Google algorithm updates 2023 in review: Core, reviews, helpful content, spam and beyond
In 2023, we had nine official and confirmed Google algorithm updates - which was one less than the previous two years.
Topic: Search engine optimization
7 key 2024 search trends to watch and 3 top priorities
Stay ahead in these changing times. These transformative changes will likely have the biggest impacts in 2024.
Google Search is investigating reports of delayed indexing issues
Google said it is "working on identifying the root cause" that is affecting a "small number of sites."
Google’s shifting approach to AI content: An in-depth look
A deep dive into the proliferation of AI-generated content, its impact on search quality, and the future of combating spam.
Generative Engine Optimization framework introduced in new research
The GEO framework could theoretically help websites that are ranking lower in SERPs get visibility in generative AI experiences.
New Google SGE insights: Content formats, YMYL, product views
Find out the most popular SGE content formats, warnings being triggered on YMYL queries and how Google is experimenting with product views.
Top 5 social media platforms you should focus on
Maximize business growth on social media. Explore Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X strategies for success.
Google local search ranking algorithm strengthens ‘openness’ signal
If your business isn't open 24/7, Google does not recommend you change your business listing to be open 24 hours per day.
How to prevent AI from taking your content
Worried about AI stealing your content? Learn to assess the risks and protect your marketing from plagiarism.
How to make sure you never miss an internal or external deadline
Are deadline pressures making your workdays overwhelming? Learn practical tips for navigating the fast-paced world of SEO and PPC.
6 things that happen when Googlebot can’t crawl your website
An experiment by technical SEO expert Kristina Azarenko reveals what happens you disable Googlebot from crawling a website using robots.txt.
Why brand mentions are the future of backlinks
Learn why Google's emphasis on entities makes brand visibility crucial for organic growth and how digital PR shapes the future of SEO.
SearchBot December update: User samples and new prompts
See what's new in Search Engine Land's generative AI chatbot, SearchBot, including 36 new prompts and prompt libraries.
Why traffic declines despite solid rankings and what to do
Even top search rankings can't always stop traffic drops. Here's how to investigate root causes in search trends and new SERPs features.
Enterprise page speed optimization: Keys for effective collaboration
Learn to navigate the intricacies of web teams' tech stacks and performance budgets so you can craft effective page speed recommendations.
Key SEO trends for 2024
This new year will be the most exciting and dynamic time to be in SEO.
Search Engine Land celebrates its 17th birthday
Search Engine Land launched Dec. 11, 2006. Today, we look back on a successful 2023 and look forward to an even greater 2024.
9 interesting Google patents from 2023 and what they mean for SEO
Get insights into Google's latest search innovations by exploring key patents from 2023, covering query filters, user notebooks, and more.
Threads now has its own version of hashtags
Meta's latest feature, dubbed "topic tags," introduces a fresh avenue for users to explore and discover brands.
X launches its ChatGPT rival: Grok
Unlike ChatGPT and Bard, Elon Musk's new chatbot can incorporate real-time knowledge into its responses.
Google November 2023 reviews update now done rolling out
This update will be the last time Google has confirmed a reviews update.
Future-proof your SERP presence: 6 areas to focus on
Equip your SEO strategy for the age of AI-powered search with must-have content formats, optimization areas and performance KPIs.
Analyze content publishing velocity with this Python script
Use it to uncover competitors' content patterns and identify SEO opportunities while benchmarking your efforts.
Google Analytics 4 audiences are rolled out on Google Ads
GA4 has also introduced additional dimensions to its audience builder, segment builder, customer reports builder and data API.
Data providers: Google November 2023 core update was more volatile than the October 2023 core update
Keep in mind, the November 2023 Reviews update overlapped with this core update and is still rolling out.
How to create cross-functional SEO and PR teams for enterprises
Break down the silos between SEO and PR teams. Use this guide to set shared goals, create a unified strategy, test ideas and scale successes.
Google Search Console to stop reporting on product results search in performance reports
This e-commerce related search reporting will end next month, in January 2024, Google said.
Microsoft Bing adds new Deep Search generative AI feature
Deep Search attempts to discern the user intent behind ambiguous queries and show results that don't explicitly include the original keywords.
How Google Search and ranking works, according to Google’s Pandu Nayak
Learn how indexing, algorithms, deep learning systems, human raters, click and query data, and more shape Google's Search results.
How to make your ecommerce content more helpful
Revamp your ecommerce content strategy with actionable tips on making your pages truly helpful through dynamic elements and UGC.
Google expands video requirements for “Video mode” where video must be main content of the page
If your video is not the primary part of the page, Google will not show your videos in search and within "Video mode" of Google Search.
Google officially drops Mobile Usability report, Mobile-Friendly Test tool and Mobile-Friendly Test API
We knew this was coming and now these Google mobile tools are no longer available.
5 Excel and Google Sheets tricks every SEO should know
Crunching big marketing data? Brush up on tips for merging, analyzing, and visualizing Excel and Google Sheets files to extract key insights.
New Google Search vacation rental rich result
This new vacation rental structured data comes with new Search Console and Rich Results reports.
Why a content gap analysis should be part of your SEO strategy
Learn how comparing your site content against competitors can help you find untapped keywords and areas to better meet user needs.
9 SEO tactics for the holiday period
Here are tips to optimize your site for more organic visibility, website traffic and conversions this holiday season.
Pinterest rolls out AI body type filter to improve search inclusivity and engagement
The new technology can help consumers make purchasing decisions, potentially leading to a significant increase in conversions.
LinkedIn rolls out performance measurement and Document Ads enhancements
The upgrades have helped some marketers increase CTR and attributed conversions while lowering cost per action.
The rise of Google followership: Unlocking visibility on Google’s surfaces
Learn how Google is expanding into a surface ecosystem and why followership matters for brand visibility today and beyond.
Google Search Organization markup adds name, address, contact information, and other business identifiers
Google has updated the Search Console and Rich Results test reporting to support these new additions.