In a groundbreaking revelation at the recent SERP Conf, Gary Illyes rocked the SEO world by reiterating Google’s evolving stance on links. Gone are the days when links were the holy grail of SEO. Illyes emphasised that Google now requires very few links to propel pages to the top of search results. According to reports, Illyes stated, ‘We need very few links to rank pages… Over the years, we’ve made links less important.’ Patrick Stox, who captured Illyes’ remarks firsthand, shared the news, sparking a frenzy in the SEO community. Illyes’ rare commentary sheds light on Google’s ever-shifting a ..read more

Discover the essential steps to safeguard and navigate through Google’s adjustments to your Google Business Profile (GBP) information. For businesses invested in local SEO, Google Business Profiles (GBP) stands as a vital asset. However, the dynamic nature of Google’s algorithms means that updates to GBP listings can occur unexpectedly. Google employs a range of measures to maintain the integrity of GBP listings and their visibility on maps. As a result, businesses may find their information subject to periodic alterations without prior warning. By gaining insights into the timing, rationale ..read more

In the realm of information navigation, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet/Google, envisions a dynamic shift towards AI-driven responses coupled with seamless website guidance. At the 2024 Business, Government, and Society Forum at Stanford University, Pichai emphasised Google’s commitment to evolving search into a generative experience where AI-generated answers merge seamlessly with intuitive website exploration. Gone are the days of mere “10 blue links,” as Pichai asserted Google’s transformation under the influence of AI, heralding a future where information retrieval and navigation converge i ..read more

In recent weeks, Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, has been addressing reports of search results not only lacking in quality but also posing potential harm. It’s disheartening to note that this wasn’t the norm just a few years ago. Reflecting on this issue, Hyung-Jin Kim, Google Search’s Vice President, shared a poignant anecdote during an SMX interview. He recounted a personal experience where a family member sought medical information via Google Search, highlighting his commitment to ensuring search results remain informative and safe. This dedication partly birthed EEAT, aimed at saf ..read more

As the March 2024 Google Core update continues its journey into the 36th day of dissemination, a surge in ranking fluctuations and dynamic shifts is palpable. Both Google tracking tools and the SEO sphere are abuzz with heightened chatter, signalling a potential crescendo in this update’s impact. Could this tumult signify the conclusion of the update’s undulating journey? This update unfolds as an enigmatic anomaly, characterised by a myriad of revisions to the intricate web of ranking algorithms nested within Google’s core framework. Consequently, anticipation was rife for substantial ranking ..read more

In a recent discussion, Google’s John Mueller strongly recommended against disallowing internal footer links. Responding to a query on Reddit about whether to disallow certain footer pages, John cautioned against such actions, suggesting that the problems it creates will only frustrate future endeavors. Google has consistently discouraged the use of nofollow tags on internal links, dismissing PageRank sculpting as an ineffective strategy. Even Matt Cutts echoed this sentiment back in 2010, advising against the practice. Echoing past statements, Mueller reiterated that employing nofollow tags f ..read more

In today’s hyper-connected world, customers are just a click away. But with so much competition vying for their attention, how do you make sure your business stands out? Enter digital marketing, a powerful toolbox for businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital age. Digital marketing goes beyond simply creating a website and hoping for the best. It’s a strategic approach that leverages various online channels to connect with your target audience, build brand awareness, and ultimately drive sales. Here’s how: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): This ensures your website ranks highly in sear ..read more

In the latest unveiling of their 2023 Google Ads safety report, Google proudly announces the eradication of a staggering 5.5 billion ads from their platform. Not stopping there, they also wielded their authority to suspend 12.7 million advertiser accounts and restrict over 6.9 billion additional ads. Furthermore, they’ve taken measures to curtail ads from appearing on 2.1 billion publisher pages. These figures reflect a notable escalation, with approximately 6% more ads expunged, a staggering 90% increase in suspended advertiser accounts, a commendable 60% augmentation in restricted ads, and a ..read more

Google employee John Mueller answered a question regarding what to do about spammy backlinks that were thought to hurt search rankings. In response to a Reddit inquiry regarding a surge in spammy backlinks potentially hampering rankings, Google’s John Mueller provided insightful guidance, redirecting attention towards the key priorities for publishers. Observing a Surge in Spammy Backlinks The individual raising the concern highlighted a recent uptick in spammy backlinks, correlating it with a detrimental effect on their rankings. Furthermore, they expressed concerns about its implication ..read more

In September 2023, a significant content update shook the online landscape, leaving many small website proprietors, bloggers, SEO practitioners, and others reeling. Hope flickered anew with the arrival of the March 2024 core update, yet it seems that the recovery they yearned for remains elusive. Despite the ongoing rollout, there’s scant evidence of any site reclaiming lost ground from the tumult of September 2023. Our exhaustive monitoring of various forums and social platforms reveals a prevailing narrative: silence on the front of recovery. Comments inundating these spaces predominantly ec ..read more