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.
Please take my poll on the Google August core update - over here. Google Ads accidentally released an "internal tools" button. Google issued Google Discover manual action policy violations. Google Local Service Ads review links are expiring soon. Google Ads added new shopping trends reports, new AI features and more. Looker Studio won't show Google Ads Auction Insights data soon.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
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Google August 2024 Core Update Impact Poll
Last week, a reader here asked if I would poll the audience to see how the last Google search algorithm update impacted them, the Google August 2024 core update. So, I am asking you to take the poll below or on X to see how SEOs, in general, were impacted by this core update. -
Google Ads Gains Shopping Trends, Sync, AI & More Ad Features
Google Ads announced a number of updates yesterday, across new reporting, shopping tools and more ad features, including, of course, AI ad features. "To help retailers maximize success and stay nimble in this year's shorter holiday shopping season, today at our annual Think Retail event we shared some new updates to Google tools," Google wrote. -
Google Ads Accidentally Releases Internal Tools
Tons of Google Ads advertisers are noticing a new button available in the Google Ads advertiser interface named "internal tools." There is a lock icon for the internal tools button and when you click on it, it has the headline "audience builder." -
Google Issues Manual Actions Over Google Discover Policy Violations
In the past couple of days, Google has issued many manual actions around Google Discover policy violations. Just to be clear, you may have seen your Google Discover traffic drop with the August core update, and this policy violation notice would be unrelated to that. Google issued manual actions manually (but in batches) and Google never sends notices like this for algorthmic updates. -
Google Local Service Ads Review Links Expiring, Business Profiles Reviews Will Remain
Google has posted a notice that the old customer reviews links in Local Service Ads will expire and the Google Business profile link will be what you should use going forward. The notice is in the reviews section within Local Service Ads. -
Looker Studio Loses Access To Auction Insights Fields
Google's Looker Studio has lost access to the Google Ads Auction Insights fields as of August 24, 2024 for new data sources. Then after September 23, 2024 it will no longer be available for existing data sources. -
Search Queries On Google Shade Structure
We've seen these shade structures at the GooglePlex but I didn't know that these round discs had search queries and questions engraved in them. I found an Instagram photo zoomed into the discs and you can see that this one asks "where did all the cowboys go?"
Other Great Search Threads:
- 4 of the 6 PMAX reports I have pulled this week have shopping as generating the most volume WHILE being the most efficient. About to swap out a PMAX altogether for a good ol’ standard shopping, PayPerMitch on X
- Google completely stopped indexing new posts on my website, BlackHatWorld
- Google: Our system found your site unhelpful Me: Nooooo Google: We will update Me: Oh good! Google: We found your site more unhelpful. Please improve Me: Whaaaa?! Google: We will update Me: Google: Your site is now helpful Me: I didn't ch, Cyrus SEO on X
- News: Gannett has decided to shutter its Wirecutter-like reviews operation, Reviewed. “Google’s constant algorithm changes have degraded our current business model, and our ability to operate Reviewed effectively,” a Gannett e, Jeremy Barr on X
Search Engine Land Stories:
- Google removes Auction Insights from Looker Studio
- Google introduces YouTube creator-based audience targeting
- Google adds generative AI insights, shopping ad campaign goals
- What is ASO? 7 fundamentals to app store optimization
- From dysfunction to high performance: A model for agency success
Other Great Search Stories:
Industry & Business
- Search giant Google wants to slash its payments to news outlets as social media levy calls grow, Australian Financial Review
- Breaking Up Google Isn’t Nearly Enough, New York Times
- Google Refused Permission to Build Data Center Near Dublin, Bloomberg
- Search Central Live 2024 is coming to Kuala Lumpur and Taipei, Google Search Central Blog
- The SEOFOMO State of SEO Consulting - Survey 2024 Results, SEOFOMO
Links & Content Marketing
- How Marketers Craft Content That Captivates In 2024, Forbes
- So You've Been Asked To "Humanize" AI Content, Ahrefs
Local & Maps
- Fresh Edits: a Hidden Advantage in Google Maps Spam-Reporting, Local Visibility System
- Google Maps rolling out pin shape and colors redesign, 9to5Google
Mobile & Voice
- Amazon Alexa is getting a subscription-based upgrade, can Siri be far behind?, Laptop Mag
- ChatGPT makes Siri more intelligent in iOS 18: Here’s how, 9to5Mac
- Google accidentally confirms Android 15 delay — here's when it'll come, Tom's Guide
SEO
- 4 Types of Keywords in SEO (+ Examples), Semrush
- Navigating SERP Volatility With a Brand-Audience-First Approach, Sitebulb
- Redefining SEO: How training search engines is shaping the future of digital content, Tech Edition
- Top 10 eCommerce SEO Services, Influencer Marketing Hub
- Top 10 Shopify SEO Services to Elevate Traffic and Rankings, Influencer Marketing Hub
- Travel SEO: 8 Strategies From Actual Travel Publishers and SEOs, Ahrefs
- What does an SEO-friendly blog look like?, Oncrawl
PPC
- Beware of Fake Microsoft Support Search Ads that Lands into Scam, Cyber Security News
- Google Ads for Startups: The Complete Guide, WordStream
- Value Stream Mapping and Analysis: Steps and Tools, PPC Expo
Search Features
Other Search
- Google Is 'Flattered' Amazon Seems Worried About Its AI Capabilities, Business Insider
Feedback:
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