Latest Google Updates: Core Update, Mobile-First Indexing, and More

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Google November 2023 Core Update
3. Google Reviews Update
4. Mobile-First Indexing
5. Did SEO Experts Ruin the Internet?
6. Why Google Updates Algorithms
7. Danny Sullivan's Advice to Recipe Bloggers
8. Tips for Creating Helpful Content
9. Schema and its Impact on Rankings
10. Keyword Stuffing and its Consequences
11. Updates in Google's Structured Data Documentation
12. New Google Business Profile Attributes
13. Google Ads Updates: Local Service Ads and AdSense
14. Google Ads Editor Version 2.5
15. Changes in AdSense Revenue Share Structure
16. New AdSense Review Center
17. AI-Generated Recipe Searches
18. Real-Time Response from Google Bard

Introduction

Good morning, everyone! In this week's Search Buzz video recap, we have some exciting updates from Google. From core updates to new features and algorithm changes, there is a lot to cover. So, let's dive right in and explore what's been happening in the world of search.

🌟 Google November 2023 Core Update

The week started off with a bang as Google rolled out its November 2023 core update. This update, named the November 23 Broad Core Update, aims to improve the quality and relevance of search results. It targets all types of content and has a global impact. Webmasters and SEOs should keep an eye on any ranking fluctuations during the two-week rollout period. While the exact impact of this update is still unclear, it is essential to monitor your website's performance and make necessary adjustments accordingly.

Google Reviews Update

In exciting news, Google announced that a reviews update will be rolling out next week. This update comes as a significant change to the way Google handles reviews. Going forward, Google will no longer provide periodic updates on improvements to its review system. Instead, updates will occur regularly and dynamically. Keep an eye out for any changes to your review profiles and adapt your strategies accordingly.

Mobile-First Indexing

Google announced that mobile-first indexing is now officially complete. This transition has been a long time coming, and with it, Google emphasizes the importance of mobile-friendly websites. Webmasters should ensure their sites are fully optimized for mobile, as Google now prioritizes the mobile version of a website for indexing and ranking purposes. However, it's worth noting that a small set of sites that do not work on mobile may face challenges with crawling and indexing.

Did SEO Experts Ruin the Internet?

An article published by The Verge raised an interesting question: Did SEO experts ruin the internet, or did Google search itself play a role in this? The article prompted discussions about the early days of SEO and how search engines were easier to manipulate. While the article may have stirred up nostalgia, it is important to acknowledge that the internet has come a long way since then. Both SEO experts and Google have contributed to improving the online experience for users. The article's premise of the internet being ruined seems unfounded when compared to the spam-filled, low-quality content landscape of the past.

Why Google Updates Algorithms

Danny Sullivan, Google's search liaison, explained the reasoning behind frequent algorithm updates. The web is dynamic and constantly evolving, and so are people's expectations. As a result, Google continuously improves its algorithms to ensure they meet the changing demands of users. The goal is to deliver the most relevant and helpful search results possible.

Danny Sullivan's Advice to Recipe Bloggers

Danny Sullivan also shared some valuable advice for recipe bloggers. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing user experience and ensuring that key parts of a recipe are easily accessible. Users should be able to access recipe instructions without having to scroll through lengthy introductions or personal stories. By focusing on user needs, recipe bloggers can offer a more satisfying experience and attract a larger audience.

Tips for Creating Helpful Content

Google's emphasis on helpful content continues with its recent updates. The search engine now uses machine learning to determine if content is beneficial to users. It's important to note that old content can still be helpful if it meets users' needs and provides valuable information. Webmasters should strive to create content that is informative, engaging, and meets the search intent of their target audience.

Schema and its Impact on Rankings

Contrary to popular belief, implementing schema markup does not directly impact search rankings. Danny Sullivan reiterated that schema is not a ranking signal. Instead, schema markup enhances the visibility of search results by providing additional information, such as star ratings and video snippets. While schema markup does not directly affect rankings, it can indirectly influence click-through rates and user engagement.

Keyword Stuffing and its Consequences

Danny Sullivan addressed the issue of keyword stuffing, noting that it's not about the number of times a keyword appears on a page but rather how the content reads. Keyword stuffing creates awkward and unnatural content that is not user-friendly. Instead, focus on creating high-quality, compelling content that serves the needs of your audience.

Updates in Google's Structured Data Documentation

Google has made changes to its video structured data documentation. These updates now emphasize the importance of specifying the time zone for videos. Failure to include the time zone could result in default settings being applied by Google. Webmasters should review and update their structured data to ensure accurate information is conveyed to both users and search engines.

New Google Business Profile Attributes

Google launched new attributes for Google Business Profiles, including small business profile attributes and detailed parking attributes. Small business profile attributes allow businesses to highlight their status as small enterprises, while detailed parking attributes provide information about parking facilities. These additions aim to enhance the user experience by providing useful information upfront.

Google Ads Updates: Local Service Ads and AdSense

Google has introduced several updates to its advertising products as well. Local Service Ads are now showing a more diverse range of advertisers, offering equal visibility to businesses across different categories. In addition, AdSense has updated its revenue share structure and introduced a per-impression payment system. While Google assures publishers that these changes will not impact overall payouts, there is some concern within the industry about potential pay reductions.

Google Ads Editor Version 2.5

Google Ads Editor Version 2.5 has been released, introducing several new features and improvements. Users can now enjoy enhanced filters, easier bulk actions, and improved image search capabilities. These updates aim to streamline campaign management and provide a more user-friendly experience for advertisers.

Changes in AdSense Revenue Share Structure

Google has made significant changes to the AdSense revenue share structure. Publishers previously retained 68% of their ad revenue. However, the revenue share is now divided into separate rates for the buy side and sell side. Despite this change, Google assures publishers that their overall share will remain the same. Nevertheless, publishers are advised to monitor their earnings closely to ensure fair compensation.

New AdSense Review Center

AdSense has introduced a new AdSense Review Center, which provides publishers with an expanded and improved interface for managing ads. The updated center offers more comprehensive views of ads, simplified filtering options, and easier bulk actions. Publishers can benefit from better control and customization of their ad placements.

AI-Generated Recipe Searches

Google is now using AI to generate recipe suggestions for users. When conducting recipe searches, Google may provide recipe ideas based on popular and trending options. While this feature benefits users, recipe bloggers may face challenges as their content competes with AI-generated recommendations. It is crucial for bloggers to continue creating unique and engaging recipes to stand out in search results.

Real-Time Response from Google Bard

Google Bard, the company's chat-based search assistant, is now capable of responding in real time. This brings Google in line with its competitors, such as Bing chat, ensuring a seamless user experience. However, for users who prefer complete responses rather than incremental replies, there is an option to limit Google Bard's responses until the entire answer is available.

That wraps up this week's search news recap. Stay tuned for more updates and insights next week. Have a fantastic weekend, and remember to subscribe for the latest search updates. Goodbye!

Highlights

• Google rolls out November 2023 core update
• Reviews update to be launched next week
• Mobile-first indexing now complete
• The Verge article asks if SEO experts or Google ruined the internet
• Danny Sullivan explains the rationale behind algorithm updates
• Recipe bloggers advised to prioritize user experience
• Focus on creating helpful content for improved search visibility
• Implementing schema does not directly impact rankings
• Keyword stuffing creates awkward and unnatural content
• Google updates structured data documentation
• New attributes added to Google Business Profiles
• Updates in Google Ads and AdSense
• Google Ads Editor Version 2.5 released
• Changes in AdSense revenue share structure
• New AdSense Review Center introduced
• AI-generated recipe searches introduced
• Google Bard now responds in real time

FAQ

Q: How often does Google release core updates?\ A: Google typically releases several core updates throughout the year. The November 2023 core update is the fourth one this year.

Q: Does mobile-first indexing affect all websites?\ A: Yes, mobile-first indexing applies to all websites. Webmasters should ensure their sites are mobile-friendly for optimal indexing and ranking.

Q: Will AI-generated recipe searches impact recipe bloggers?\ A: AI-generated recipe searches provide additional competition for recipe bloggers. Bloggers should focus on creating unique and engaging content to stand out from AI-generated recommendations.