In this episode of SEO 101, we discuss recent Google Analytics data issues, the importance of both page-level and site-wide ranking signals, and the updated policies against site reputation abuse. Tune in for insights on how these changes impact SEO strategies and best practices for maintaining strong website rankings.
Show Notes:
NON SEO NEWS
Perplexity Launches AI-Powered Shopping Search
- New shopping feature for U.S. paid subscribers.
- Aims to compete with Google and Amazon.
- Features include:
- Visual product cards with detailed info (pricing, seller, pros/cons).
- One-click checkout with saved details.
- Merchant program to enhance online shopping.
- Users can search via text or images.
- Pro subscribers receive free shipping.
- Offers unbiased recommendations without sponsored listings.
SEO NEWS
- Google Analytics Data Issues
- Reports of missing or delayed data since November 13.
- Google confirmed the issue on November 18 and resolved it by November 20.
- Google’s Ranking Signals Update
- Both page-level and site-wide signals impact rankings.
- Good site-wide signals don’t guarantee high rankings for all pages.
- Strengthened Policy Against Site Reputation Abuse
- New policy against exploiting a site’s ranking signals with third-party content.
- Manual actions against offenders initiated, including major sites like CNN and USA Today.
- Sites can lift manual actions by removing offending content or using noindex tags.
AI NEWS
- Google’s AI Search Experiment: “Learn About
- New AI tool summarizing topics with Interactive Lists.
- Available for U.S. users aged 18+, supports English and Spanish.
- Includes privacy controls regarding user data.
- Surge in Google AI Overviews for Travel Queries
- AI Overviews now appear for 30% of travel-related queries.
- Specific travel questions are being answered more frequently, with a 700% increase from September to October.
- Ads in Google AI Overviews
- Ads launched in the U.S. for mobile search results.
- Currently in testing phase; not all users may see them.
ChatGPT’s Search Marketing Share
- Market share estimates:
- Google: 83.54%
- YouTube: 6.79%
- ChatGPT: 4.33%
- Others (combined): 3.37%
- Bing: 1.97%
AI Prompt Tips
- Tips shared by Scott and Ross on improving AI prompt results and generating client content.
Sources:
Perplexity launches AI-powered Shopping Search – Perplexity introduces a new shopping feature for U.S. paid subscribers, featuring visual product cards, one-click checkout, and a merchant program aimed at enhancing online shopping experiences.
Google Analytics data delayed or missing for some – Reports of missing data in Google Analytics starting November 13, with Google confirming and resolving the issue shortly after.
Google: Page-Level & Site-Wide Signals Both Matter For Rankings – Google clarifies that both page-level and site-wide signals impact rankings, emphasizing that good site-wide signals do not guarantee high rankings for all pages.
Google Strengthens Policy Against Site Reputation Abuse – Updated policy against using third-party content to exploit site ranking signals, with a focus on manual actions against offenders.
Google’s AI Search Experiment: “Learn About – Introduction of “Learn About,” an AI tool that uses Interactive Lists to summarize topics and guide users through related subtopics.
Google AI Overviews massively surge in travel queries – Findings show a 700% increase in Google AI Overviews for travel-related queries, now covering 30% of such searches.
Google AI Overviews ads seen on mobile search – Ads in Google AI Overviews launched in the U.S., currently visible in mobile search results and limited to a testing phase.
ChatGPT’s Search Marketing Share vs Google – Analysis of market share in search marketing, showing Google at 83.54%, ChatGPT at 4.33%, and other platforms combined at 3.37%.