This week, we look back at Google’s latest core algorithm update that the tech giant says won’t help fix ranking issues, the resignation of the Google News vice president, Google’s contentious test of temporarily removing EU News publications from Search, Discovery, and Google News, and John Mueller advises not to overuse Google Trends for creating content ideas.
From around the web, SEJ writer Matt G. Southern writes about the new Google Maps product search feature that enables shoppers to find in-stock inventory, and Search Engine RoundTable editor Barry Schwartz reports on Google’s customer match policy update that advertisers must follow or risk suspension.
Google Rolling Out November 2024 Core Algorithm Update Now
Google announced the release of its latest and final core algorithm update of 2024, saying it is a continuation of its efforts to provide helpful content; unfortunately, the update won’t help websites recover lost rankings caused by past updates.
Key takeaways:
- Google rolled out its update on November 11, saying it will take two weeks to complete.
- Google said the update will focus on providing helpful content people want and demote content written only for ranking purposes.
- Website owners affected by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update shouldn’t expect ranking improvements.
- Google told publishers, “There’s nothing new or special that creators need to do for this update as long as they’ve been making satisfying content meant for people.”
Google News Vice President Shailesh Prakash Quits
Google News vice president resigned after only two years; speculation is that Shailesh Prakash quit because of the tech giant’s continued problems with media outlets and its use of AI in search.
Key takeaways:
- Prakash ran Google News and liaised with media outlets concerned about lost revenue caused by Google’s increased use of AI in Search.
- Before Google, Prakash worked for The Washington Post as its chief technology officer alongside Jeff Bezos.
- The Wall Street Journal said, “The departure comes amid an ongoing rift between Google and news outlets over how the search engine drives traffic and uses their content.”
Google Tests Removing EU News Publishers From Search
Google announced it would test removing EU News publications from Search, Discovery, and Google News in nine countries to gather data and understand traffic patterns.
Publishers, however, believe it’s Google’s way of saying stop grieving about lost rankings because you need us more than we need you.
Key takeaways:
- Google said the test complies with Article 15 of the European Copyright Directive (EUCD) and as a data-gathering experiment to assist EU publishers “understand traffic patterns.”
- Google describes it as a “small, time-limited test” removing EU publications from nine countries, affecting one percent of users.
- People in the EU countries affected will still see non-EU news publications. EU news articles will return once Google completes its test.
Google Advises On Not Over-Using Google Trends For Your Content Ideas
Google’s John Mueller advised not to overuse Google Trends for content ideas, saying it’s too easy to rely on these tools and publishers should create content based on their skills and target audience.
Key takeaways:
- Mueller gave his Google Trends advice on the Google Search News blog.
- Mueller said, “It’s easy to go overboard with tools like these, adding that you don’t have to create pages for every possible search term and that you should be selective.”
- He also advised publishers not to create pages for every possible related search term.
- Mueller said publishers should focus on adding value to their content, avoid repeating what’s already online, write about what they know, and create content that is helpful for their niche and audience.
From Around The Web
Google Maps Launches Product Search: Steps For Retailers
Search Engine Journal writer Matt G. Southern reports on the latest Google Maps product search feature, enabling shoppers to search for real-time inventory in local stores.
Key takeaways:
- Google updated Maps by including product-specific and location search capabilities.
- Shoppers can use the new feature to find in-stock products in their location.
- Google advises retailers to focus on three components to maximize the new Google Maps’ product search feature.
- Accurate store and product information and regular stock updates are also crucial for success.
Google Customer Match Policy Warning: Don’t Harm Users Or Else…
Search Engine RoundTable editor Barry Schwartz writes about the emails Google recently sent to Google advertisers warning them to follow its Customer Match policies or risk having their accounts suspended.
Key takeaways:
- Google announced it will update its customer match policy on January 13, 2025.
- The new Customer Match policy states that advertisers could lose Customer Match access if their advertisements create a poor user experience or cause harm.
- Google also advised that “violations of this policy will not lead to immediate account suspension without prior warning; a warning will be issued, at least seven days, before any suspension of your account.”
- The most critical policy update is not using people’s emails without consent.
