The world of SEO has seen some notable changes this week. Below are the top headlines and important updates that might affect how you manage your websites, local SEO strategies, or Google Business Profiles:
Search Engine Roundtable
- Google confirmed a core update around Thanksgiving. Core updates can impact how sites rank in search results. Website owners may see changes in traffic, both positive and negative. The advice remains to focus on quality content that provides value to users. Read more
- Google has officially removed the sitelinks search box feature. This feature used to show a search box below some website links in Google Search, letting users search directly within a site. The removal might change how some users interact with your website’s search functionality. Read more
- Google has added a feature on Google Maps allowing users to report inappropriate business conduct. This could help people keep businesses accountable, but also means that businesses need to be more careful about maintaining a good reputation online. Read more
Search Engine Land
- Google Search Console’s recommendations feature is now fully available to all users. The feature suggests ways to improve a site’s SEO, such as fixing errors and adding relevant keywords. Local businesses should use these recommendations to improve their visibility in search results. Read more
- A detailed look into how LLMs and generative AI are influencing search results is now available. LLMs are used to help search engines understand queries better and deliver more relevant answers. AI-driven search might mean changes in the way SEO content is ranked, emphasizing the need to stay updated. Read more
- There has been a rise in people using ChatGPT to search for information instead of traditional search engines. This trend could affect how people find local services, making it important for businesses to understand how to appear in AI-generated results. Read more
Search Engine Journal
- Automattic, the company behind WordPress, faced backlash for copying a premium plugin and releasing it for free. Developers are upset since this may discourage the development of premium plugins in the future. Read more
- Google Business Profiles now have an option to include age-restricted products. Businesses that sell products like alcohol or tobacco can now use Google to properly label these items. This can help local businesses keep in line with regulations and attract the right customers. Read more
- Google Chrome has updated its site engagement metrics, which are used to measure how users interact with websites. High site engagement can mean better rankings in Google Search. This change highlights the importance of making your site easy to use and engaging for visitors. Read more
As we wrap up this week’s SEO highlights, it’s clear that staying informed is key to success—just like being prepared for a big Thanksgiving feast. As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, take a moment to appreciate all the little things, including your website’s growth and progress. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, and may your SEO strategies continue to bring in fruitful results. Stay tuned for more updates next week to keep your SEO game strong and up-to-date!
