Latest SEO Updates and Game-Changing Developments in August 2020

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. SEO Updates for August 2020
3. Google News
   • 3.1 Bing Ads Offers Free Shutterstock Images
   • 3.2 Google Shopping Eliminates Commissions
   • 3.3 WordPress Introduces Native Site Maps Plugin
   • 3.4 Bing Submissions through WordPress
   • 3.5 SEO's Popularity Amidst Global Situation
4. The Legal Aspects of Buying Premium Domains
   • 4.1 Premium Domains and Ownership
   • 4.2 The Value of Online Real Estate
5. Google My Business Updates
   • 5.1 Google Guaranteed Badges for Local Businesses
6. Google's Ranking Factors
   • 6.1 Importance of Links in SEO Ranking
   • 6.2 Negative Impact of Google Reviews on Rankings
7. Increase Traffic with SEO Pruning
8. Google Weighs Business Names in Rankings
9. Google Algorithm Update on August 1st
10. Privacy Issues and Congressional Hearings on Big Tech Companies
11. The Future of TikTok in the US
12. FAQ

🌟 Highlights:

• Bing Ads now offers free Shutterstock images, saving businesses on costs.
• Google Shopping no longer charges commissions, making it more competitive with Amazon.
• WordPress introduces a native site maps plugin, simplifying SEO for businesses.
• Google emphasizes the importance of Google My Business profiles and customer reviews in rankings.
• Updating old content can increase website traffic by up to 37%.
• Google weighs business names highly in search rankings, causing potential unfair advantages.
• Algorithm updates on August 1st caused fluctuations in rankings for many websites.
• Congressional hearings addressed privacy and anti-trust issues with big tech companies.
• TikTok faces possible ban in the US, leading to discussions of acquisition by other companies.

Introduction

Welcome to the SEO Update for August 2020! In this article, we'll explore the latest developments in the world of SEO and digital marketing. From important Google news to algorithm updates, we'll cover everything you need to know to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization. So let's dive right in and discover the key trends and insights that will shape your online strategy this month.

SEO Updates for August 2020

As we step into the month of August, it's time to take a closer look at the latest SEO updates that have the potential to impact your online presence. August has witnessed a whirlwind of changes and innovations, from significant developments in Bing Ads and Google Shopping to the integration of advanced SEO features in WordPress.

Google News

3.1 Bing Ads Offers Free Shutterstock Images

One of the most significant announcements this month comes from Bing Ads, which now allows advertisers to use Shutterstock images for free. This integration is a game-changer as businesses can now access high-quality visuals without the expensive subscription costs of Shutterstock. With eye-catching imagery at their disposal, marketers can enhance their ad campaigns and capture the attention of their target audience effectively.

3.2 Google Shopping Eliminates Commissions

In a bid to rival e-commerce giant Amazon, Google has made a bold move by removing commissions on Google Shopping. This transformation sets Google apart from its competitors, providing businesses with an opportunity to maximize their profits without the burden of additional charges. As a result, Google Shopping becomes a more attractive platform for merchants, offering them a cost-effective way to reach their customers.

3.3 WordPress Introduces Native Site Maps Plugin

WordPress, the world's most popular content management system, continues to empower businesses with its new features. The latest addition is a native site maps plugin, streamlining the process of creating and submitting site maps for better SEO performance. With this integration, businesses can now enhance their website's visibility and make it more accessible to search engines, ultimately driving higher organic traffic.

3.4 Bing Submissions through WordPress

In another exciting development for WordPress users, Bing now allows site map submissions directly through the CMS. This simplifies the process of adding and updating site maps on Bing, making it easier for businesses to stay on top of their SEO efforts. By enhancing their presence on Bing, companies can tap into a wider audience and attract valuable organic traffic.

3.5 SEO's Popularity Amidst Global Situation

The global situation has led to a surge in businesses turning to SEO to bolster their online presence. With more organizations realizing the importance of digital marketing, SEO has emerged as a vital tool for boosting website visibility and reaching potential customers. As the online landscape becomes increasingly competitive, businesses are harnessing the power of SEO to secure their place in the digital realm.

Pros:

• Bing Ads offering free Shutterstock images reduces costs for businesses.
• Elimination of commissions on Google Shopping makes it more lucrative for merchants.
• Native site maps plugin in WordPress simplifies SEO processes.
• Bing submissions through WordPress strengthen website visibility on Bing.

Cons:

• Dependence on Bing Ads for free Shutterstock images may limit image selection.
• Google Shopping's zero commissions might lead to increased competition and saturation.
• Native site maps plugin in WordPress might require additional learning and adjustment.
• Bing submissions through WordPress may lead to over-reliance on one search engine.

Please note that these changes and developments are just a glimpse of the dynamic SEO landscape. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into Google news specifically, discussing game-changing updates that are pertinent to small businesses.