Google Updates Disrupt Search Engine Landscape
This week, significant fluctuations were observed as a result of the Google October 2023 spam update and the Google October 2023 core update. Just a day earlier, some spam-compiling websites had been eliminated from the index. Google Ads suffered an extended ad serving and billing glitch that lasted more than a day. These circumstances seemed to have disrupted the search engine landscape, as several companies saw a drastic shift in their rankings and overall search results visibility. Industry experts have started analyzing the implications of these updates, monitoring the situation closely, and providing recommendations to help businesses and marketers adapt to the changes. Moreover, Google is experimenting with a lightweight version of the Search Generative Experience (SGE), allowing users to create images and text using Google SGE.
Google Ends Decade-Long Practice of Indenting Search Results
Notably, Google has ceased the decade-long practice of indenting search results. The new Google-Extended bot does not inhibit SGE from leveraging user-generated content. In an effort to enhance user experience and adapt to changing trends in search behavior, Google has opted for a more streamlined and visually appealing layout. This change provides a seamless transition for users, while integrating SGE capabilities for generating engaging and creative multimedia content.
Google Discover Updates: “Get the Latest On” and “Mentioned” Options
Google Discover now includes “get the latest on” and “mentioned” options and can showcase e-commerce products and news originating from the Google News Showcase.
Local Result Refinement Expansion Boxes and Local Ads Trials
Trials are in progress for local result refinement expansion boxes and Local Ads featuring business images in a carousel expansion function. These new features aim to improve user experience by providing easily accessible, up-to-date information and relevant shopping options. As Google continues to innovate, businesses and publishers stand to benefit from increased visibility and potential revenue streams through localized advertising and product showcases.
Google Business Profiles Auto-Editing and Local Service Ads Updates
Google Business Profiles may auto-edit users’ business attributes. Additionally, Google Local Service Ads leads can be transmitted to users’ phones through text message, rather than only email. This allows business owners to have a more immediate and direct communication line with their potential customers, increasing accessibility and response time. It also ensures that accurate and relevant information about the businesses is readily available to users, enhancing the overall search experience on the platform.
Bing’s New Design for Video Search Results
Bing is also exploring a new design for video search results. Google is investigating the use of people icons within the search bar and examining “trending seller” icons. These new user interface updates aim to provide a more visually appealing and efficient search experience for users. By incorporating these new design elements, both Bing and Google are looking to enhance user engagement and offer better search result organization.
Microsoft Enhances Image Creator Moderation System
Microsoft is focused on improving its image creator moderation system. The tech giant aims to implement advanced AI algorithms and expand their human moderation team to ensure content accuracy and proper representation in their image libraries. This initiative underscores Microsoft’s dedication to enhancing user experience and promoting a positive and inclusive digital environment.
Google Ads Policy Change for Indirect and Non-Cash Rewards
Later in the month, Google Ads policy for ads that provide rewards will allow indirect and non-cash items. Rank Ranger, an all-encompassing SEO platform, supported this week’s search news. This change in policy will enable advertisers to offer various non-monetary incentives like gift cards, loyalty points, and merchandise to users who engage with their ads. Such a shift is expected to benefit both advertisers and users, as it encourages more interaction and value creation through the platform.
Rank Ranger: Comprehensive SEO Platform and Tools
The platform offers advanced rank tracking, Organic Share of Voice reporting, actionable SERP feature data, and SERP analysis tools to aid business growth through data and analytics. Additionally, the platform provides users with insights into their competitors’ strategies, enabling them to make informed decisions to improve their own online presence. By leveraging these powerful tools, businesses can effectively develop and implement targeted SEO campaigns, thereby increasing their visibility and driving traffic to their websites.
FAQs
What were the significant Google updates in October 2023?
Google introduced the Google October 2023 spam update and the Google October 2023 core update. This included eliminating spam-compiling websites from the index, updating Google Ads serving and billing, and experimenting with a lightweight version of the Search Generative Experience (SGE).
Why did Google stop indenting search results?
Google ended indenting search results to enhance user experience and adapt to changing trends in search behavior. This new layout focuses on a more streamlined and visually appealing format while integrating SGE capabilities for generating creative multimedia content.
What are the new features in Google Discover?
Google Discover now includes “get the latest on” and “mentioned” options, showcasing e-commerce products and news from the Google News Showcase.
What are the latest updates for Google Local Ads and result refinements?
Trials are in progress for local result refinement expansion boxes and Local Ads featuring business images in a carousel expansion function. These features aim to improve user experience and help businesses increase visibility and revenue through localized advertising and product showcases.
How does Google Business Profiles update affect users?
Google Business Profiles may auto-edit users’ business attributes, and Google Local Service Ads leads can be sent to users’ phones via text message. This helps business owners communicate faster with potential customers and ensures accurate and relevant information is available to users.
What are the Bing and Google changes for the search bar and video search results?
Bing is exploring a new design for video search results, while Google investigates the use of people icons within the search bar and “trending seller” icons. These updates aim to provide a better search experience and improve user engagement.
What improvements is Microsoft making to its Image Creator Moderation System?
Microsoft is working on enhancing its image creator moderation system by using advanced AI algorithms and expanding its human moderation team to ensure content accuracy and proper representation in their image libraries.
What is the Google Ads policy change for indirect and non-cash rewards?
Google Ads policy will allow ads that provide indirect and non-cash items as rewards, such as gift cards, loyalty points, and merchandise. This change is expected to benefit advertisers and users, encouraging interaction and value creation through the platform.
What does the Rank Ranger platform offer?
Rank Ranger offers advanced rank tracking, Organic Share of Voice reporting, actionable SERP feature data, and SERP analysis tools. It also provides insights into competitors’ strategies, enabling businesses to make informed decisions and improve their online presence through targeted SEO campaigns.
First Reported on: seroundtable.com
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Ivan Samkov; Pexels; Thank you!
