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 showed us how it collected and submits feedback on low quality search results. Google updates its search policies for non-consensual explicit images. Google explained when to use a hierarchical site structure. Google Ads is testing really long ad descriptions. Google Ads is testing placing headlines in description.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
Google’s Sullivan Collecting & Submitting Low Quality & Problematic Search Results
Over the past few months or so there has been a lot of complaints both from the SEO community and the general internet community about the quality of the Google search results. The SEO community has been very vocal on social and on this blog about the issues they see with Google search quality.
Google On Why Some Sites Should Use Hierarchical Site Category Structures
Gary Illyes from Google explained when he thinks it makes sense to use a hierarchical versus flat structure for your website. In short, he said larger sites might benefit from a hierarchical structure if they want to encourage Google to crawl sections of the site faster.
Google Ads Tests Headlines In Ad Description Without Notifying Advertisers
Google’s Ginny Marvin confirmed that Google Ads is testing placing ad headlines in your ad descriptions. This was spotted by advertisers, Anthony Higman who posted on X a screenshot showing the ad headline in the Google Ads advertisers console but it showing that headline also in the ad description.
Crazy Long Google Ads Description In Google Search
Here is a wild bug in Google where the Google Ads description is just about 90 words. The limit Google Ads has for description is 90 characters, not 90 words – this one is 660 characters, 600 times more.
Google Explains How It Handles Non-Consensual Explicit Imagery In Spam Policies & Ranking Guide
Google has documented how it Google handles sites with a high proportion of non-consensual explicit imagery. Google updated its spam policies and the Google ranking systems guide with links to this help document explaining the topic.
Interesting Google Room Divider
I know this is just a space at the Google office divided up but something caught my eye with this photo. The divider has the Google logo somewhat etched into it. It just looked cool.
Other Great Search Threads:
No need to change anything, unless you want to move to the modern time with a responsive site 🙂, John Mueller on X
This is the first time I’ve seen this: An AI follow up box in the middle of a page w/o an SGE result at the top, Greg Sterling on X
Update To UK Financial Services Verification., Anthony Higman on X
I finished this tutorial! Let’s nest some div and sprinkle a framework on top!, Martin Splitt on X
I see you ranking well in that example, which is a sign our systems indeed find your content good. I also see you as a featured snippet for a query that perhaps people are more likely t, Google SearchLiaison on X
Optimization score is a tool & isn’t a factor in the auction. Same goes for Ad Strength & Quality Score. None of these tools are used in the auction or directly affect CPCs. Use it as a guide & eval, AdsLiaison on X
Thanks. Sorry for the poor experience. For me, the Apple link around 4th seems to answer it: https://t.co/AoVGVdjmOk Seems a challenge with the different terminology they use, but we should (and, Google SearchLiaison on X
Search Engine Land Stories:
Google Ads: Support is not being phased but ‘big’ AI improvements are underway
Google confirms it is testing ad copy variation in live ads
Google is evaluating additional PMax brand safety controls
Google Analytics 4 properties can now be integrated with AdSense
Generative Engine Optimization framework introduced in new research
Google makes it easier to buy YouTube reservation ads
New Google SGE insights: Content formats, YMYL, product views
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
Google Tag Manager: Hidden Data Leaks and its Potential Violations under EU Data Protection Law, Arxiv
Top 12 Best Ad Tracking Tools: Ad Tracking For Marketers, Outlook India
Industry & Business
Google Plans Ad Sales Restructuring as Automation Booms, The Information
Russian court fines Google $50.8 million over ‘fake’ Ukraine information, Yahoo Finance
Links & Content Marketing
7 Generative AI Prompts To Help Your Content Marketing Workflows, Content Marketing Institute
How to create case studies that sway B2B decision-makers, MarTech
Lean into Content Marketing to Beat the Competition, Skyword
Local & Maps
Amid rockets from Gaza, Google apps suspend Israel traffic-jam displays, Reuters
Google’s Location Data Move Will Reshape Geofence Warrant Use, Bloomberg
Mobile & Voice
Google Assistant: 10 easy tips you need to try, Android Police
Google and Samsung look set to take on Apple Vision Pro with 4-year-old radar tech and a VR sensor that is inspired by bats, Tom’s Guide
Latest Google Home Mini update appears to break the speaker for some, Android Police
SEO
AI Tools for SEO Content Briefs, Practical Ecommerce
Content Pruning: What People Get Wrong About It and When It’s the Right Move, Trusthetics
Keyword Stuffing in SEO: What It Is & How to Avoid It, Semrush
People-First SEO: Paying Less Attention to SEO for Better Visibility on Google Search, Ethan Lazuk
SEO A/B testing for superior title tags and meta descriptions, Wix SEO Hub
The Evolution of SEO Content in 8 Practical Steps, BruceClay
Zero to semantic SEO hero: 5 power tips, Oncrawl
Handing SEO off to your clients, SERP’s Up SEO Podcast
The Rise of Global SEO: Expanding Your Scope, Online Marketing Blog
PPC
How we’re approaching the 2024 U.S. elections, Google Blog
The Ultimate User Acquisition Cost Guide, PPC Expo
What Are Sitelink Extensions in Google Ads? (+ Tips for Success), Semrush
Update to Google Ads UK Financial Services Verification (February 2024), Google Advertising Policies Help
Search Features
Google Discover now shows what stories you’ve liked (hearted), 9to5Google
Our favorite Google Chrome extensions of 2023, Google Blog
Turn your ideas into songs with Suno on Microsoft Copilot, Bing Search Blog
Other Search
Andrew Ng: ‘Do we think the world is better off with more or less intelligence?’, Financial Times
Google makes a preemptive move for the 2024 election, will limit election-related queries with generative AI, Android Central
Misleading AI Product Reviews on Amazon Spook Sellers During Holiday Season, Bloomberg
Feedback:
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