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 Search Console has some reporting delays, Google is working on a fix. Google Ads has a new setting to declare if a political ad is altered or synthetic (AI) that must be used. Google Ads will allow fantasy sports and lottery courier ads. Google Local Service Ads now show in the mobile business finder. Google Merchant Center updated how it uses your conversion data. Microsoft Advertising launched new property center section. And I posted the big Google Webmaster Report for July.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
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July 2024 Google Webmaster Report
This month we had Google June 2024 spam update roll out over a seven-day period. We had a few other unconfirmed Google search ranking updates as well, listed below. Let's not forget yet another Google indexing bug after the core update was announced... -
Google Search Console Working To Fix Search Performance Delays & Latency
Google has confirmed it is working to fix the delays and latency issues with the Google Search Console Performance reports. This happens to the performance reports and often other reports in Google Search Console every now and then and generally Google is able to get it to catch up over time. -
Google Ads Gains New Checkbox: Altered Or Synthetic Content
As you may remember, Google Ads requires political ads to disclose if the content, images or other assets in any way used synthetic content (i.e. AI content). Now Google Ads seems to be adding a checkbox for these ads to check off if these ads use "Altered or synthetic content." -
Google Merchant Center Conversion Data Usage Changes
Google sent out notices via email to Google Merchant Center merchants about a change to how Google collects and uses conversion data that you share with Google. Google said it may use that data for new reporting and also for ways to improve Google Search experiences and services. -
Google Local Service Ads Now On Mobile Local Business Finder
Google is now showing Local Service Ads directly in the mobile version of the Google local business finder interface in Google Search. We know Google is showing LSAs now on Google Maps for iOS but now we are also seeing it on this surface. -
Google Ads To Allow Fantasy Sports & Lottery Couriers Ads In Many States
Google has posted that it begin to accept and run ads for Daily Fantasy Sports and lottery couriers in many states within the United States. This change goes into affect on July 15, 2024 and advertisers must apply for certification. -
Microsoft Advertising Property Center & Lodging Campaigns Expands
Microsoft announced Property Center for Microsoft Advertising's lodging campaigns. This should make it easier for you to manage your Hotel Price Ads and Property Promotion Ads for your hotel or vacation rental property. -
Google Fashion Summit In Brazil
Google held some sort of Google Fashion Summit in the Brazil office. I spotted some photos of it on Instagram from Ana Elisa who wrote, "Today was a day to visit Google and share some of @santa_lolla strategies to stay relevant on the platform. Only proud of this team."
Other Great Search Threads:
- AdSense Earnings and Observations - July 2024, WebmasterWorld
- Today marks the official turndown of Universal Analytics. From today you won't be able to view or download any current or historical data for standard and 360 properties. As we say goodbye to Universal Analytics, we’re, Google Analytics on X
Search Engine Land Stories:
- Google expands conversion tracking for Merchant Center
- Take your career to the next level: Become a search marketing master
- Microsoft Advertising launches Property Center and expands Lodging Campaigns
- Google expands Audience Signal Targeting to App campaigns
- Steve Ganem, Product Director of Google Analytics, on GA4
- Want to speak at SMX Next? Now’s the time to submit a pitch!
- Search everywhere optimization: 7 platforms SEOs need to optimize for beyond Google
- How to harness marketing data to support holistic business strategy
- Prompt injection added to Bing Webmaster Guidelines
Other Great Search Stories:
Industry & Business
- Google buys stake in Taiwan solar power firm owned by BlackRock, Reuters
- How Google is helping accelerate clean energy progress in Asia Pacific, Google Blog
- You could receive payment from Google's $700m lawsuit payout if you own an Android, Unilad
Links & Content Marketing
- Crafting High-Quality SEO Content: A Comprehensive Guide, BruceClay
- Why You Need an Influencer Strategy (and How to Build One), TopRank Marketing
Local & Maps
- Apple, Bing Maps Draw Latest Never-Search Tech Patent Suits, Bloomberg
- New Android Auto Update: Google Releases Version 12.3 for All Users, AutoEvolution
- A future Google Maps feature will help you co-navigate with friends and family, PhoneArena
- How to plan hikes in Apple Maps with iOS 18, AppleInsider
Mobile & Voice
- Apple rumored to announce integration with Google Gemini this fall, 9to5Mac
- How to swap out Siri with Google Assistant or ChatGPT in iOS 18, Fast Company
SEO
- Google Search Console Email Alerts, SEOTesting
- How to Close More Sales With Emotion-Driven SEO, Moz
- 'Google Is Broken': How An Algorithm Tweak Cost Livelihoods, Barron's
- 2024 Zero-Click Search Study: For every 1,000 US Google Searches, only 374 clicks go to the Open Web. In the EU, it’s 360., SparkToro
- Google June 2024 Spam Update – Data Analysis, SISTRIX
- Google Now Tracks Attribution Across Free Listings & Search Web, FeedArmy
PPC
- 5 Essential Google Ads Scripts for Better-Optimized Accounts, WordStream
- Maximizing Google Ads Efficiency: SKAGs vs. SIAGs vs. Hagakure - Which Strategy Fits Your Campaign?, Data Driven U
Search Features
Feedback:
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