Introduction
Welcome to the last episode of SEO last month. In this monthly series, we bring you the latest SEO news and updates in a concise format. We appreciate your support throughout the years, and we would love to hear from you in the comments section. Let's dive into the news!
Google AdSense Switches to Pay-Per-Impression Model
In a significant announcement, Google AdSense revealed that they are shifting from the pay-per-click model to the pay-per-impression model. This change means that websites using Google AdSense will now be paid based on the number of impressions their ads receive, rather than the number of clicks. While the pay-per-impression rate is expected to be lower, Google assures that overall revenue should remain similar. This update aims to prevent fraudulent practices where some websites generate artificial clicks to boost their earnings.
Google's November Core Update Rollout
Google initiated a broad core update rollout in November, targeting different parameters from the previous October update. While Google does not share detailed information about core updates, they provide resources like the Evergreen Video Cum Dashboard to help webmasters identify affected pages and reasons for the ranking changes.
Updates in Google's Performance Max Campaigns
On November 7th, Google announced several updates in Performance Max campaigns. These updates include the use of Generative AI for headlines and descriptions, AI-based creation of campaign images, AI-based editing for Google's own images, and the inclusion of a watermark to clearly indicate AI-generated images.
Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) Expands Internationally
Google expanded its Search Generative Experience (SGE) to over 120 countries on November 8th. While still in beta, SGE allows users to ask follow-up questions, utilize AI-based translation services, and provides a more enhanced search experience. It is expected that Google will officially launch SGE in search results and permanently replace SGE featured snippets by February next year.
Changes in Google's Page Experience Report
On November 8th, Google made changes to the Page Experience Report, removing scores and retaining the Core Web Vitals and HTTPS reports in Search Console. These changes align with Google's ongoing efforts to prioritize user experience and provide webmasters with actionable insights to optimize their website's performance.
November Review Update Rollout
Google introduced the November Review Update, which aims to combat the increasing instances of low-quality and AI-generated content on the internet. This update underscores the importance of producing high-quality, valuable content and encourages webmasters to stay informed about the latest industry trends and best practices.
Updates in Google's Malicious and Unwanted Software Policies
On November 9th, Google divided its malicious and unwanted software policies into three distinct categories: Malicious Software, Compromised Site, and Unwanted Software. Webmasters will receive a warning one week in advance if their website violates any of these policies, allowing them to rectify the issue and ensure their shopping ads and product feeds remain active.
Google Introduces Learning Videos Performance Report
Google announced the Learning Videos Performance report in Google Search Console on November 13th. This report provides valuable insights into the performance and search appearance of learning videos on websites. To access this report, webmasters need to implement learning video type schema data on relevant pages.
New Features in Google's Search Results Page
Google introduced two new features on November 15th: Notes and Follow. The Notes feature allows users to add comments and insights under search results, while the Follow feature enables users to follow specific topics and receive more content related to those topics. These features aim to enhance the search experience and encourage user engagement.
Robots.txt Report in Google Search Console
Google launched the Robots.txt report in Search Console on November 15th. This report provides valuable information about the Robots.txt file, highlighting any errors and keeping a 30-day history of changes. It serves as a useful tool for webmasters to manage and monitor their website's Robots.txt file effectively.
Google Analytics Update
Google introduced a new interface for Google Analytics on November 15th, rearranging various elements and causing some initial confusion. However, comprehensive tutorial videos have been created to guide users through the new changes and ensure a seamless transition. The series covers all aspects of Google Analytics, providing users with in-depth knowledge of the platform.
Microsoft's Bing Renames Chatbot and Implements AI-Generated Descriptions
Microsoft renamed Bing Chat to Co-Pilot and announced the use of AI-generated descriptions in Bing search results on November 15th. This move aims to leverage GPT-4 technology for improved search experiences. Webmasters have the option to prevent these AI-generated descriptions from appearing on their websites by using specific tags.
Yahoo's Search Engine History
In a nostalgic reflection, Yahoo's brand provost highlighted the amusing history of Yahoo's interactions with Google. Yahoo had the opportunity to acquire Google in its early stages but declined, and later had a chance to purchase it for a significant amount but passed on the opportunity. The brand provost expressed uncertainty about who could challenge Google's dominance in the future, but emphasized the importance of embracing nostalgia.
Google Updates Search Quality Raters Guideline
On November 16th, Google updated its Search Quality Raters Guideline after nearly a year. The update simplifies the definition of the "needs met" category, provides specific guidelines for different types of pages, and refreshes the examples provided in the guideline. This update ensures that search quality raters evaluate content accurately and reflect the ever-evolving online landscape.
Meta and Facebook Announce Emo Video and Emo Edit
Meta and Facebook announced Emo Video and Emo Edit on November 16th. These video and image editing cum generation platforms utilize AI technology to assist users in creating videos and editing images. While the platforms have not been launched yet, they aim to provide users with intuitive tools to enhance their multimedia content.
Google's Crawl Rate Limiter Tool Removal
Google announced the removal of the Crawl Rate Limiter Tool, effective from January 8th, 2024. This tool allowed webmasters to specify the crawl rate for their websites. However, its usage has been minimal, and its removal is unlikely to impact the majority of website owners and SEOs.
New Reports in Google Search Console: Discussion Forum and Profile Page
On November 27th, Google introduced two new reports, Discussion Forum and Profile Page, in Search Console. These reports focus on websites featuring forums or user profiles. By implementing the appropriate schema data, webmasters can access valuable insights and monitor the performance of these specific types of content.
Enhancements in Information Type Schema Data
On November 29th, Google announced enhancements to the information type schema data. Webmasters can now include additional details such as name, alternate name, legal name, description, address, phone number, email, number of employees, founding date, and tax ID. These additions provide users with comprehensive information about organizations in search results.
Conclusion
That concludes our coverage of the SEO news and updates for the month of November. If there are any additional updates we may have missed, please let us know in the comments section. Thank you for watching, and we'll see you next time!
