In this episode of SEO 101, we discuss the ongoing November Core Update and its ranking volatility, the recently launched Google Search Console Recommendations that suggest SEO actions, and John Mueller’s insights on why generic names struggle to rank. We also provide essential tips for a successful domain rebranding transition. Tune in for essential tips to navigate these critical SEO developments!
Show Notes:
SEO NEWS
- November Core Update
- Ongoing rollout causing ranking volatility.
- Google Search Console Recommendations
- Fully live as of November 26.
- Offers optimization opportunities and suggested actions.
- Recommendations may change or expire; not all users will see them.
- Google Tests Bare-Bones Hotel Search
- Conducted in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia.
- Removes certain search features temporarily, returning to basic search format.
- Test to comply with EU’s Digital Markets Act.
- 15% of Google Searches Driven by 148 Terms
- 250 billion searches per month.
- Top 10 most searched terms include YouTube, Gmail, Amazon, Facebook, and others.
- 44% of searches are branded; 51% are informational.
MUELLER FILES
- John Mueller on Ranking for Generic Names
- Generic names may not rank well despite being in the domain (e.g., “the wedding company”).
- Highlights competitiveness of the space and time needed after rebranding.
QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
Tips for Rebranding to a New Domain
- Before Transition
- Crawl current site, export ranking details, and identify high-traffic pages.
- Backup old site.
- During Transition
- Transfer page details, ensure internal links are correct, update online profiles, set up 301 redirects, and use Google Search Console’s Change of Address Tool.
- After Transition
- Check functionality of contact forms and shopping carts, monitor organic rankings, and use tools like SEMRush for site health tracking
Sources:
Scan of 140K Sites Reveals Best WordPress Plugins – A comprehensive analysis of 140,000 WordPress websites identifying the most commonly used plugins.
November Core Update Still Rolling Out – Update on the ongoing November Core Update from Google, with notes on ranking volatility.
Google Search Console Recommendations Now Fully Live – Announcement of the fully rolled-out Search Console Recommendations feature that suggests actions for SEO improvement.
Google Tests Bare-Bones Hotel Search In Three EU Countries – Details on Google’s temporary test removing certain hotel search features in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia.
15% of Google Searches Driven by Only 148 Terms – Insights from a study showing that a small number of terms drive a significant portion of Google searches, along with trends in search behavior.
Google: Just Because You Call Yourself It, It Doesn’t Mean You Will Rank For It – John Mueller’s response to a query about ranking challenges for generic names following a rebranding.