In this episode of SEO 101, we explore practical uses for the Google Search Console URL Inspection Tool, including indexing checks and troubleshooting page rendering. We also discuss Google’s new guidelines on service area businesses, prohibiting the addition of countries or states, and analyze the recent decline in AI Overviews’ search rankings, exploring the implications for SEO strategies. Stay informed on these critical updates to enhance your SEO efforts!
Show Notes:
NON SEO NEWS
- Google Review Scams
- Scammers are texting businesses about posting negative reviews.
- They blackmail businesses for gift cards to prevent more negative reviews.
- Advice: Do not pay scammers; ignore them, flag reviews, report via Google Help Center.
- Yoast SEO Plugin Bug
- An issue in the premium Yoast plugin leaked AI-related HTML code into WordPress content.
- Class names “data-start” and “data-end” were injected into site content.
- The bug has been fixed; update the plugin.
- The free version isn’t affected, but AI fingerprints may still appear in copied content.
SEO NEWS
- Google Search Console URL Inspection Tool Use Cases
- Check URL indexing status.
- Request indexing for new pages.
- View how Google renders a page and troubleshoot issues.
- Run a live test for real-time page status.
- Compare declared vs. selected canonical URLs.
- Review structured data and rich result eligibility.
- Inspect HTTP headers for response codes.
LOCAL SEO NEWS
- Service Area Business Guidelines Update
- Google prohibits adding countries or states as service areas.
- Service areas must be specified by city, postal code, etc. (max of 20 areas).
- Area boundaries should not exceed a 2-hour drive from the business location.
- Self-Service Hotel Rates Ending
- Google will end self-service hotel rate management by July 30, 2025.
- Hotels will need to partner with a central reservation system or booking engine to display rates.
- Find partners through Google’s Partner Page.
AI NEWS
- AI Overviews Ranking Decline
- AI Overviews now rank below position 1 in 12.4% of cases, down from 98%.
- Positions: 87.6% in position 1, 7.6% in position 2, and lower for others.
- Informational intent remains dominant at 84%.
- Google AI Mode Expansion
- AI Mode, previously available in the US, is now also available in India as an experiment.
Sources:
Google Review Scams – Discussion on scammers texting businesses about negative reviews and blackmail for gift cards.
Yoast SEO Plugin Bug – Details on a bug in the Yoast premium plugin that leaked AI-related HTML code into WordPress content.
Google Search Console URL Inspection Tool Use Cases – Overview of practical uses for the URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console.
Service Area Business Guidelines Update – Announcement regarding Google’s prohibition on adding countries or states to service areas for businesses.
Self-Service Hotel Rates Ending – Information on the termination of self-service hotel rate management by Google and the need for partnerships.
AI Overviews Ranking Decline – Study findings on the decline of AI Overviews in search rankings.
Google AI Mode Expansion – Announcement of the rollout of Google AI Mode in India as part of an experimental expansion.