Search Engine Roundtable's Weekly Search Buzz Roundup is back in session. After two weeks of holidays, we're back to give you the latest and greatest news in search for the past 3 weeks. Let us begin...
Yahoo Search Assist is Now Live
The new generation of Yahoo Search is now available with a bunch of features, including Search Assist, which is an autocomplete feature. Yahoo's recent search rollout also featured blended results, which seems to be the direction that search is headed.
Google integrates YouTube into AdSense
After testing AdSense and YouTube, Google has finally rolled out video units that are ads. Barry walks you through setting up Google AdSense video units via YouTube if you're interested in trying it out.
DMOZ Gone and Back Again
The DMOZ hompeage disappeared from Google results last month. Today, it seems to be safe and sound in the #1 position, and I assume it's because they're taking better care of the community by creating a blog. Looks like this is headed in a positive direction.
Gmail 2.0 Coming Soon?
Is a new version of Gmail around the corner? Some people hope so. I did notice that if you right click on an email within Gmail, you'll get a preview window -- that's certainly an additional feature.
Overture is Back!
Overture works again after being reported as dead a few weeks prior.
Google: Stock Going Up, Up, and Away
On September 24, Google hit a high of $564 in stock. Now, it's at over $600. Google is now seeing fallout from its success as many of its top people are moving to other opportunities, probably because they suspect that Google can't get much better from here. Regardless, Google is still richer than many companies and has the majority of August's search shares, which should come as no surprise. By the way, Nathan Weinberg reported yesterday that it reached $625. Then it was at $631 when I checked again, but it's gone down just a bit. However, that didn't stop the founders from buying a Boeing 757. And all I want is a Google beanbag.
PageRank Updates?
First, there was a Google Directory PageRank update. Now, there's apparently some sort of PageRank update for October.
MSN Live 2.0
MSN Live Search 2.0 is showing life and algorithmic changes. Do you expect that Microsoft's Facebook stake has anything to do with making Live Search 2.0 more social? Will it be integrated in the future?
And what about Microsoft's acquisition of Jellyfish? Will it have any impact on the future of Live 2.0 from a marketplace perspective?
Microsoft Docs?
Microsoft is about to engage in a fierce competition with Google Docs by starting Microsoft Docs which will give people the ability to view documents (but not edit them) online. It would be nice to have Microsoft Office Online, but I guess I'm dreaming...
Google AdWords Conversion Optimizer Released
Last month, Google AdWords released AdWords Conversion Optimizer. A lot of people want to try this out but cannot because of the minimum requirements (300 conversions in 30 days). Others don't like it. It's a learning curve, I guess.
By the way, what are your thoughts on Google Campaign Optimizer? Chris Boggs, who covered for us last week, brings up an interesting discussion.
Can You Hear Me? Google Audio Ads Reviewed
A really great Google Audio Ads review has been shared with us. If you're looking to advertise (on the radio, people!), this is a must-read for starters.
The Answer is 42
Now you know Danny's age. Happy Birthday, Danny!
For Others, the Answer is 9
Google's 9th birthday was celebrated without me. For shame.
Stupid Man Sues Google over Social Security Number
A dumb person has sued Google because he says that Google -- upside down -- looks like his social security number. Yesterday, I saw a car in the parking lot with the last 4 digits of my social security number. Who do I sue? The DMV or the car owner?
How does my Googlebot Crawl?
If your site being is crawled too quickly, you can reduce the speed of the crawl in Google Webmaster Central. If you're not being crawled at all for whatever reason, you can perform some steps to alert Google of the existence of your site.
Log onto Yahoo for Best Results
Remember when we reported that Yahoo shows less results in Site Explorer? This may have something to do with it: using Yahoo's Site Explorer will show different results whether you're logged in or not. You might want to log in for the most accurate reporting.
GooKu
Of course, these three weeks couldn't possibly go by without an acquisition by Google. That's why they grabbed Jaiku. I wonder what they'll do with it.
Some SEO/PPC Tips and Tricks
Over the past few weeks, forum members have been very kind to share some SEO tips and tricks. First, we have image optimization techniques. Then, we have a starter guide to the SEO process. Since the holidays are around the corner (really!), we have a recommendation to use Google Trends to get optimization tips. Matt Cutts clarifies nofollow and another Googler, Wysz, clarifies Google's position on hidden text. Oh, and if that wasn't enough, here are some AdSense tricks and an official document from Google regarding Dynamic Keyword Insertion. This is good stuff, guys!
Friday Fun
Ever want to see Google results backwards? You can with this cute little game. And if not, well, you can kill time with the game too.
Next Week
SMX Social Media will be held in New York. Expect liveblogging from yours truly (probably for every session except the one I'm speaking at). If you're in the city, be sure to stop by the Internet Marketers of New York Charity Party, and if you're not but want to sponsor an event in the future, that would be most welcome.
Looking forward to seeing you all next week!
