Google tests message option on sponsored ad results
Google is testing a new ‘Message’ option on sponsored ad results that lets users connect directly through Google Messages, possibly tied to a new SMS setting for advertisers.
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Google tests centered sponsored results heading on desktop
Google appears to be testing a centered “Sponsored results” heading on desktop search results, a shift from its usual side placement.
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Google tests showing days left for sales in shopping ads results
Google is testing ‘days left’ labels on sponsored shopping results, showing users how much time remains before a sale price ends a potential boost for urgency-driven conversions.”
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Google Uses Its Search Homepage to Promote AI Tools in the U.S.
Google is using the U.S. version of its Search homepage to promote its growing collection of AI tools. A promotional link at the bottom of the Google homepage reads, “Build, create, and do more with AI tools from Google.” Clicking it opens Google’s dedicated AI landing page, where the company highlights its AI products, features, […]
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YouTube says showing fewer videos helped people watch more
Larger desktop thumbnails increased engagement with longer videos, according to YouTube. How individual channels benefited remains unclear.
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Google’s new weather AI promises fewer “but it said sunny” moments
WeatherNext 3 is coming to Search, Maps and Gemini, with Google claiming better rain predictions for plans a day or more ahead.
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Cloudflare’s AI block could shut out Google next week, even if you change nothing
Rules scheduled for September 15 would bring Google, Microsoft and Apple crawlers under restrictions that previously excluded them.
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Google answers a common content structure dilemma
A user asked how to decide between expanding an article or creating a new supporting one. John Mueller answer: there’s often no absolute right answer but you can pick one and make it right
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Daily Search Forum Recap: September 9, 2026
Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web.
Google said with SEO…
Google: Sometimes There Is No Absolute Right Answer For SEO
John Mueller has one of his Google lines again, he said in response to someone trying to pick the right answer for an SEO question – he said, “Sometimes there is no absolute right answer — but you can choose one, and make it the right answer.”
Google Merchant Center AI Performance: AI Search Intent, Terms & Attribution
The Google Merchant Center AI Performance Insights which launched in July and has begun expanding to more regions earlier this month has also gained new metrics. AI Search intent, AI Search terms and AI attributes have been added to the Google Merchant…
Google clarifies how AI Overview impressions get counted
John Mueller clarified on Reddit how Google Search Console counts impressions for AI Overviews, explaining they’re tracked as a block rather than by individual position — and he’s open to feedback on what tracking would actually be useful.
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Google Ads Local Customer Optimization & Store Sales In Data Manager
Google Ads is releasing two new features for multi-location retailers including Local Customer Optimization and Store Sales in Data Manager. Ginny Marvin, the Google Ads Liaison, wrote on X, “Ahead of the holiday rush, we’re introducing two features …
Almost 100% Of People Also Ask Results Are Answered By Google AI Overviews
Google is now answering nearly 100% of all people also asked questions with AI Overviews. 14 months ago, it was only at about 12% but now we are seeing thar nearly all People also ask sections are answered by AI Overviews.
Google Ads Location Asset Requirements Update
Google has updated its location asset requirements for Google Ads. Google said it made these updates to “improve terminology, enhance readability, and include troubleshooting steps applicable to advertisers using location assets.”
Google Confirmed Indexing Reporting Bug From Yesterday As Short Blip
Yesterday, for a short period of time, Google Search Console was reporting pages as not being indexed and in the status of “Crawled – currently not indexed.” The issue seemed to have been resolved within an hour or so and now John Mueller from Google c…
Google tests new title box when hovering over links in ai mode
Google is testing a new hover design for anchor text links in AI Mode, showing a different format than the website icon and title style spotted back in May 2026.
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Bing tests new Web tab in its search menu
Bing is testing a new ‘Web’ tab under its ‘All’ tab in the search menu, though it currently shows the same results and appears non-clickable after the first click.
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Two Truths and a Lie About Digital PR
You don’t need an agency for digital PR. Debbie Chew shares her CIDER framework, a real $1M campaign recovery, and how to get your brand cited by AI.
Best SEO books for 2026: what I learned from reading them
The ideas worth taking back to your website, the arguments I question, and the books I would recommend for different kinds of work.
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