Well folks, it was yet another busy week in search and SEO (are you surprised). There were layout changes, algorithm updates, and so much more. Here are the top stories we were following this week.
Recent “Small” Search Ranking Update Confirmed by Google
There aren’t a lot of details about this update, but Google assures that this is just another of their frequent, small core algorithm updates. Google says that if your rankings suffered a hit, it’s not necessarily a problem with your site, rather this update brings up previously under-rewarded sites.
Google Feed Changes to Google Discover
This new, upgraded successor to Google Feed introduces several changes and additions.
Google Pays Apple $9 Billion to Stay as the Default Search Engine on Safari
When you click this little slider, you will see a small list of sections you can jump to rather than scrolling manually.
Navigation Slider Being Tested in Mobile Results
When you click this little slider, you will see a small list of sections you can jump to rather than scrolling manually.
Documentation on Implementing Dynamic Rendering
Google has released a new documentation on how you should set up your JavaScript-heavy page with dynamic rendering to help Google crawl and index it properly.
Google Testing Clustered Refinement Bubbles
The refinement bubbles seem to be grouping together with other related ones.
Another Small Core Search Algorithm Update
Many tools show that there was an update on the 4th.
Google My Business Adds “Family-Led” Attribute
A new “family-led” attribute appears, sitting alongside the previous “women-led” and “veteran-led” attributes.
Google Posts Have Been Moved to the Bottom of the Local Knowledge Panel
This will allow for more prominence to the other sections of the panel.
Google Testing Explore Carousel for Local Results
This carousel highlights local businesses relevant to your search.
Google Testing Minimalist Local Pack
Star ratings and images are removed in favor of “call” and “directions” buttons.
You Can Copy Column Preferences to the New Google Ads
A nice quality of life function, easily copy your old preferences over to the new Google Ads. Even works after losing access to the old Google Ads.
The Old Google Ads Interface is Officially Shutting Down
After a long time in testing, the new Google Ads interface will be finally taking over the old one for good.
Google Lens Will be Implemented Right into Google Images
Select something in an image to search for related and similar things and products, now provided inside Google Images.
Google Maps Adds New Commute Functionality
Planning ahead, Mixed commute, and more in this Google Maps update.
Google Assistant Gets a Redesign Focused on Smartphones
The new design features a more attractive visual interface as well as better touch functionality.
Making Quality Links are Against Google’s Webmaster Guidelines
Natural links are what Google wants to see, so making undeserved links is against guidelines.
Search Console Snippet now Visible in Search Results
This change helps keep your site’s health more easily available, and encourages site owners to pay attention to and use Google Search Console.
Google My Business Rolling Out Agency Account Migration Tool
Not much is known, but this will help with the process of transferring listings to organization accounts.
What to Do When Things Go Wrong in SEO
A good write-up on methods to help you find out what went wrong, and what you can do to fix it.
Having bad security on your website can be detrimental to your SEO.
Amazon Has a New $15/hr Wage, But Here’s How Much the CEO Makes an Hour
$15 and hour is certainly a step forwards, but looking at Jeff Bezos’ hourly income really puts things in to perspective.