Google Search Ranking Volatility Hits January 15-16
I am seeing new signs of yet more Google Search ranking volatility and a possible tweak to the ranking search algorithm. Something kicked off yesterday, January 15th, that the third-party tools picked up on. With this update, there is limited chatter, unlike the previous unconfirmed Google Search ranking update.
Latest Articles
Daily Search Forum Recap: January 16, 2026
Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...
Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Personal Intelligence, Universal Commerce Protocol, Apple Picks Gemini & Ongoing Search Volatility
It is another week and more Google Search ranking volatility but this was a weird one. Google launched Personal Intelligence in the Gemini app and it is coming to AI Mode in Google Search. Google AI Mode new ad format...
Search Video Recaps
Google To Prioritize Removing Prediction News Content From Search & News
Rajan Patel, the VP of Engineering for Search, said on X that Google is making "changes to ranking" to remove prediction content from showing up in the Google Search top stories and news sections. This comes after some sites are posting "prediction" content, predicting that some sports trades may happen, that have not happened yet, and those "stories" show up in the news section as actually having occurred.
Google AI Overview Local Pack Leading To Huge Drops In Visibility
Over the past few weeks, Google has been showing AI Overviews for local packs, leading some businesses to see huge drops in visibility for their Google Business Profile and local listings. Some businesses are seeing 50% declines or more because of the local pack change.
Microsoft Advertising Adds Share Of Voice Metrics, Asset Group-Level URL Options, Customer Acquisition Goals...
Microsoft Advertising announced a slew of new features including new customer acquisition goals as an open beta, Share of voice (SOV) metrics, Asset group-level URL options and tracking templates, increased Search Theme limit, enhanced asset group import, Content Targeting now generally available, Location targeting improvements and Autogenerated assets in Responsive Search ads.
Archives
Google Ads Campaign Total Budgets Live As An Open Beta
Jan 16, 2026Google Ads Manual CPC Bid Selection Streamlined
Jan 16, 2026Google Ads A/B Tests Product Titles & Images For Shopping Ads
Jan 16, 2026Daily Search Forum Recap: January 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2026Personal Intelligence In Gemini & Soon In Google Search AI Mode
Jan 15, 2026Google's John Mueller Says Universal Commerce Protocol Won't Kill SEO
Jan 15, 2026Google: Favicons In Search Not Impacted By Google Core Updates
Jan 15, 2026New Google AI Mode Ads: Explore Guides and Articles
Jan 15, 2026Google Trends Explore Page Adds Gemini
Jan 15, 2026Picture of the Day
