A recap of the week's search news including Google's 7/11 ranking volatility, Bing denying one-off penalties, Google Images turning 25 with a new browsable homepage and AI-generated images in AI Overviews, plus updates on Google Ads, ChatGPT Ads, and Apple Maps ads banning home services.
A short editorial from the VEONIB team on why this content matters.
Barry Schwartz recaps Google's unconfirmed update, Bing's no-one-off penalty stance, and AI images in overviews. Key: stay alert to volatility.
Distinctive for linking AI-generated images to indexing risks. SEONIB advises prioritizing canonical tags and AI content quality now.
SEOs should monitor ranking fluctuations and audit AI content; PPC managers need to prepare for smart bidding changes.
An unconfirmed Google search ranking update observed on July 11.
Microsoft Bing's policy of not applying one-off search penalties to individual sites.
Google's AI-generated summaries that now will include AI-generated images.
Google's image search engine, celebrating 25 years with a new browsable homepage.
A canonical link tag that points to the same page's URL, recommended by Google.
Automated bidding strategy that Google is reportedly making less transparent.
Apple's ad platform that now bans home service and certain medical businesses.
OpenAI's advertising platform with added location exclusions and negative keywords.
What is the Google 7/11 update?
An unconfirmed ranking volatility spike observed on July 11, possibly a Google algorithm update.
Does Bing issue one-off search penalties?
No, Microsoft Bing's product manager said they do not do one-off penalties as it's not scalable.
What changes did Google Images make for its 25th anniversary?
A new browsable homepage with dynamic galleries tailored to user interests.
Will AI Overviews include AI-generated images?
Yes, Google announced AI Overviews will soon show AI-generated images, which may affect content creators.
What did John Mueller say about AI-generated content and indexing?
AI content itself is not bad, but if it sounds AI-generated and isn't more useful than human content, it may be treated as low quality.
Should you use self-referential canonicals?
Yes, Google now officially recommends including a rel canonical link pointing to the page itself.
What is the new Google Ads toggle for shopping?
A hide/show toggle for sponsored products in shopping results, currently being tested.
Which businesses are banned from Apple Maps ads?
Home service businesses (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), bail bonds, crypto ATMs, and some medical services.
What new features did ChatGPT Ads add?
Location and audience exclusion controls, negative keywords, and metrics like attributed sales value and ROAS.
What is the Google Business Profile 'collected info' tab?
A new dashboard option showing changes Google made based on external data, allowing users to accept or revert.