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.
Today we reported about how there may have been a Google search ranking algorithm update on April 18th, a Spring Break Google update if you will. Google Ads automated rules conditions are broken and not working for a lot of advertisers. Google Search Console is sending out notices for intrusive interstitials. Google is testing a side bar navigation search menu. Google is testing "found in related search." Finally, Google has Easter and Passover decorations in Google Search.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
- Spring Break Google Search Ranking Algorithm Update - April 18th
I am seeing signs of a possible Google search ranking algorithm update on April 18, 2022. There is limited chatter, probably because a lot of SEOs are off this week for Spring Break. But the tracking tools are showing volatility on and around April 18th. - Google Search Console Sending Notices For Intrusive Interstitials
Google is sending out notices about intrusive interstitials to sites that are placing these interstitials in a possibly annoying manner on their sites. The email subject lines read "Improve your page experience by removing intrusive interstitials from domaingoeshere." - Bug With Google Ads Automated Rules Conditions Not Sticking
Google may have a bug with the Google Ads automated rules where the conditions you set up are not sticking. Automated rules let you make changes in your account automatically, based on settings and conditions you choose but those conditions are not being used for some reason. - Google Search Tests Side Bar Navigation
Google is testing bringing back the search options that is currently positioned at the top of the search results to the left hand side bar. Google had the side bar navigation as the default over a decade ago, and is now testing bringing it back. - Google "Found In Related Search" Returns
Back in 2016, we spotted a Google search feature named found in related search for recipe results. Now, it seems to be coming back as a feature for a multitude of queries and types of searches. - Google Search Adds Easter & Passover Holiday Decorations
If you search in Google Search for [easter], [passover], [pesach], [matzah] or any of those variations, you will get either Easter or Passover holiday decorations in Google Search. - Google Austin Office Had A Marching Band Welcome Googlers Back
Google rented a marching band at the Google Austin office a couple of weeks ago to welcome the Googlers back to the office on the first day back. Below is a video I found on Twitter of the music they
Other Great Search Threads:
- Google test new format for "Short Videos" section in mobile serp. While click on more Short Videos it's total 10 in number., Khushal Bherwani on Twitter
- Danny Sullivan on AI generated content: "If the primary purpose of the content is for users, it shouldn’t fall afoul of our guidelines,” he says. “If it’s the best and most helpful content, then ideally we wo, Marie Haynes on Twitter
- My hot take: it doesn't matter. Your content will be discoverable through other links on the site (categories, related posts, prev/next, etc), and how much of your archive (=links to old posts) is, John Mueller on Twitter
Search Engine Land Stories:
- How to handle unprofessional SEO treatment: tips and guidelines
- 3 powerful micro-conversion strategies for paid social
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
- 12 Best Metrics for Agencies to Include in Their Semrush Reports, Databox Blog
- Google Sheet to Analyse Google Search Console Data, tl;dr Marketing
- How to Leverage Google Analytics 4 Demo Properties, Online Metrics
Industry & Business
Links & Content Marketing
- The 6-Step Guide to Creating an Expert Roundup Post, The Blogsmith
- Content Optimization: The Complete Guide, Ahrefs
Local & Maps
- Apple Maps adds biking directions to US Midwestern locations, AppleInsider
- Google denies Ukrainian reports it unblurred satellite Maps imagery in Russia, The Verge
- How To Optimize Your, Google My Business Profile, PPC Hero
- The Visual Future of Local Search - Part 3, Near Media
- Yelp makes it easy to find and support eco-friendly businesses with new business attributes, Yelp
Mobile & Voice
- Google Assistant: These 82 kinds of smart home devices can be controlled natively and without a separate app, Tech Gaming Report
- How to supercharge your iPhone with these hidden voice commands, ZDNet
SEO
- Crawl Budget: How to Optimize It for SEO, Seer Interactive
- Google Search Trends: Universal Search, BrightEdge
- JavaScript SEO Guide for eCommerce Websites, Go Inflow
- Question-Answering In Dialog Systems, SEO By The Sea
- The Future of the Web Is Marketing Copy Generated by Algorithms, Wired
- IndexWatch Q1 2022: UK Winners & Losers, SISTRIX data
- Tools for Publishers to Tackle Core Web Vitals, Outbrain
- Topicality Scores, Social Scores and User-Generated Content At Google, Go Fish Digital
PPC
- Reach vs Impressions: What’s the difference?, Koozai
- Types of Buyer Personas: What Role do Buyer Personas Play in Marketing?, PPC Expo
- Update to Advertiser verification program (April 2022), Google Advertising Policies Help
Other Search
- Web scraping is legal, US appeals court reaffirms, TechCrunch
- Google Searches Surge for Singapore's PM-in-Waiting Lawrence Wong, Bloomberg
Feedback:
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