TikTok was briefly shut down in the US due to a newly enacted ban, leaving millions of users without access. However, the app was quickly restored after President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of an upcoming executive order to delay enforcement of the ban. TikTok attributed its return to these efforts, thanking him for providing clarity to service providers.
While TikTok’s future dominates headlines, here are more updates in SEO this week that you don’t want to miss.
Search Engine Roundtable
- Google is requiring JavaScript for tools that check rankings. This change impacts how SEO tools work, potentially reducing their ability to scrape search data. Many SEOs reported fluctuations in search rankings, possibly tied to this update. Read more
- A new phishing scam is targeting Google Ads users. Scammers send fake account suspension emails, tricking users into providing login details. Always verify links and login directly from the official Google Ads website. Read more
- Google has moved all Web Vitals tools to Chrome DevTools, ending the standalone extension. This update makes it easier for developers to check website performance directly in the browser. Read more
Search Engine Land
- Google updated its guidelines for publishers appearing in Google News and Discover. New rules emphasize originality and prohibit AI-generated content without clear human review. Read more
- Google’s share of the search market is dropping, with alternative search engines and AI tools growing in popularity. Businesses are exploring platforms like Bing and AI-driven search tools to diversify their traffic sources. Read more
- When pitching stories, focus on rankings and engagement. High-quality, resonant content attracts more backlinks and improves SEO performance. Read more
Search Engine Journal
- A Google study shows nearly one-third of users in the US and Canada used AI last year. SEOs are watching this trend closely, especially as AI changes how people search for and find information. Read more
- Google has advanced methods to detect AI-generated text. Websites relying heavily on AI tools without human edits may face lower rankings. Read more
- To boost rankings, focus on creating high-quality, relevant content and optimizing for mobile users, as most searches occur on mobile devices. Improve site speed for a better user experience and build natural backlinks by sharing valuable content. Read more
With TikTok’s future uncertain and Google making significant updates, this week’s news reminds us that the digital landscape evolves quickly. Diversifying your strategies and focusing on quality content will keep your online presence competitive, no matter what comes next.
