This has been a good week for Google as the annual I/O Conference brought more than 7,000 webmasters, SEO experts, AdWords professionals and others together. Amazon also announced that they are now able to power homes completely with Alexis. Keep reading to see what else happened this week.
Google Publishes New Algorithm Research
During the Sixth International Conference on Learning Representations, Google released a new paper called Ask The Right Questions: Active Question Reformulation with Reinforcement Learning which may change the way that pages are ranked in the near future using machine learning to match user intent that the company refers to as improving relevance. The importance of links on websites may tumble while the importance of meeting the needs of the person doing the searching may rise even more.
Google Tests Submitting Question Directly In Search Results
In some markets, Google has implemented a box where users can ask questions that they cannot find answers too. These questions will then be available to marketers to answer on their web pages.
Google Featured Snippet More Button
Some Google Featured Snippets are now equipped with more buttons taking you to a different Google Featured Snippet.
Google Dogfood Feedback Requests Showing To Non-Googlers
For many years, Google has used a method called dogfooding to test their products while receiving internal feedback. Recently, some users have logged into their accounts to discover that they could see the dogfooding links that are only intended for use within the company.
Google Search Console Notices For Improve Discovery In The Google Assistant
If you own or manage a podcast, recipe, and news site using structured data markup and/or Accelerated Mobile Pages, then may be able to make your information even easier to find for those using Google Assistant Browsable Actions Directory. Be sure to check your Search Console to see if Google sent you further details.
Google: Site Changes Can Take Months to be Reflected in Search Results
During a Google Webmaster Central office-hours hangout, John Mueller said that it can take months for major site changes to be reflected in Google search results. If the changes coincide with a change in Google’s algorithm, then the two are probably unrelated.
Google Image Search Updates Guidelines, Adding Structured Data, Speed and More
Google is updating their Image Search Publishing Guidelines aimed at helping users have a better experience. This article by Barry Schwartz allows you to compare the new and old guidelines.
Demoed at Google I/O: AMP cache URLs showing publisher’s URL instead of Google AMP URL
While still in early beta testing, Google demonstrated a solution to the AMP problem so that users would no longer see the AMP URL, but would see the publisher’s URL instead.
Google Updates Mobile-friendly Test, Rich Results Test Tools to Better Support JavaScript Sites
At the I/O Conference, Google announced two new test tools for those that build sites using JavaScript, JavaScript frameworks and AJAX. The first allows you how accessible your site is to the mobile user while the second shows you non-textual user interface elements that can be used on your page.
Google Posts Adds Videos To Search Results & Local Listings
Google now allows you to add video to your Google Posts. Remember that they only stay live for seven days or until an event is over, so you will need to update frequently.
Google Maps Redesigns ‘Explore’ Tab, Launches ‘Your Match,’ ‘Group Planning’ and ‘For you’ Section
Google has announced that three important changes are being implemented to Google Maps. The Explore tab allows users to see nearby activities and events while the Your Match will show you how likely you are to enjoy an event based on your personal feedback of similar events. Group planning allows you to plan a group event while the For You tab suggests dining and activities in a particular neighborhood.
Old AdWords Interface will be Phased Out by Year-end
Google rolled out a new AdWords interface last year, and it met with some rough reception. Google has continued to listen to feedback adding new features. Now, the company says that it will do away with the old interface by the end of the year.
Google to Ban Ads for Bail Bonds, Effective July 2018
Google is banning ads for bail bond services effective July 1, 2018, because they lead to long-term debt and exploit a vulnerable demographic.
Google Announces Ads Updates for App Developers at Google I/O
Users downloaded 94 billion apps from Google Play in 2017, and now the company has announced several updates that will make it easier for publishers to introduce and promote their apps. For example, the company is beta testing an addition letting advertisers connect their product catalogs to their ads in aps.
How Search Engine Algorithms Work: Everything You Need to Know
Search engine algorithms are like a recipe where rules governing every small detail add together to make a delicious meal like a roast beef dinner. When you understand the entities that make up the algorithm, then you can better create content matching user intent.
Are the Days of Human-Managed PPC Numbered?
Instead of fearing what Google is doing with AI machines in AdWords, welcome it as a helper to improve your sales if you are a PPC expert.
Signs That Google Datasets Structured Data May Rollout Soon
Dataset rich results structured data rollout may be imminent according to expert Aaron Bradley.
Mobile First Index? Plan for Voice Search
Just when you may have started thinking SEO mobile first, Google is sending out strong signals that they are quickly moving to ranking voice search first. Roger Montti suggests that website owners start thinking in terms of voice first by structuring pages for voice searchers, using structured data and optimizing for voice search.