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.
We are seeing signs of yet another Google search ranking algorithm update, maybe a reversal of the earlier updates from this month. Microsoft may be expanding and relaunching its AdSense alternative, pubCenter. Google is testing sharable links for Google Maps recent searches and local pack results. Bing is rolling out unauthenticated access to Bing Chat. Google is testing a new product details and links view in web search.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
- Google Search Algorithm Ranking Volatility Around May 17th (Unconfirmed)
For the past couple of days or so, maybe starting as early as May 16, 2023 through today, May 18, 2023, I am seeing significant signs of another unconfirmed Google search ranking algorithm update. - Microsoft pubCenter, Google AdSense Alternative, Looking To Expand?
Microsoft might be looking to expand its Google AdSense alternative, Microsoft pubCenter to more publishers. I believe Microsoft pubCenter might try signing up smaller publishers. - Bing Chat Rolling Out Not Signed In Access With Limited Chat Sessions
Microsoft is rolling out allowing "unauthenticated" access to Bing Chat. This means, if you are using Microsoft Edge and you are not signed into your Microsoft account, you may be able to try out Bing, in a limited way. - Google Sharable Links For Recent Searches & Local Packs
Google lets you create a link of your recent searches that you can share with your friends or colleagues. So if you are planning a road trip with friends, you can compile a bunch of links to share with the group. Google is also showing a share link for local packs in search. - Google Tests New Product Details & Links In Web Search
Google seems to be testing an updated user interface for the product and shopping results in web search. You can see the "Visit Website" and "View Details" links and the ongoing expanded pricing details interface in this test. - Google Ball Pit Nap
Google has a lot of napping areas and also a lot of ball pits but I've never seen a photo of a Googler napping in a ball pit. That is until now, when I saw this photo posted on Instagram.
Other Great Search Threads:
- 83.5% say Google should give us CTR data ! (See, it's not just me @searchliaison / @googlesearchc :D) . Thank You to the 139 participants, and to those that shared!, Darth Autocrat (Lyndon NA) on Twitter
- Bing seems to be stepping up their efforts to capitalize on the ChatGPT integration. When searching for "test" on Firefox today, a box appeared in the right column typing an (actually quite funny) AI-like answer. The button as well as the box below hint, Frank Sandtmann on Mastodon
- In the case of conflicting robots rules, the more restrictive rule applies. (Also, don't make life harder than it needs to be -- give clear & misunderstandable directives to crawlers, John Mueller on Mastodon
Search Engine Land Stories:
- Meta starts refunding advertisers for overspending glitch
- How to optimize for entities
- Google-InspectionTool – the new Google crawler for Google testing tools
- How to optimize your Google Ads’ post-click content
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
- All About GA4 Conversion Events, Adswerve
- How to Fix the 420-Character URL Truncation Issue in GA4, Measure Minds Group
Industry & Business
- Google Public Sector Appoints Its First Board of Directors, GovTech
- Google, Facebook to Pay Journalism Fee Under California Bill, Bloomberg
Links & Content Marketing
- 5 Tips to Make Your Content More Accessible & Inclusive, Online Marketing Blog
- Have a Feedback Strategy? You Better Because Your Audience is Watching, Content Marketing Institute
Local & Maps
- Hasan Minhaj takes the front seat in new Waze experience, Google Blog
- Apple Maps EV routing expands to Porsche Taycan, 9to5Mac
- Google Maps Immersive View Is Getting an Update. What to Know, MSN
Mobile & Voice
- Amazon refreshes its Echo lineup, adds a Wi-Fi extender and smart speaker combo, Echo Pop, TechCrunch
- Pixel Call Screen recordings will now show you what the Assistant is saying, Android Police
SEO
- AI and the Future of SEO, Rank Ranger
- Google CTR Stats – Changes Report for Q1 2023, Advanced Web Ranking
- How Brands Can Prepare For An AI-Driven Search Environment, Amsive Digital
PPC
- How Much Should PPC Management Cost?, Search Engine Journal
- Wix Taps Google Ads For Paid Campaigns, Yahoo Finance
Search Features
- Yandex adds next-generation neural network to Alice virtual assistant, Yandex
- After Bard, Google working on new Midjourney-like image creation AI: Report, BusinessToday
Other Search
- Google to use new AI models for ads and to help YouTube creators, CNBC
- New AI coding features are coming to Google Colab, Google Blog
- The Last Recording Artist, Jaime Brooks
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.