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 Maps documented some of its review spam and enforcement practices and policies. I published the monthly Google webmaster report, which is chock full of details. Google is testing the Google Lens button in web search. Google Search Console domain properties can now show as a snapshot in web search. Google's new partner program has gone live after two years of delays.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
- February 2022 Google Webmaster Report
This month was packed with a handful of unconfirmed Google search algorithm updates, as you will see in the bulleted list below. In fact, there may be a more subtle update going on now... - Google Maps Details Review Spam Policy Enforcement Systems
I believe for the first time, Google has provided more detail on how it handles review spam policy enforcement for Google Maps. The search company wrote a blog post, accompanied by a short video, describing what they do to tackle issues with reviews in Google Maps. - Google Search Console Domain Properties Can Now Be In Search Results
Google announced on Twitter yesterday that the Search Console snapshot in the search results now also supports domain properties. This is a snapshot card of some of the higher level data for your site from Search Console directly in the search results. - The New Google Partners Program Is Here
After a lot of saga, postponements and changes, Google has finally launched the new Google Partner program details. Google also launched a new Premier Partner status for the top 3% of partners. - Google Tests Lens Button In Search Bar On Desktop Search
Last November, we spotted Google testing adding the Google Lens icon/button to the mobile search bar. Now, according to 9to5Google, Google is testing adding the Google Lens icon/button to the desktop search results on google.com. - Highlighters For Google For Education Swag
Google is sending out swag to some of the administrators or maybe top contributors for Google for Education in the Google Workspace group. The swag includes highlighters, pen, pad, t-shirt, folder,
Other Great Search Threads:
- I'll pass this feedback on to the team., AdsLiaison on Twitter
- Everybody makes a mistake sometimes... 💡 @JohnMu dives into the two ways Google handles honest mistakes regarding webmaster guidelines and web spam policies in this episode of #AskGooglebot. → https://t.co, Google Search Central on Twitter
- Heads-up, Chrome 98 rolled out. Here's what's new: *Opting out of auto-dark mode *COLRv1 font support (wild fonts) *Emulate Chrome 100 in the UA string In DevTools: *set longer timeout for user flow recording *Back/forward cac, Glenn Gabe on Twitter
- How does https://t.co/JXVbiJGDq2 use content updates to retain and grow their Google rankings? [CASE STUDY] For example https://t.co/ewOIuvsTmJ: - Published: Sept 21, 2020 - First update: Jul 22, 2021 - Second update: Oct 7,, Alex Buraks on Twitter
- You don't have to look at that from an SEO point of view. Who's your audience, how do you - literally - speak their language, and how do you want to reach them?, John Mueller on Twitter
Search Engine Land Stories:
- Revamp your ABM strategy and fix the broken sales-marketing lead funnel
- Performance Max campaigns get support in Data Studio
- Google Q4 search ad revenue: $43.3 billion
- Google finally launches revamped Partners program
- Google Search Console snapshot in search results now can show domain properties
- Google opens up about how Maps review moderation works
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
- Using Navigation Analysis in Google Analytics, Portent
- Step-by-Step: Linking Google Analytics 4 to Google Ads, Krista Seiden
Industry & Business
- Giving $2 billion to nonprofits since 2017, Google Blog
- Two more AI ethics researchers follow Timnit Gebru out of Google, Engadget
- S.Korea seeks improved compliance plans from Apple, Google on app store law, Reuters
Links & Content Marketing
- Finding New Readers for Your Blog with Guest Posting, Problogger
- Steer Clear of Overused Stock Photos With These Planning Tips and Resources, Content Marketing Institute
Local & Maps
- Android Auto is looking more like CarPlay in new leaked images, The Verge
- Yelp releases Trust & Safety Report for 2021, Yelp - Official Blog
- Local Citation Management for Dealerships, DealerOn
- Today I learned a handy trick to zoom in and out of Google Maps, The Verge
- What's new with your Google Business Profile?, Vertical Leap
Mobile & Voice
- Fly around your phone with Android's hidden voice command center, Computerworld
- Google Pixel 6 & 6 Pro new updates, bugs, issues, problems tracker, Piunika Web
- Hey Siri, darken the sunroof glass in my Apple Car, Cult Of Mac
SEO
- Featured Results and Google's De-duplication might be lowering your click through rate in the SERPS., Internet Marketing Ninjas
- How to Choose the Right Long-Tail Keywords, Semrush
- How to use Python for NLP and Semantic SEO, RankRanger
- How to write an SEO-friendly conclusion, Yoast
- Leveraging Synergies Between SEO and Other Channels: An Integrated Marketing Approach, Moz
- When to Do SEO, Leverable SEO
- Google URL Inspection API with Python, JC Chouinard
- Local Keyword Generator Tool - get search volume at scale using Keyword Surfer or Semrush API, tl;dr Marketing
- Screaming Frog SEO Spider Update – Version 16.6, Screaming Frog
PPC
- February 2022 update to Display & Video 360 API v1, Google Ads Developer Blog
- How Content makes PPC Advertising Successful, PPC Hero
- Introducing the new Merchant Center Status Dashboard, Google Ads Developer Blog
Search Features
Other Search
- SearchResearch Challenge (2/2/22): Search in a world of changing names?, SearchReSearch
- Winter Games 2022 Begin! (Feb 4), Google Doodles
Feedback:
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter @rustybrick or @seroundtable, you can follow us on Facebook and make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or just contact us the old fashion way.