Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Back Button Hijacking Penalty, Spam Reporting Change, Google Ads AI Max Replacing DSAs & More
This week we covered a new Google Search spam penalty for back button hijacking. Google also updated its spam report, it may now be used for manual actions. Google is aware of self-serving listicles and warns not to…
Google Maps Blocked 292 Million Reviews & Removed 13 Million Fake Profiles
Google also released the annual Google Maps safety report saying blocked or removed over 292 million policy-violating reviews and removed over 13 million fake Business Profiles. Google also said it blocked 79 million inaccurate or unverified edits and …
Google Ads Removed 8.3 Billion Ads – Up Over 60% (Most Before Serving)
Google has released its annual Google Ads safety report and the big number that stands out to me is that Google removed 8.3 billion ads, which is up almost 63% from last year’s number of 5.1 billion. Google did say that 99% of those were removed befor…
Bing Tests Animated People Also Search For
Microsoft is testing animating the Bing “people also search for” boxes. Bing will run this animated outline around the boxes when it loads, to give it more attention to the searcher.
Google’s AI Mode Now Opens Links In Split View On Desktop
Google rolled an important change with how AI Mode works yesterday and it can have a big impact on the experience for desktop users. Now when users click a link in AI Mode…
Google Updates Reviews Policy To Restrict Staff Mentions & Solicitations
Google has updated its reviews policy to add two items; (1) do not have your staff solicit a certain number of reviews and (2) the content of the review should not mention the staff member’s name and information.
Google Local Service Ads To Pull Rich Content Through Your URLs
Google sent out emails to some of its Local Service Ads advertisers introducing “rich content” that can be pulled from your URLs. Rich content includes service descriptions and special offers.
5 ways to improve your AI brand visibility (Using Yoast AI Brand Insights)
AI is changing search and rewriting the rules. If your brand isn’t visible in AI-generated answers, you have a bigger problem than just traffic. You’re missing out on trust, credibility, and customers who now expect AI to recommend the best options everywhere. We see that traditional SEO isn’t enough anymore. Today, it’s possible to rank […]
The post 5 ways to improve your AI brand visibility (Using Yoast AI Brand Insights) appeared first on Yoast.
Google Ads PMax Channel Performance Spend Over Time
Google Ads has rolled out a new update to the channel performance report on the insights report that shows spend over time per channel. This shows you more clarity over your spending and if there are spikes or other reasons for those changes.
Wikipedia Deletes World-Famous SEO From Site: An Ode To Barry
Wikipedia says famed SEO news journalist is “non-notable” as the industry rages in response on platform known for reliable information, X, formerly known as Twitter.
Google Updates Some Merchant Center Product Specs For 2026
Google has made a number of updates to its Merchant Center product data specifications. Some changes went into effect on April 14, 2026 and others happen June 30, 2026 and January 31…
Google Ads Retiring Dynamic Search Ads For AI Max
Google Ads announced that starting in September Dynamic Search Ads will automatically upgrade to AI Max. This includes automatically created assets (ACA) and campaign-level broad match setting will automatically be upgraded to AI Max.
Google AdSense Offerwall Is Now Generally Available
Google announced this week that Offerwall is now generally available on AdSense. Google has been expanding access to its publishers for Offerwall and now, it should be available to all.
LLMs Are Not as Complex as You Think: Here Are 10 Strategies To Improve AI Visibility
Struggling to earn LLM citations without a playbook? Discover 10 expert-backed strategies to boost AI visibility and long-term brand impact.
Google: We May Use Spam Report Submissions For Manual Actions
Google has posted a clarification that says it now “Google may use spam report submissions to take manual action against violations.” The update was posted here and added to the report spam page.
Google Posts Repeat Posts Feature Now Live
A few months ago, we saw Google testing recurring, repeating Google Posts options. Well, now that option is officially live. This is in addition to the ability to schedule Google Posts.
Google Ads Consolidating Enhanced Conversions With On/Off Switch
Google sent out emails the other day to some advertisers that may be impacted by changes coming to enhanced conversions for web or enhanced conversions for leads. Google said they will be simplifying this by consolidating enhanced conversions for web a…
Google Confirms Confirming Search Console Email Is A Bug
A bug has triggered scores of emails from Google saying it is collecting impressions on sites long since verified in Search Console. Do not be alarmed, it is a bug.
Microsoft Advertising SOAP API Being Retired Jan 31, 2027
Microsoft Advertising will be transitioning from its SOAP to REST API and with that, on January 31, 2027, the SOAP API will be fully retired on January 31, 2027.
Google Search Goes After Back Button Hijacking With New Spam Penalty
It’s been a while since Google has come out with a new search spam policy and penalty to accompany it with and now we have a new one, “back button hijacking.” Back button hijacking is something many of us were surprised Google didn’t specifically disal…