SEO BLOG

Get strategic about search, ranking factors, and digital marketing initiatives that put organic first.

SEO INSIDER

Monthly knowledge drop - what you need to know about Google updates and more.

Google

 A ruling in favor of the DOJ could reshape the adtech landscape, promoting more competition and limiting Google's power.

2 min read

DOJ Delivers Closing Arguments in Adtech Antitrust Case Against Google

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) presented its final arguments in the landmark antitrust case against Google, accusing the tech giant of...

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Concerns about ethical considerations, transparency, and content creator incentives remain unresolved. Read more here.

2 min read

New 12/9: Key Insights on Google’s Core Update, AI Overviews, and Future of Search

The much-anticipated November Core Update officially concluded its rollout on Thursday afternoon. Contrary to predictions, it took longer than...

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AI tools like GitHub Copilot can be safely used for educational content without harming Google rankings

2 min read

The Impact of AI-Generated Content on Google Rankings

Recent studies show that Google does not automatically penalize AI-generated content. According to Google's Search Advocate John Mueller, the focus...

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This feature could offer valuable insights into how websites or client sites perform in Google Search.

1 min read

Google Search Console Recommendations Fully Live

Google has officially completed the rollout of its recommendations feature in Google Search Console. Originally introduced as an experimental feature...

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Google’s AI Overview ads represent a significant step in blending conversational AI with advertising.

2 min read

Google AI Overview Ads on Mobile Search

Google has officially introduced AI Overview ads in mobile search, a move that marks a significant evolution in its advertising strategy. Although...

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The site reputation abuse policy serves as a warning to websites engaging in or considering parasite SEO.

3 min read

Google’s Site Reputation Abuse Policy: A Temporary Fix for a Systemic Problem

Google’s recently updated site reputation abuse policy aims to combat the growing issue of large, authoritative websites leveraging their domain...

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As Google refines this feature, further announcements about ad placement and expanded availability are expected.

1 min read

Google AI Overviews Ads Appear on Mobile Search

The long-awaited inclusion of advertisements in Google AI Overviews has started rolling out. Early examples of these ads have been spotted in U.S....

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As Google pushes further into AI-based ad management, advertisers will likely see similar trends across other campaign types

2 min read

Google Shifts Demand Gen Audiences to 'Signals'

Google recently redefined how it categorizes audiences for Demand Generation (Demand Gen) campaigns, labeling them as "signals" rather than strict...

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Building a foundation of high-quality, user-focused content is your best defense against fluctuations from Google core updates. But you already knew that.

5 min read

Google’s November 2024 Core Update (Here We Go Again?)

Dejavu doesn't even cover it.

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The lifting of Google's political ad restrictions marks a return to normal operations for political advertisers.

2 min read

November 11 - Google Lifts US Political Ad Restrictions

Google has announced the end of its temporary restriction on US election-related advertising, with normal operations set to resume on Monday,...

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As Google evaluates feedback, addressing these concerns could help restore the boundary between organic and Shopping traffic

3 min read

Google’s srsltid= Parameter: Implications for SEO

In August 2024, a new phenomenon began surfacing in Google’s organic listings—site owners noticed the addition of a parameter called srsltid= in...

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While being

2 min read

Can You Be Banned on Google?

Google, being the dominant search engine, plays a pivotal role in determining a website's visibility. But can you actually be banned on Google? This...

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While it’s always good practice to use a proper hierarchical heading structure for readability and accessibility, don’t expect it to be a magic bullet for SEO improvements.

2 min read

Fixing Headings Won’t Boost Rankings

Google’s John Mueller recently addressed a question on Reddit about the impact of hierarchical heading structures on SEO, offering insights into how...

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Google Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) represents a significant advancement in mobile web performance, offering faster loading times and improved user experiences.

3 min read

Google Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP)

Google Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) was introduced to address the need for faster-loading web pages on mobile devices. In this article, we'll...

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Optimize your news site for Google News with SEO tips to boost visibility and increase traffic.

3 min read

Google News Optimization and SEO for Digital Publishers

Digital publishers often ask, "How can we reach more people who want to engage with our content?" This question encompasses several metrics—traffic,...

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Automated Image Editing uses machine learning models trained on advertising best practices to streamline ad creatives - learn more here.

1 min read

Google + AI Image Editing (+ More Updates)

Google has recently expanded its AI-powered ad image editing capabilities beyond Performance Max campaigns, now available across Search, Display,...

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As Google shifts

2 min read

How Google Search Uses AI

Are your SEO efforts falling short, leaving you puzzled about what’s going wrong? Traditional SEO methods like focusing on keywords and backlinks are...

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This ruling highlights the ongoing legal battles between tech giants and regulators as they navigate the complexities of digital competition and antitrust enforcement.

1 min read

Google Wins Appeal Over $1.7B EU Antitrust Fine

Google has successfully overturned a €1.49 billion ($1.66 billion) antitrust fine levied by the European Union in 2019. The EU’s General Court...

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Discover answers to 7 common questions about managing your Google Business Profile.

4 min read

Google Business Profile: 7 Frequently Asked Questions

Managing a Google Business Profile (GBP) has become more complex over time. After years of assisting business owners in the Google Business Profile...

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Confidential matching is now the default for Customer Match in Google Ads, with more features, including encryption support, rolling out soon.

1 min read

Google Introduces Confidential Matching for Enhanced Data Privacy

Google has launched a new privacy-first solution called confidential matching, aimed at securely connecting first-party data for audience targeting...

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Google’s August 2024 core update has reshaped the SEO environment, pushing content creators and marketers to continually improve their strategies and content quality.

1 min read

Google August 2024 Core Update

The Google August 2024 Core Update has officially completed its rollout, marking an impactful shift in the search engine landscape. The update, which...

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Google now uses OG title meta tags as a potential source for title links in search results.

1 min read

Google Search Now Uses OG Title for Title Links

Google has added a ninth possible source for determining title links in its search results—the OG (Open Graph) title meta tag. This means that Google...

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Explore Google alternatives: AI, privacy-focused, and specialized search engines for every need.

6 min read

Alternatives to Google

While Google has dominated the search engine market for over two decades, the landscape is evolving rapidly. The emergence of AI-powered chatbots and...

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Federal judge rules Google violated antitrust law by monopolizing search and search advertising markets through exclusive deals with Apple and Android.

1 min read

Federal Judge Rules Google Violated Antitrust Law

A federal judge has determined that Google illegally monopolized the search and search advertising markets, marking a significant victory for the...

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Learn 7 key strategies to dominate AI-powered search and maximize your brand's digital market share.

5 min read

Earn AI-Powered Search Market Share

In this new age of AI-driven search, it's essential to move away from siloed marketing strategies and realign to future-proof your position in the...

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Google AI Overviews Only Show for 7% of Queries

1 min read

Google AI Overviews Only Show for 7% of Queries

Google's AI Overviews, part of its Search Generative Experience (SGE), now appear in less than 7% of search queries, marking a significant drop. This...

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Google devalues SEO-controlled markup, advising digital marketers to focus on improving content quality over authorship.

1 min read

Google Says These Are Not Good Signals

In a recent interview, Google's Gary Illyes provided insights into why the company trusts less in signals directly controlled by site owners and...

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Google's Gary Illyes explains reasons for crawled but not indexed errors and how to fix them.

2 min read

Google Explains Reasons for Crawled but Not Indexed Errors

Google's Gary Illyes recently provided insights into the dreaded "crawled but not indexed" errors during an interview at the SERP Conf 2024...

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Google to End Continuous Scroll in Search Results - Reverting to pagination for improved speed.

2 min read

Google Infinite Scroll - What Does the Sunset Mean?

Google has announced the end of continuous scrolling in search results, a move that is raising eyebrows in the search marketing community. This shift...

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 Google to End Continuous Scroll in Search Results - Reverting to pagination for improved speed.

1 min read

Google to End Continuous Scroll in Search Results

Google has announced the discontinuation of its continuous scroll feature in search results, reverting to the traditional pagination system. This...

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google gemini

3 min read

Google I/O 2024: Unveiling the Future of AI with Gemini

Google I/O 2024 kicked off with a dynamic and futuristic keynote that highlighted Google's unwavering commitment to artificial intelligence (AI)....

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An early 2000s-era computer in cubism style.

4 min read

15 Google Chrome Extensions for SEO You Need to Check Out

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an ever-evolving field that requires professionals to stay on top of the latest trends, tools, and techniques....

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Horse jockeys during a race in cubism style.

3 min read

Optimize Website Performance: Testing with Google Lighthouse

As an SEO or digital marketer, you get the importance of page speed. You understand its impact on user experience and search engine rankings. You...

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A robot with a magnifying glass in cubism style.

4 min read

SEO: Maintain and Optimize Your Website's Search Presence

As a website owner or manager, you've likely invested time and resources into establishing your site's presence on Google. However, the work doesn't...

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Two robots getting ready to play rock-paper-scissors in cubism style.

2 min read

404 vs. 410: Is It Worth Debating?

In the world of SEO, specific topics seem to persist through the ages, popping up every few years like clockwork. One such topic is the debate over...

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A robot made up of different parts in cubism style.

2 min read

The Google March 2024 Core Update: Uncharted SEO Territory

As SEOs, we're no strangers to the ever-shifting landscape of search. Google's algorithm updates keep us on our toes, forcing us to adapt and evolve...

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Color overlapping geometric shapes in cubism style.

4 min read

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting into the Google Knowledge Graph

Google's search engine has come a long way since its early days of simple keyword matching. With Knowledge Graph, Google now possesses a much deeper...

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Colorful robot writing search results in cubism style.

3 min read

Testing Begins: AI Overviews Integrated into Google Search Interface

Google is conducting trials involving AI overviews directly within the primary Google Search results. This initiative is being rolled out to certain...

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Two robots standing together in Cubism style.

3 min read

Navigate the Transition from SEM to SEO: A Comprehensive Guide

Transitioning into a new role, whether within the same company or elsewhere, can be an intimidating prospect. Amidst these transitions, professionals...

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google human language

2 min read

How Does Google Search Understand Human Language?

Billions of searches are conducted every day. Google stands as the unrivaled gatekeeper to a wealth of information. Have you ever wondered how this...

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ymyl

1 min read

Understanding YMYL Websites and Google's Scrutiny

Google doesn't apply a uniform standard across all sites.

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quality google search

1 min read

Quality Impacts Almost All Aspects of Google Search

The latest episode of Google's Search Off the Record podcast provides fascinating insights into how quality plays a crucial role across Search. From...

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canonicals

4 min read

How to use rel=canonical

A canonical URL is a way to inform search engines that certain similar URLs are, in fact, the same.

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AI SEO

2 min read

How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Shaping the Future of SEO

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming integral to our daily lives, from managing our schedules to robotic vacuums tidying our homes. Now, AI is...

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google helpful content update

2 min read

Google's Helpful Content Update: E-Commerce Impacts

Is your e-commerce site feeling the impact of Google's latest helpful content update? Learn how to assess, adapt, and recover with these essential...

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google's video thumbnail changes impact on serp and ctr

2 min read

Google's Video Thumbnail Changes: Impact on SERPs and Click-Through Rates

On April 13, Google announced a change to how video thumbnails would be presented in the search results. Until now, a listing could receive a video...

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mastering xml sitemaps seo insights

1 min read

Mastering XML Sitemaps: 8 SEO Insights and Recommendations

Understanding XML sitemaps is paramount for SEO success, especially for larger, intricate websites. This quick guide will explore vital facts, tips,...

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google optimize

1 min read

Google Optimize Shutting Down

Google retired Google Optimize on September 30, 2022. Marketers have had to transition A/B testing activities to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) going...

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google extended

1 min read

Google-Extended Lets Publishers Control AI Training Data Access

As AI like Bard and Vertex AI expand, Google unveiled a new control called Google-Extended to let web publishers manage site content contribution to...

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google discover traffic

1 min read

Google Discover Traffic: Why It Fluctuates and Can't Be Relied On

Google recently updated its documentation on Google Discover, clarifying why websites may experience significant fluctuations or losses in traffic...

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ai and teens

1 min read

Google Brings New AI Search Experience to U.S. Teens

Google recently announced plans to extend its AI-powered search feature, Search Generative Experience (SGE), to U.S. teenagers aged 13-17. This comes...

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Cubism-style face, looks part human, part robot.

3 min read

Privacy Concerns Over Bard Chat Transcripts

Users discovered transcripts of conversations with Google's new AI chatbot Bard indexing in search results. Google says this was unintentional and...

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In cubism style, bulk emails float around a computer.

2 min read

Gmail Tightens Rules for Bulk Email Senders: What Marketers Must Know

In the age of the internet, things change fast. It’s inevitable – especially when it comes to big companies like Google. That’s why it’s so important...

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Balls bouncing around in cubism style.

3 min read

Navigating Google's Content Update: A Guide for Ecommerce & Tech

Google's September 2023 core update shook many ecommerce and tech sites to their core. Traffic and rankings dropped sharply, leaving businesses...

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A robot in cubism style.

2 min read

Empowering Web Publishers: Google-Extended Control for AI Models

Welcome to the era of Google-Extended—a game-changer for web publishers navigating the complex landscape of AI and content control.

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A small town in cubism style.

5 min read

Explore Funnels and Paths in GA4

In the transition from Universal Analytics to GA4 (Google Analytics 4), how we track and analyze user journeys has evolved significantly.

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Feminine face in cubism style.

5 min read

Decoding HTTP Status Codes and Their Significance in SEO

HTTP status codes might not be meaningful to the average website visitor but are king in SEO. Search engine crawlers, like Googlebot, rely on these...

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google perspectives

3 min read

Unveiling Google's Perspectives Filter and Carousel: A Mobile SERP Game Changer

On June 10, 2023, Google introduced the highly anticipated Perspectives feature within its mobile search results, a development initially teased at...

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google patent

2 min read

Google's Potential for On-Demand Machine Learning Models in Search Predictions

Google is continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

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google trained generative model

2 min read

Google's Trained Generative Model and Query Variants in Search

A Google patent was published on May 30, 2023, titled "Generating Query Variants Using A Trained Generative Model."

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A picture of shapes, cubism style.

2 min read

Impact of Plural Keywords on Search Intent and Google's Differential Ranking of Singular and Plural Keywords

John Mueller of Google recently addressed a query regarding the differing ranking of web pages for singular and plural versions of keywords. The...

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10 blue links

2 min read

The Fate of "10 Blue Links" in Search

The debate surrounding the existence of "10 blue links" on search engine results pages (SERPs) continues to stir discussions and diverse opinions...

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google trial

1 min read

Google Trial is Unveiling Some of Google's Ranking Methods

Eric Lehman, a former Google software engineer with a 17-year tenure, recently testified in the ongoing U.S. vs. Google antitrust trial, shedding...

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google bard

1 min read

Google's Bard Enhancements and Integration with Google Services

Google has introduced new features to Bard, making it more capable and integrated with various Google apps and services.

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bard versus chatgpt

5 min read

Battle of the AI Titans: Google Bard vs. ChatGPT for SEO Domination

In a world where algorithms reign supreme, ChatGPT shook the digital landscape in November 2022, amassing a staggering 1 million users in just five...

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gemini

2 min read

Google Nears Launch of AI Software Gemini

According to reports, Alphabet's Google has granted early access to a select group of companies for its conversational artificial intelligence...

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microsoft generative retrieval

1 min read

Microsoft's Groundbreaking Generative Retrieval Model

Microsoft Research recently unveiled a groundbreaking conversational question answering model that promises to redefine the future of web search....

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featured snippets

7 min read

Featured Snippets: Strategies and Benefits

Featured snippets, often referred to as position zero, are coveted real estate in Google's search engine results pages (SERPs). These concise and...

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faqs and how tos

1 min read

Changes in Google's Rich Results: FAQs & How-Tos

Google is undergoing some significant alterations in its search results to enhance the overall search experience. These changes will impact two...

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core update

1 min read

Google Successfully Completes Rollout of August 2023 Core Update

Google has recently completed the full rollout of its highly anticipated August 2023 Core Update.

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language matching systems

1 min read

Google Search Update Enhances Language Matching Systems for Improved SEO

Google Search recently underwent an update to enhance its language matching systems, impacting SEO for websites across all languages.

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bloom filters

2 min read

Bloom Filters Explain Increased Filtered Data in Search Console

Google employs Bloom filters within Search Console, emphasizing rapidity at the expense of precision, resulting in higher volumes of filtered data....

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topical authority

3 min read

Let's Get Topical (Authority, That Is)

Google's relentless pursuit of delivering valuable content makes topical authority more important than ever before.

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august algo update

2 min read

August Algo Update: Indented Results Drop

In the days leading up to the August Core Update announcement, MozCast, a Google algorithm tracking tool, recorded unprecedented volatility in...

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local pack

1 min read

Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) Removes Local Pack Results

When Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) was introduced, it included local results from Google Business Profiles in a format known as the...

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universal analytics

2 min read

Universal Analytics Continues Data Processing Two Months Past 'Sunset'

As of September 1, 2023, Universal Analytics (UA) is still actively processing data, despite Google's earlier announcement that it would be phased...

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301 and 404

2 min read

Choosing Between 301 Redirects and 404 Error Pages

A common question that often arises pertains to the choice between utilizing millions of 404 error pages or employing 301 redirects. Google's very...

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technical seo

1 min read

Is Technical SEO Still Relevant? Google's John Mueller Weighs In

In SEO, one question has been a topic of debate among professionals: Is technical SEO losing its significance? Well, Google's John Mueller's X...

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googlebot cubism style

1 min read

Mueller's Latest: Changes in HowTo and FAQ Rich Results

Google is implementing modifications to the presentation of certain rich result types within Google's search results. Specifically, they are...

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martin splitt from google

2 min read

Google's Approach to Handling AI-Generated Content, Explained by Martin Splitt

In a recent discussion, Martin Splitt from Google provided valuable insights into how Googlebot manages the surge in AI-generated content, shedding...

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girl walking to a local business local SEO

3 min read

Mastering Local SEO

Local businesses are discovering the power of local SEO to attract nearby customers and boost their online presence. Local SEO goes beyond...

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google local map pack

2 min read

Google Local Pack Map Auto Expand Is Now Live

Google is constantly working to enhance its user experience and provide more relevant and useful information to its users. One of the recent updates...

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URL inspection tool

2 min read

Guide to Using Google's URL Inspection Tool

Solid website optimization requires efficient tools that provide deep insights into your web pages.

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error sign

3 min read

Google Search Console Errors

Ever wondered about those pesky errors you come across while dealing with websites? You're not alone.

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google news surfaces woman's head

2 min read

Google News Surfaces: Jargon, Traffic Impact, and More

In the world of Google News, the lexicon used by SEO experts to describe its diverse surfaces can be both accurate and confusing. Discerning the...

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google search podcast

2 min read

Google's "Search Off The Record" Podcast Sheds Light on Evolving Ranking Systems and Updates

In the latest episode of Google's podcast series, "Search Off the Record," Danny Sullivan, Search Liaison at Google, takes the spotlight to address a...

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fence cubism style

2 min read

Mastering Event Parameters in GA4

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a powerful tool that provides deep insights into website performance. While GA4 comes pre-configured with some metrics...

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keywords cubism style

3 min read

Future-Proof Keyword Research: Adapting to Modern SEO Realities

SEO is constantly evolving, and with it, the strategies that drive success. One major transformation is the shift from a narrow focus on search...

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sad woman cubism style

2 min read

Google's Explanation for Low Rankings Despite Good SEO

When it comes to the enigmatic world of SEO, a conundrum often arises: why does a well-optimized site fail to secure a high ranking, even in the face...

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businessman surfing

2 min read

A Guide to Google Safe Browsing

In a world where online threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, ensuring a safe and secure browsing experience is paramount. Google Safe...

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light bulb cubism style

2 min read

Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) Updates From 8/15/23

On August 15, 2023, Google introduced a range of exciting features for its revolutionary Search Generative Experience. These upgrades include the...

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a spinning loom cubism style

3 min read

Unraveling Spun Content

In SEO, not all content is created equal.

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two objects side by side cubism style

4 min read

Plagiarism, SEO, and How to Safeguard Your Website

In SEO, originality and quality reign supreme. Plagiarism in SEO involves copying content from other sources without proper attribution or consent....

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