Possible Google Search Ranking Volatility Around January 12
I am seeing signs of a possible Google search ranking update or volatility around January 12, 2026. This is weird in that most of the tools, not all, are mostly calm, but the chatter has picked up and many SEOs are noticing ranking fluctuations.
Latest Articles
Google: We Prohibit Showing Different Prices In Search/AI Mode vs Website
The other day, I saw the Google News channel on X respond to claims that Google is going to allow merchants to overcharge you for products sold through the new AI checkout protocol. I found it crazy because Google has checks and balances to ensure merchants can't do this and Google responded as such.
Google: Linking Brand Websites Together At Reasonable Scale Is Fine
Google's John Mueller was asked if it was acceptable to link your brand websites together on a brand page to communicate to your users that the company owns multiple brands. John said, it is pretty common to do so and if done as a reasonable scale, it is fine to do.
Search Video Recaps
Google AdSense Earnings Dropping Again eCPM/RPM - Complaints
I am seeing a spike in complaints from Google AdSense publishers of earnings dropping again over the past 24-hours or so. This is similar to last week, and it also coincides with an unconfirmed Google search ranking update.
Google Ads Faster Account Set Up With Campaigns
For the past few weeks, Google Ads has been rolling out a new and faster way to set up an account by using an existing campaign. The option reads, "Create an account with campaign for faster setup."
Microsoft Advertising Releases Guide To AEO & GEO
The Microsoft Advertising team released a new PDF guide named "From discovery to influence: AEO A guide to and GEO." This guide offers "Practical data strategies to empower retailers for AI search, AI assistants and AI browsers."
Archives
Daily Search Forum Recap: January 13, 2026
Jan 13, 2026Official: Apple Intelligence & Siri To Be Powered By Google Gemini
Jan 13, 2026Microsoft Advertising Now Allows Up To 50 Search Themes In PMax Campaigns
Jan 13, 2026Google Shopping Promotions Support Subscription Fees & Abbreviations
Jan 13, 2026Google Hotel Knowledge Panels Posting Currently Turned Off Bug
Jan 13, 2026Daily Search Forum Recap: January 12, 2026
Jan 12, 2026Google Integrates Core Search Signals Into AI Experiences
Jan 12, 2026Google AI Mode Direct Offers Ads & Universal Commerce Protocol
Jan 12, 2026Google Ads Performance Max A/B Testing Assets
Jan 12, 2026Picture of the Day
