Weekly Digital Marketing News Round-Up 27th September 2024

We hope you are in good health. Here are some of the major SEO news updates of the week that you need to know:

Search Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine

Google Search Ranking Volatility: Trends Heat Up as of September 25th

The Google Search ranking volatility continues to intensify, as observed on September 25th. The search engine has not stabilized its ranking shifts, resulting in constant fluctuations and movement in the search results. The unpredictability of rankings and traffic persists, with significant changes occurring quickly. This ongoing trend has prompted some tools to adapt their volatility thresholds to better handle the increased volatility in Google search results. Despite these adjustments, the volatility remains a significant challenge for businesses and marketers striving to maintain a consistent online presence.

Google Revamps Spam Policy Documentation: What You Need to Know

Google made significant changes to its spam policy documentation. The most notable change is the addition of a new definition of site reputation abuse. This addition addresses the growing issue of websites engaging in unethical practices to manipulate their reputation on search engines. Google has also provided more information about the consequences of manual actions, helping website owners understand the potential penalties for violating spam policies. Furthermore, the documentation has undergone a content refresh to make it more user-friendly and concise. Understanding these updates can provide valuable insights into effectively updating your website content and ensuring compliance with Google’s guidelines.

Google Removes The Official Cache Search Operator Documentation

Google officially removed its documentation for the cache: search operator, as it is no longer functional. According to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, the documentation was accessible until September 17, 2024. Users attempting to access the URL are now redirected to a changelog notice detailing its removal. This change marks a significant shift in how users can retrieve cached versions of web pages, raising questions about the future of similar search operators and their utility for SEO professionals and researchers alike.

Google’s John Mueller Explains How To Use Alt Text For SEO

In a statement, Google’s John Mueller highlighted the crucial role of alt text in SEO for image searches. He pointed out that combining the page’s context and image significantly influences search visibility. For example, a beach photo could represent different scenarios—like a vacation spot or a news event—making generic labels insufficient. Mueller emphasized that relevant alt text, such as “hotel with beach in X,” enhances the image’s connection to the page’s content. He cautioned against using AI-generated alt texts lacking specificity, as they fail to maximize user engagement and search engine optimization.

Google Maps Shows Fake Review Notice On Business Profiles

Google implemented a new feature on Google Maps. This feature entails placing a notice or warning on certain Google Business Profile listings within Google Maps when there is suspicion that some reviews may be fake or fraudulent. This is a proactive step taken by Google to address the issue of misleading information and protect users from relying on inaccurate reviews. By alerting users to the potential presence of fake reviews, Google aims to ensure that businesses are accurately represented and consumers can make informed decisions based on reliable information.

Google Tests Shopping / E-Commerce Cards in the Search Results

Google is testing a new feature that presents shopping and e-commerce information in a convenient and user-friendly format. This feature, known as the top card format, displays product results with pricing details on the left side of the screen. Users can find a list of popular stores where they can purchase the product on the right side. The top card format provides review content and videos for further information and insight. By incorporating this feature into its search results, Google aims to enhance the shopping experience for its users and streamline the process of finding and purchasing products online.

Google Fixes Google Search Console Product Snippets Report

Google fixed an issue with its Google Search Console Product Snippets report. Google identified and resolved the problem, ensuring users can now access accurate information and data from this report. The Product Snippets report is a crucial tool for website owners and SEO professionals, providing insights into how their product pages are displayed in Google’s search results. With this fix, users can now rely on the data provided by the report to make informed decisions and optimize their product pages for better visibility and performance.

Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine

YouTube Unveils 9 Exciting New Features at Made On YouTube 2024

At Made On YouTube 2024, YouTube announced nine exciting new features to enhance creator and viewer experiences. The updated Dream Screen, powered by Google’s DeepMind technology, will provide more realistic backgrounds for Shorts. The revamped Inspiration tab in YouTube Studio will help creators refine their ideas, titles, and thumbnails using AI. New community spaces on channel pages will facilitate engagement between creators and fans, while the Community Hub in the YouTube Studio app offers AI-driven reply suggestions. Additional features include auto dubbing for multiple languages, a “Hype” system to boost smaller creators, expanded shopping options in Southeast Asia, and a Big Screen Experience for structuring content into seasons.

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