55 articles in "SEO" — sorted by importance and recency
Google May 2026 Core Update Has Started Impacting SEO
The May 2026 Google Core Update has been announced and is starting to impact the SEO community. Many sites report a sharp decline in traffic, with some experiencing drops of up to 50%. The rollout is
Google Begins Rolling Out May 2026 Core Update
Google has begun rolling out the May 2026 core update, the second broad core update of the year. It may take up to two weeks to complete. Core updates impact search results, so website operators and m
Google May 2026 Core Update Is Rolling Out
On May 21, 2026, Google announced the rollout of the core update, expected to take about two weeks. This update targets all types of content to better surface relevant and satisfying content for searc
Google Launches Core Update and Overhauls AI Search at I/O
Google launched the May core update and announced a redesign of AI-based search at the I/O event. They also released initial usage data for AI Mode, but the information regarding llms.txt remains mixe
Recap of Google I/O 2026: New Search Features and Ads
A summary of new features and changes announced at Google I/O and Google Marketing Live in May 2026. Google introduced the 'Intelligent Search Box' and unveiled AI Mode powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash. Ne
Googleの新しいGemini 3.5 FlashではAIモードが強化され、エージェント機能が追加されました。一方、過去のアップデートでは成人向け商品に関するプロパティが追加されました。これらの違いを比較し、機能の進化を探ります。
Google's New Intelligent Search Bar Update
Google has announced a major update to the search box, the first in over 25 years. The intelligent search box dynamically expands as you type, allowing for long queries and prompts. It supports file a
Google Search Now Powered By Gemini 3.5 Flash With New Features
Google Search has upgraded to Gemini 3.5 Flash, enhancing AI Mode and introducing new agentic features. These include information agents, agentic coding, expanded personal intelligence, and Universal
Google Adds Adult Property to Merchant Listing & Product Variant
Google has added the 'hasAdultConsideration' property to the Merchant listing and Product variant documentation. This property is used to identify adult-oriented products, including those with nudity
Google Adds AI Content Verification to Search
Google expands SynthID verification to Search, enabling users to easily check if content is AI-generated. This enhances transparency in search results regarding AI content.
Google Redesigns Search Box and Adds AI Agents to Search
At the I/O event, Google introduced Gemini 3.5 Flash as the default model in AI Mode, redesigned the Search box, and announced that search agents will be launched this summer. This aims to provide use
Search Ranking Volatility Ahead of Google I/O 2026
On May 19, 2026, search forums noted increased volatility in search rankings ahead of Google I/O. Google added markdown files to its help documentation, but stated these are not used for search. Addit
Google I/O 2026 Search Ranking Volatility Observed
On May 19, 2026, Google I/O featured announcements of new functionalities, but no official search ranking updates were revealed. Nevertheless, search ranking volatility is observed, with many websites
Google's UCP Highlights the Importance of Agent-Ready Websites
Google's UCP (Unified Commerce Platform) is designed for shopping, serving as a blueprint that all websites will need to implement, regardless of whether they sell products.
Google Releases Guide on Optimizing for Generative AI
On May 18, 2026, Google published a new help document on optimizing for generative AI. This document includes statements from Google over the years, including a myth-busting section. Additionally, 66%
Google's SERP FAQ Removal and New Data Challenge Schema's AI Search Value
Google announced the removal of FAQs from SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages). Additionally, research from Ahrefs suggests that the new data challenge schema could play a significant role in SERP visi
GA4 Tracks AI Assistant Traffic, FAQ Rich Results Disappear
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) now tracks AI assistant traffic, while FAQ rich results have been removed, potentially impacting search results. Additionally, Ahrefs is testing schema, and Condé Nast is plan
Google Ranking Volatility Heats Up, FAQ Rich Results Completely Removed
This week's search news highlights heightened Google ranking volatility, particularly on May 13 and 14. Google has announced the application of spam policies to AI responses. The Google Discover perfo
Google Indexing API Inundated by Bloggers
John Mueller from Google stated that the Indexing API is inundated by bloggers trying to act like legitimate sites, leading Google to be more cautious about what they accept. The API should only be us
Google Clarifies Spam Policies Apply to AI Responses
Google updated its search spam policies to clarify that they apply to AI-generated responses, such as AI Overviews and AI Mode. This change indicates that any techniques aimed at deceiving users or ma
Google Search Volatility, New Video Ads Feature, and More Updates
On May 14, 2026, search forums reported significant volatility in Google search rankings. Additionally, a new video creation button has been added to Google Ads, and Google Analytics now tracks traffi
Google Search Ranking Volatility Heated May 13th & 14th
On May 13th and 14th, significant fluctuations in Google search rankings were observed. The SEO community is actively discussing this, and some tools are reporting large volatility. This is not a conf
Condé Nast CEO Urges Teams to Plan for Zero Search Traffic
Condé Nast's CEO Roger Lynch instructed teams to plan as if search traffic will be zero, following three years of forecasts that underestimated actual declines. This statement may impact future digita
Introducing a New Spam Policy for Back Button Hijacking
Google is expanding its spam policies to address the deceptive practice known as 'back button hijacking'. This practice will be explicitly classified as a violation of the 'malicious practices' within
The Google Business Review Extortion Scam: How to Fight Back
In local SEO, a business's reputation is its most valuable asset. If the rating on a Google Business Profile doesn't reflect the true situation, the business suffers significantly. As consumers see th
How to Stress-Test a Staging Environment Before Launch
When launching a redesign or migration, testing in a staging environment helps identify SEO issues before they impact rankings. This article discusses testing methods to surface risks pre-launch.
The New Rules of Search: Key AEO & Content Marketing Trends for 2026
Insights on enhancing AEO (AI Optimization) strategy for improved visibility in AI search engines are shared for 2026. Effective content strategies and top-performing tactics are emphasized, helping m
Why Google Uses Markdown on Developer Documentation
John Mueller from Google states that markdown pages can aid developer documentation, but most sites should prioritize their current SEO (Search Engine Optimization) needs. This highlights the importan
Google's llms.txt Guidance Varies by Product
Google Search states that llms.txt is not required for AI features. Conversely, Lighthouse conducts an experimental audit checking the file for agentic browsing readiness, indicating the guidance vari
Creating ‘Non-Commodity’ Content That Cuts Through The Noise
Google's information gain patent is real, showing that commodity content can't compete. This article presents a practical content framework to deliver value in search.
The Pitfalls of AI Content Strategies
Scaling content with AI seems like an SEO win, but it can backfire. Data from over 220 sites shows a familiar boom-bust pattern seen by Google before. Proper management of AI content strategies is ess
Google Search Results Now Show AI Update Label
Google Search now labels results with 'Updated by AI 1 minute ago,' indicating AI-curated content. Previously, updates were marked only by time. This new feature is being used for live timelines like
Google-Agent Introduces a New Class of Web Visitor: AI Agents
Google-Agent introduces a new class of web visitors: AI agents acting on behalf of users instead of crawlers indexing content. This new concept could impact how the web is used.
A New Resource for Optimizing for Generative AI in Google Search
Google has released a new resource to help website owners, SEOs, and developers optimize their content for generative AI features in Google Search. This resource aims to assist in understanding how to
Direct Traffic & Popularity – Correlation, Not Causation
A new AI citation study has sparked a debate in SEO regarding the difference between a ranking factor and a symptom of ranking success. The relationship between direct traffic and popularity is noted
AI Overviews Exposing Negative Reviews: Impact and Next Steps
The article explores the impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence) on reviews and brand visibility. It emphasizes the role of AI tools in highlighting negative reviews against user intent. Marketers need
Google Discover Publisher Pages Get New Features
Google is testing updates to Google Discover publisher pages, adding custom links, featured posts, larger header images, and sharper logos. Eligible publishers can now choose the order of their social
Staying Relevant as Affiliate Managers and SEOs in the AI Era
To adapt to AI-driven discovery, SEOs and affiliate marketers must adjust payment models, brand positioning, and partnerships. This article explores these strategies and highlights how to maintain com
The 90-Day AI Search Sprint: Boosting Your Marketing Visibility for 2026
This article presents a 90-day strategy to enhance brand visibility in AI searches. By utilizing this playbook, marketers can rebuild their approach and strengthen their presence in search results for
How to Conduct a Technical SEO Audit for AI Search Visibility
Improving AI visibility requires conducting a technical SEO audit. This article explains how to adapt websites for future search trends and enhance technical SEO practices, providing crucial informati
The State of Local SEO in 2026
Local SEO in 2026 is focusing on delivering more personalized results due to changes in user search behavior. With an increase in mobile searches, businesses must prioritize optimizing for location an
Understanding Relationships in Google Business Profile
Relationships in Google Business Profile refer to the connections between businesses and customers, or between businesses themselves. These relationships enhance visibility in search results and build
Do Services in Google Business Profiles Impact Ranking?
This article discusses the impact of services offered in Google Business Profiles on search rankings. It suggests that the credibility of the business and customer reviews may contribute to improved r
Introducing Weekly and Monthly Views in Search Console
Analyzing search traffic trends is vital in SEO, but daily data can obscure the bigger picture. Google has introduced weekly and monthly views in Search Console, helping users understand long-term gro
Google I/O Didn't Signal the End of SEO
The article published on May 23, 2026, discusses fears about the death of search triggered by Google I/O. It emphasizes that the issue is not technical, but rather an economic risk, highlighting misun
Reasons for Splitting Your XML Sitemap File
Many SEOs have a strategy of splitting their XML sitemap files into categories for various reasons. John Mueller points out that this helps track different kinds of URLs, split by freshness, and proac
More Organic Search Traffic, More Ad Revenue: 4 Publishing Workflow Fixes That Bring Both
The article discusses how modern publishing engines can overcome issues of legacy CMS and drive sustainable growth for media companies. It highlights four specific workflow fixes that can increase org
90% of Brands Have Zero AI Search Mentions, New Study Finds 4 Key SEO Insights
A recent study found that 90% of brands have no mentions related to AI search. The research explores the connection between traditional search results and AI mentions, providing valuable marketing ins
How AI Mode is Changing the Way People Search in the U.S.
Google's AI Mode is transforming the way users search in the U.S. Users can now input diverse elements for more intuitive searches, focusing on visual aspects like color and shape. This new search sty
Study Finds Adding Schema Has No Impact on AI Citations
A new study from Ahrefs indicates that adding schema (structured data) does not affect citation counts on AI platforms like Google AI Overviews and ChatGPT. The study compared 1,885 pages that added s
How to Measure SERP Visibility Webinar Insights
Rankings can be misleading. This webinar covers the concept of search engine results page (SERP) and AI visibility, explaining how new features impact brand perception online. It aims to help develop
How to Build Local Pages That Win in AI-Powered Search
This article explains how to leverage local SEO. Learn to create authoritative pages that enhance visibility in AI search results.
Schema Markup Did Not Affect AI Citation Rates in Ahrefs Test
According to an Ahrefs report, adding schema markup to pages already cited by AI did not improve their citation rates. This study provides important insights into the effectiveness of schema markup, s
Understanding the Inner Workings of Googlebot
The Search Off the Record podcast's episode 105 explores the workings of Googlebot, the web crawler that indexes pages for search engines. This article discusses how Googlebot crawls, fetches, and pro
New Location for the Google Crawlers' IP Range Files
Google has announced a short note regarding the new location for the crawlers' IP range files. This information is used by Google's crawlers to index websites. Specific changes or impacts are not deta