83 articles in "SEO" — sorted by importance and recency
Significant Impact from Google's May 2026 Core Update
The Google May 2026 core update, announced on May 21, significantly impacted many sites on May 30. This update caused more ranking volatility than initially expected, particularly in the gambling nich
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 Search Volatility, AI Leadership Shake-Up & August 17 Bidding Update
August 6, 2026: Google Search is experiencing significant ranking volatility, with SEO community reporting what appears to be an unconfirmed major algorithm update. Separately, Google announced major
Bing Webmaster Tools SOAP/POX APIs Retiring August 31, 2026
Microsoft is retiring the SOAP/POX APIs for Bing Webmaster Tools on August 31, 2026. Site owners using these legacy protocols must migrate to the REST/JSON API before that date to avoid service interr
Google's AI Overview Opt-Out Rolling Out, Top Stories Now Included
Google is rolling out its AI Overview opt-out feature as Top Stories now appear within AI Overviews. Publishers can now measure how their content is handled in AI-generated summaries and decide whethe
Google Platform Properties Now Fully Live Globally
Google has officially launched Platform Properties globally, enabling content creators to monitor how their content performs across external platforms (Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube) within Google Sea
Google AI Search Sends Billions of Clicks, Publishers Consider Blocking Google
This week's search news highlights that Google sends billions of clicks to websites weekly via AI search. Major publishers are seriously considering blocking Google Search entirely. Google's revenue r
AI Overviews Now Dominate Most Local Searches
AI Overviews are surpassing local packs in over 15 markets, significantly impacting many businesses. Maintaining visibility in local search results is crucial, particularly regarding how businesses ca
Latest Updates on Google 7/11 Update and Advertising Features
On July 11, 2026, Google Search ranking volatility was noted, dubbed the '7-Eleven update.' Bing announced it doesn't implement one-off search penalties. Google Images celebrated its 25th anniversary
Google Discusses Indexing Quality Issues Related to AI-Generated Content
John Mueller and Martin Splitt from Google discussed the indexing report from Search Console. They highlighted how low-quality AI-generated content can impact a page's trustworthiness and potential in
Google Image Search Home Page Revamped to Gallery Style
Google Image Search has been revamped to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The homepage now features a dynamic, immersive image gallery instead of a simple search box, with a search bar at the top. User
Safari's New MCP Server Enables AI Debugging For SEO And CWV
Apple's WebKit announced a new MCP server for Safari that enables AI-based website debugging for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and CWV (Core Web Vitals). This new feature allows web developers to e
Fake DMCA Complaints Erase Real Pages from Google
Copyright complaints can lead to the removal of real pages from Google search before disputes are resolved. This post explains how the takedown process works and how to identify fake DMCA complaints.
Google Emphasizes Importance of Content People Want to Read for AI Search
Google states that to survive in the era of AI search, publishers must create content that users genuinely want to read. This is crucial for search engine optimization (SEO) as high-quality content wi
Bing Launches AI Citation Share; New Data Raises Doubts on LLMs.txt
Bing has launched its AI Citation Share feature. New data indicates that LLMs.txt files remain unread. Additionally, Google supports two agent specifications, and the UK has ordered fairer search rank
Google Must Provide Notice Before Significant Ranking Changes
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has introduced new conduct requirements for Google Search. This includes fair ranking of organic results, including AI overviews, and search data porta
Google Search Ranking Volatility Continues
In mid-June 2026, reports indicate ongoing volatility in Google search rankings. Recent results appear unstable, with spam sites increasing, particularly due to the World Cup. Following last month's c
Reddit Secured Top Positions Across All Niches After May Core Update
According to SE Ranking, Reddit gained top 3 share across all 20 niches after Google's May core update. Smaller movements were observed in YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) categories, indicating the inc
Google Launches Search Profiles for Publishers
Google officially announced the Search Profiles feature, allowing publishers and creators to showcase their latest articles, videos, and social posts in one place. This profile page includes a large h
Expansion of Google Merchant Center Attribute Rules
The June 2026 Google webmaster report is out, expanding Google Merchant Center attribute rules to automatically found products. This allows attribute rules to apply not only to products added via feed
Introducing new AI performance reports in Search Console
New Search Generative AI performance reports have been added to Google Search Console. These include dedicated reports for Search and Discover to help understand your site's visibility within generati
Google's May Core Update Completed After Volatile Rollout
Google's May core update has completed after a nearly 12-day volatile rollout. SEO professionals noted that this update was heavier than the one in March 2024.
Microsoft's AI Reduces Clicks and Website Visits, Claims Webinar
In a recent webinar by Microsoft's James Murray, a slide was shown stating that AI summarizes results, leading to reduced clicks and website visits. This contrasts with Google's claim that clicks are
Google SERP Layout Shift: Position 1 Now Appears Halfway Down The Page
Google's SERP layout has shifted, placing the top ranking position halfway down the page. This change means that simply ranking #1 is no longer sufficient for securing brand impressions and clicks in
The AI Sameness Trap Eroding Your SEO Competitive Advantage
The article argues that as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, brands must reintroduce human thinking to avoid being lost in the noise. The rise of AI sameness threatens SEO (Search Engine Op
Google's CEO and SVP Discuss the Future of AI Search
Interviews with Google's CEO Sundar Pichai and SVP Nick Fox at Google I/O and Google Marketing Live discuss the direction of AI Search. Google Search is evolving into an AI tool that automates tasks a
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 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 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
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'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
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
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
AI Search Only Feels New If Your SEO Was Shallow
A Search Engine Journal article argues that AI search only feels revolutionary to marketers who neglected proper SEO fundamentals. The piece contrasts what has genuinely changed with what hasn't in th
Google Denies Reddit Preference in Search; Google Assistant Mobile Shutdown Set for September 4
Google confirms that Reddit receives no special preference in Google Search or Google AI Search rankings. Google Assistant will be discontinued on mobile devices on September 4, 2026, replaced by Gemi
Google Ads Testing Anchor Text Links & New Features; August Search Volatility Report
Daily recap from Search Engine Roundtable forums covering multiple Google developments. Google is testing keyword-rich anchor text hyperlinks in sponsored ad descriptions—clicking these links directs
Yagaedo's GEO/LLMO Strategy Revealed: Branding in the AI Search Era
Yagaedo has disclosed its GEO (Search Engine Optimization) and LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization) strategies to succeed in the AI search era. As ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots become mainstream
Google May Treat Spammed Search Box Pages As A Site Quality Issue
Google announced it may treat spammed search box pages as a site quality issue, handling them similarly to hacked sites. Search box pages are pages containing search functionality allowing users to se
How Perplexity Actually Picks Sources: What Live Answer Stream Reveals
This article examines how the AI search engine Perplexity selects and prioritizes sources when answering queries. By analyzing the live answer stream (the real-time generation process from question to
Google Clarifies SEO Impact of CMS-Injected Random URLs in HTML
Google's John Mueller has explained the SEO implications of random URLs that CMS platforms automatically inject into web page HTML. Some content management systems embed hidden links or code for track
Heavily AI-Flagged Pages Still Rank in Google's Top 10 Results
Analysis shows AI detector scores correlate with lower search rankings and fewer indexed pages, yet heavily AI-flagged content still appears in Google's top 10. The data suggests that while high AI de
The New Google Business Profile Playbook for AI Local Search
This article introduces new guidelines for Google Business Profile aimed at optimizing local searches using AI. It includes strategic insights and practical advice for businesses to enhance their visi
70% of Top Retailers Are Invisible to Agentic Commerce
Agentic commerce is on the rise, suggesting that the next SEO win may rely less on better content and more on being the easiest product for an agent to purchase. 70% of top retailers are currently inv
Google Reveals AI Search Clicks Count
According to Google's Nick Fox, AI features in Search send billions of clicks to websites weekly. However, there is no data to verify these figures, highlighting the increasing influence of AI while m
Google Reaffirms Include Canonical On Canonical Page Itself
Google has updated its guidelines to say that a rel="canonical" link should be included on the canonical page itself (self-referential canonical). This advice is not new, as Google's John Mueller ment
The Web Is Eating Itself And Your Metrics Look Fine
The article discusses three mechanisms explaining strange AI search behavior: source bias, retrieval collapse, and model collapse. These mechanisms help understand the phenomenon of the web eating its
Google Search Generative AI Controls Rolling Out Beyond UK Sites
Google is rolling out generative AI controls in Search Console to sites outside the UK, initially launched for .co.uk domains. User reports indicate availability for some US and other international si
Google Tests New Local Places Layout Design
Google is testing an update to the design of local pack and places listings in search. The map has moved from the right side to the top, and the action buttons have also been changed. This change may
New Features in Google Ads and the Importance of Meta Descriptions
On June 30, 2026, search forums reported that Google Ads now allows uploading Customer Match data via the Merchant API. John Mueller stated that while meta descriptions are useful, they are not mandat
The Best Way to Write Meta Descriptions for Google Control
Google often rewrites meta descriptions. This article provides the best ways for marketers to regain control over those snippets, offering specific advice on writing effective meta descriptions and ho
Strategies for Improving Multi-Location Search Visibility
Search visibility has expanded beyond Google to include AI assistants, social platforms, and navigation apps, necessitating new strategies for multi-location brands. Brands need to develop strategies
Google Discusses SEO Rules for AI Agents in Gemini
John Mueller from Google answered questions about whether the new AI agents in Google Gemini change SEO (Search Engine Optimization) rules. The impact of AI agents on SEO and how they will influence f
Google's AI Performance Reports: How Impressions are Counted
John Mueller from Google explained how impressions for web pages are counted within Google's generative AI features. A link to your site must be shown in AI Overviews or AI Mode for it to count as an
Google Testing Autocomplete in AI Mode Ask Anything Box
Google is testing an autocomplete feature within the Ask Anything follow-up box in AI Mode. As users begin to type a follow-up question, Google will suggest autocomplete options. Brodie Clark noted th
The Importance of a Global Knowledge Integrity Strategy in International SEO
AI search is transforming the challenges of international SEO. It shifts the focus from selecting the correct pages to ensuring that accurate, market-specific information survives AI synthesis and ret
Google: Site Move Outcomes Impossible To Fully Know Ahead Of Time
John Mueller of Google warned against moving a domain from .ca to .com solely for branding. While it may be worth it for targeting specific countries, he stated there's no need for a gTLD for global s
Google Sees No Unusual Activity Amid Deindexing Reports
Many websites report pages being removed from Google's index, but Google states there is nothing unusual. The article explains how to distinguish real deindexing from ranking loss and reporting noise.
Google Research Reveals New Method for Detecting AI Spam
According to Google research, AI-generated spam may be easier to detect by identifying the originating networks instead of analyzing content individually. This approach is expected to improve spam det
Google Explains Why URLs Blocked By Robots.txt Can Still Be Indexed
Google Search Console reported 51,000 URLs as 'Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt.' Google clarifies that this is not necessarily a problem, stating that URLs blocked by robots.txt can still be ind
Google's Updated Guidance Says It's 'Fine' To Use LLMs.txt For AI SEO
Google has updated its guidance regarding the use of LLMs.txt for AI SEO, stating that it is now 'fine' to use this special markup and markdown. This shift in tone encourages web marketers to further
Why GSC Impressions Are Up But Traffic Is Falling
The rise in GSC (Google Search Console) impressions despite falling traffic can often be attributed to changes in SERPs, AI features, irrelevant rankings, or new content indexing. Understanding these
Google Search Sends 23% Of Queries To The Open Web
New data reveals that most Google searches in the U.S. end without a click, with a shrinking share of traffic reaching websites outside Google's ecosystem. It's reported that 23% of searches are sent
Google Analytics Adds Google Business Profile Data
Google has documented a native link between Google Business Profile and Google Analytics (GA). This integration brings local metrics like calls and directions into GA reports, allowing business owners
Why Users Are Fleeing To AI-Free Search & Its Implications For SEO
Despite industry fears, AI search adoption remains fragmented, with most users still preferring traditional search methods. This trend has significant implications for SEO, requiring marketers to adap
How to Utilize GSC’s New AI Overview Reporting
Google Search Console (GSC) has introduced a new AI Overview reporting feature, showing which pages appear in AI Overviews, AI Mode, and Discover. By utilizing this data, users can better understand s
Google Tests New Sitename & Favicon Layout In Search
Google is testing a new layout for site names and favicons in search results. Currently, the favicon sits beside the site name and URL stacked vertically, but the test shows the favicon and site name
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
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
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's Documentation Refresh Offers SEO Lessons for Content Updates
Google has refreshed its official documentation, offering practical insights for SEO content updates. The article examines how Google's own documentation improvements—including information structure,
Entity Mapping Works On Google. Does Any Of It Reach ChatGPT?
A Search Engine Journal article explains that on-site entity mapping (structured information architecture) influences Google's Knowledge Graph while failing to reach ChatGPT-style language models. Lan
Why Internal Links Quietly Decay & How To Reclaim The Equity You’re Losing
Internal links gradually lose effectiveness as new content siphons equity away from important pages. This article explains strategies to reclaim lost equity and maintain an effective internal link str
Mueller States llms.txt Cannot Help LLMs Differentiate Sites
Google's Mueller argues that llms.txt cannot assist large language models (LLMs) in differentiating between websites for discovery. He suggests that it plays a narrow role once an agent is already on
The Era Where AI Visitors Know Their Source
This post discusses how AI agents utilize user data and its impact on the contribution of web pages. It highlights the role of blended retrieval in changing this calculus.
How to Use Lighthouse to Test Your Website for Agentic Readiness
Google's new Lighthouse report helps you check if your website is agentic-ready by analyzing three key aspects that most SEOs haven't yet tackled.
Google's Standards Haven't Changed But AI Is Making That Harder To Ignore
Google's standards remain unchanged, but the rise of AI emphasizes the importance of quality content. Sam Sifton highlights that human-driven journalism requires accountability, and automation alone i
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
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
97% of llms.txt Files Received No Requests, Ahrefs Data Shows
Ahrefs analyzed 137,000 domains and found that 97% of llms.txt files received no requests. AI retrieval bots accounted for only 1% of total requests, indicating a lack of utilization of llms.txt files
Trending Search Insights During the 2026 NBA Finals
This article highlights trending topics and keywords on Google Search during the 2026 NBA Finals. It provides valuable insights for basketball fans and sports enthusiasts, analyzing how search behavio
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