This week brought big updates from Google and the world of search. Whether you’re running local ads or keeping up with AI tools, these changes could affect how people find and interact with your business. Here’s what local marketers need to know:
Search Engine Roundtable
- Google search results changed a lot on May 8 and 9. Many websites moved up or down in rankings without warning. Experts think a possible update happened, but Google hasn’t confirmed anything. Read more
- Google is testing ads that show how many followers a business has on social media. This might help businesses look more popular and trustworthy. The test isn’t available to everyone yet. Read more
- Jerry Dischler, who led Google Ads for years, has left the company. His exit follows some legal troubles involving Google’s ad business. A new leader is expected to step in soon. Read more
Search Engine Land
- Google now shows AI-written summaries at the top of more search results. These summaries answer questions quickly without needing to click websites. This might lower traffic to some business pages. Read more
- Some people feel Google Search gives too many ads and not enough useful answers. Others say it still works well for most things. Google continues to lead the market, but users are paying more attention to quality. Read more
- Google says it’s now 20 times better at blocking scam websites from search results. This helps keep users safer online. It also means fewer fake sites will appear during searches. Read more
Search Engine Journal
- Google explained how to use “before:” and “after:” in searches to find info from certain dates. These tools help narrow results to a time range. They’re great for research or finding older news. Read more
- More people are using ChatGPT than Google’s Gemini for AI searches. Even so, Google’s regular search still has more users overall. AI tools are changing how people find answers online. Read more
- Some new AI models are giving wrong answers more often. This is risky for marketers who rely on AI to create content. It’s important to double-check what AI says before using it. Read more
Keeping up with these updates helps local businesses and marketers stay ahead of the game. Whether it’s AI tools, ad features, or changes in rankings, staying informed lets you make smarter choices online. Check back next week for more SEO news that matters
