voice
What’s Apple’s Vision Pro killer app?, AppleInsider
As ChatGPT turns one, it’s still the best assistant I’ve ever used, Android Authority
Big Android feature drop adds some cool new Wear OS and smart home tricks, TechRadar
Tip: Google’s Reading Mode app is a great alternative to Assistant’s nerfed ‘Read aloud’, Android Police
tvOS 17.2 changes your Siri Remote’s side button for the better, Macworld
SEO
7 Bad SEO Practices & How to Avoid Them, Semrush
Deciphering SEO Audits: Your Roadmap to the Top of the Search Results, Stolber
Google Discover, authorship, must-know SEO concepts and more: Your questions answered, SEO For Journalism
How SEOs Make the Web Better, Ahrefs
Competitive Analysis: The Lean Guide (With Template), Ahrefs
Organization Structured Data: A Comprehensive Guide, Omi Sido
Ultimate Beauty Marketing Guide: SEO, Content & More, Go Fish Digital
PPC
8 Super-Helpful AI Features in Google Ads, WordStream
Mastering SaaS PPC Strategies: A Comprehensive Guide, Go Fish Digital
Summary report optimization in the Privacy Sandbox Attribution Reporting API, Google Research Blog
Search Features
Parents urge Google to change response to ‘Is Santa real?’, NY Post
Other Search
A new quantum algorithm for classical mechanics with an exponential speedup, Google Research Blog
Asking ChatGPT to Repeat Words ‘Forever’ Is Now a Terms of Service Violation, 404 Media
Google Researchers Got ChatGPT to Reveal Its Training Data, Study, Business Insider
AI and Trust, Schneier on Security
Feedback:
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