Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Ranking Volatility Heated, Discover Data Goes Missing, FAQ Rich Results Totally Gone & Google Ads AI Dashboards
This week in search I covered, yep, heated Google search ranking volatility kicking in the middle of this week. Google updated its spam policies to say it also applies to Google’s AI responses in Search. Google Discover…
Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Ranking Volatility Heated, Discover Data Goes Missing, FAQ Rich Results Totally Gone & Google Ads AI Dashboards
This week in search I covered, yep, heated Google search ranking volatility kicking in the middle of this week. Google updated its spam policies to say it also applies to Google’s AI responses in Search. Google Discover…
Google Indexing API Is Inundated By Bloggers
Google’s John Mueller said, “The indexing API is inundated by bloggers trying to act like legitimate sites.” This means that Google needs to be more careful about who and what they accept through the Google indexing API.
Google Search Autocomplete With AI Overview Search Icon
Google is testing showing a new icon in the autocomplete search suggestions, as you type your search. The icon has a magnifying glass with the Gemini logo on it. It suggests a longer query, a prompt, and when you click it, it takes you to Google Searc…
Google: Spam Policies Apply To AI Responses (AI Overviews & AI Mode)
Google updated the leading paragraph in the search spam policies to clarify that the policies apply to the Google Search AI responses, such as AI Overviews and AI Mode (or whatever else is AI-generated). Google said, “the Google Search spam policies al…
Google Ads Create Video With AI Beta
Google Ads is testing a new “Create video” beta feature that has the Gemini logo next to it. So this feature uses Gemini, Google’s AI, to create the video for you for your Demand Gen campaigns.
Google AI Mode With Direct Hotel Booking Links Inside Responses
Google is now showing directly hotel booking links directly inside the AI-generated responses within AI Mode. This can lead to sending hotels direct traffic in the AI response, which seems like a win to me.
Hell for the Soulless
Fortune favors the bold. And, at least temporarily, it may favor the criminal. Related current cases: civil SEC case 25-cv-00946 and criminal case 3:22-cr-00352-K.
Got a fortune cookie that said if I made a big bet, it would pay off.On the back there w…
Google Search Ranking Volatility Heated May 13th & 14th
Over the past day or so, I am seeing a large spike in signs that there is Google search ranking movement and volatility. This is between the SEO community chatter spiking, as well as some of the tools showing some big volatility swings.
Google Analytics AI Assistant Traffic: Tracks ChatGPT, Gemini & Claude Traffic
Google announced that GA4, Google Analytics, has a new AI Assistant traffic measurement. This allows you to track AI chatbot traffic, like from ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. This is through a new AI Assistant channel in your Default Channel Group reports.
ATVs & Non-Motorized Vehicles Can Now Be Listed In Google Vehicle Ads
Google is expanding its vehicle ads to support more vehicles in the United States. Specifically, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), RV’s Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs), and non-motorized trailers, such as travel trailers and campers are now supported in Google…
Google Ads To Automatically Link YouTube Channels
Google sent out emails to some advertisers notifying them that after June 10, 2026 they will automatically link your Google Ads account with your YouTube channel. Linking them will give Google Ads data on your YouTube channel.
Google Ads API Version 24.1 Now Available
Google has released version 24.1 of the Google Ads API, this is a minor release with dozens of updates. This update includes features like mobile device platform segment, classic images in DemandGen, support for passkeys, revamped support of experiment…
Google Discover Performance Report Missing Data May 7 & May 8
Google had yet another Search Console reporting bug, this time with the Discover performance report. Between May 7, 2026 and May 8, 2026, Google confirmed a data logging issue that can result in the report showing fewer clicks and impressions. It is …
Google Ads Teases New Dashboards Powered By Gemini
Google posted a tease for Google Marketing Live where Google Ads will be announcing new dashboards powered by Gemini. Google wrote on X, “Tired of manual reporting? Introducing Dashboards built with Gemini capabilities.”
Google Ads Search Terms Report Shows Best Approximation Of User’s Intent
Google at some point added a section to this Google Ads document explaining that because of all the new Google AI search features, like Lens, AI Mode, AI Overviews, or auto-complete searches – the search terms report now may show keywords that “represe…
Study: Adding Schema Did Not Improve AI Citations On Google, ChatGPT & More
A new study from Ahrefs says that adding schema does not and did not boost citations on any of the AI platforms including Google (AI Overviews or AI Mode), ChatGPT and others. “Adding schema produced no major uplift in citations on any platform,” Ahre…
Google Merchant Center Tests Merchant Advisor
Google is testing a new AI assistant in Google Merchant Center named Merchant Advisor. I assume it is similar to Google Ads Advisor and something that Google might announce at Google Marketing Live next week.
Google Discover Publisher Pages To Get Links & Featured Posts
Google is testing updating the Google Discover publisher pages by adding custom links, featured posts, larger header images and sharper logos. I assume this would be managed by claiming your page?
Google Merchant Center For Agencies Now Available Globally
Two months ago, Google rolled out Google Merchant Center For Agencies in the US and Canada after beta testing it in October 2025. Now, Google has released Google Merchant Center for Agencies globally, everywhere.