Google describes it as a “generic crawler” used by various teams within the company.

This vagueness has sparked curiosity and concern among website owners. Is this bot a helpful assistant, or a potential privacy threat? Let’s break it down.

What does GoogleOther do?

The short answer is: we don’t really know.

Google isn’t particularly forthcoming about the bots exact role. Here is the official definition of GoogleOther:

“GoogleOther is the generic crawler that may be used by various product teams for fetching publicly accessible content from sites. For example, it may be used for one-off crawls for internal research and development.”

We do know it can crawl regular web pages, images, and videos. Beyond that, its purpose remains shrouded in mystery.

Speculation runs rampant. Some believe it’s involved in research and development for new Google products. Others worry it might be collecting data for less benevolent purposes.

Should you block GoogleOther?

The decision to block GoogleOther isn’t straightforward. There are pros and cons to consider.

Potential reasons to block:

• Privacy concerns: If you’re concerned about Google collecting data from your website, you might consider blocking GoogleOther. However, it’s unclear if this action will actually protect your privacy..
• Resource management: While unlikely to be a major issue, blocking GoogleOther could save a small amount of server resources.

Potential reasons to allow :

• Potential benefits: GoogleOther might be contributing to the development of features that could benefit your website. Blocking it could prevent you from accessing these potential opportunities.
• Google’s recommendation: Google explicitly advises against blocking GoogleOther. Disobeying this advice might lead to unexpected issues with other Google services.

Recently, Gary Illyes from Google answered questions about this peculiar web crawler and its support for non-search features.

“What non-search features does GoogleOther crawling support?”

While Gary Illyes did not answer about the non-search features that GoogleOther crawling supports, he does recommend not to block it, as it can potentially cause problems.

“This is a very topical question, and I think it is a very good question. Besides what’s in the public I don’t have more to share.

GoogleOther is the generic crawler that may be used by various product teams for fetching publicly accessible content from sites. For example, it may be used for one-off crawls for internal research and development.

Historically Googlebot was used for this, but that kind of makes things murky and less transparent, so we launched GoogleOther so you have better controls over what your site is crawled for.

That said GoogleOther is not tied to a single product, so opting out of GoogleOther crawling might affect a wide range of things across the Google universe; alas, not Search, search is only Googlebot.”

What’s the takeaway?

Unfortunately, Gary Illyes didn’t answer with as much clarity as we usually expect from him. But what did we learn?

We learned that this mystery bot may have an effect on a wide range of things, including other Google products and services. And we learned, from Gary, that we should not block it.

If you are concerned about privacy, we recommend taking other measures to ensure what you want to protect is secure. But until we know more, it is relatively safer to keep allowing GoogleOther to crawl your website than the other way around.

The post What does GoogleOther do? appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

One of the most intriguing developments is the rise of user-generated content (UGC) on platforms like Reddit surpassing articles written by established experts in search rankings.

This begs the question: why is this happening, and what does it mean for searchers?

User experience reigns supreme

According to Google’s search quality guidelines, user experience is paramount. Content that is relevant, engaging, and addresses the searcher’s intent has a higher chance of ranking well, regardless of the author’s credentials.

A Google Search Quality Analyst emphasizes this point: “There’s nothing special about authorship per se. It’s about the content, and the content could be coming from a random person or a very important person.”

This quote highlights Google’s move away from authorship as a ranking factor and towards a more content-centric approach.

The Power of User-Generated Content & Real-world Experience

Reddit fosters a unique environment where users with first-hand knowledge share their experiences and insights.

This is particularly valuable for product-related searches.

Users might provide real-world usage experiences that resonate more with searchers than articles written by experts who may not have used the product themselves. As Reddit thrives on UGC, much of it comes from people with real-world experience. They’re sharing their successes and failures, and this type of content can be very valuable to searchers.

Credibility and depth: The expert’s edge

However, Reddit content isn’t without its drawbacks. While it can be a treasure trove of valuable insights, it often lacks the credibility and depth of well-researched articles written by established experts.

Can a 30-word Reddit comment be better than a 2,000-word in-depth review by a credible industry expert with videos, product images, and screenshots that demonstrate first-hand experience?

Authorship signals

John Mueller, a Google Search Liaison, reinforces this point: “Authorship markup is not a strong signal on its own.” This further emphasises Google’s move towards a more content-focused ranking strategy, suggesting that in-depth analysis and professional expertise still hold value.

He also says, “As we can see, Reddit, popular for anonymous use, ranks much higher than many other websites. This means that content from anonymous users is acceptable. Can I conclude that a blog without any ‘about’ page or ‘author profile’ can also perform as well?”

Although we have yet to see definite proof, it gives hope that relatively lesser-known businesses and writers can still find their place on the top of SERPs with high-quality and informative content that caters to search intent.

Navigating The New User-Generated Content Landscape Requires a Balanced Approach

So, how can searchers navigate this evolving content landscape? The answer depends on the specific search intent.

• Quick Tips and Real-World Insights: For quick tips and insights from real users, Reddit can be a goldmine. Users can find solutions to common problems, discover new products based on user recommendations, and get a sense of the general sentiment toward a particular product or service.
• In-Depth Analysis and Professional Expertise: However, for in-depth analysis, backed by research and professional experience, articles written by established experts remain a valuable resource. These articles offer a comprehensive understanding of a topic, explore various perspectives, and provide guidance based on proven methods and best practices.

The ideal scenario is a search landscape where both Reddit content and expert articles coexist, providing searchers with a diverse range of high-quality information to suit their specific needs.

And this is what content marketers and SEOs need to understand if they are succeed in this new era of Google search.

Takeaways for content marketers and SEOs

The rise of Reddit content presents a valuable opportunity for content marketers and SEOs to improve their search results.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Focus on User Intent: Prioritize creating content that addresses the specific needs and questions of your target audience. Conduct thorough keyword research to understand user search queries and tailor your content accordingly.
• Embrace User-Generated Content: Encourage user engagement on your platforms. Consider incorporating user reviews, testimonials, and forum discussions into your content strategy. This can provide valuable real-world insights and enhance the credibility of your content.
• Maintain Expertise: Balance user-generated content with high-quality content from established industry experts. Invest in creating in-depth guides, white papers, and research-driven pieces that showcase your brand’s expertise and authority on the topic.

By implementing these strategies, content marketers and SEOs can create a well-rounded content ecosystem that caters to both the user experience and search engine algorithms, ultimately leading to improved search visibility and audience engagement.

The post Reddit User-Generated Content vs. Expert articles: How is Search evolving? appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

What is the CrUX Dataset?

CrUX is like a real-world report card for websites. It uses data from Chrome users to grade sites in three key areas:

• Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): How long it takes for the main content to show up. Think of it as how fast you see the headline of an article.
• Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Measures how much content jumps around as a page loads. No one likes unexpected page shifts.
• Interaction to Next Paint (INP): Tests how quickly a site responds to user clicks and taps. A snappy site keeps visitors happy.

June 2024 average scores

The June 2024 numbers show slight but steady gains in all three areas. This means websites, on average, are loading faster, staying stable, and feeling more responsive.

• LCP — 63.4% had good LCP, up by 2%
• CLS — 77.8% had good CLS, up by 0.5%
• INP — 84.1% had good INP, up by 1.1%

Overall, 51% of websites had passing Core Web Vitals scores across all 3 metrics, which is up by 2.3%.

You can check the full results here.

What caused the improvement in core web vitals?

Part of the INP boost comes from changes in how Chrome measures it. Previously, Chrome didn’t always catch pop-ups, which could give some sites unfairly low scores. The new method is more accurate, leading to better results for many.

According to the explanation given by the Google Chrome team:

“The Chrome team has been continuing work on improving efficiencies in Chrome’s handling of the Core Web Vitals metrics and recently launched some changes to INP, which may have contributed to the positive trend this month. The most notable change is to better handle [the] use of the basic modal dialogs (alert, confirm, print). While, technically, these are synchronous and block the main thread—and so are not recommended if there are alternatives—they do present user feedback for an interaction. They were previously not counted as presentation feedback for INP, which could result in very high INP values for sites that did use these. From Chrome 127 the presentation of the modal will mark the end measurement time for INP and so should lead to improved INP times for those sites.”

What does this mean for you?

While the overall picture is brighter, remember these are averages. Some sites are still laggards, while others are speed demons. To keep up:

• Pay attention to your scores: Use tools like PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse to check your LCP, CLS, and INP.
• Learn from the data: Understand what’s slowing you down. Is it large images, slow server response, or resource-heavy scripts?
• Keep it simple: Often, the fastest sites are the ones without too much clutter. Prioritise essential content and minimise unnecessary elements.
• Test often: Check your site’s speed on different devices (mobile, desktop) and network conditions (slow, fast).

Tips for improving Core Web Vitals (CVW)

If you are struggling with improving core web vitals on your websites, here are a few tips to help you on that front:

• Optimise images: Compress images without sacrificing quality. Use modern formats like WebP for potential savings.
• Reduce server response time: Ensure your hosting provider offers good performance. Consider content delivery networks (CDNs) for faster load times.
• Minimise render-blocking resources: Prioritise loading critical CSS and JavaScript to prevent delays.
• Leverage browser caching: Allow browsers to store static assets locally for quicker repeat visits.
• Prioritise code and reduce plugins: A clean codebase and fewer plugins can improve speed.
• Optimise fonts: Choose web fonts carefully and consider font display options to prevent layout shifts.
• Minimise HTTP requests: Combine files, reduce redirects, and optimise resource delivery.

Going beyond the basics of core web vitals

While these tips provide a solid foundation, achieving exceptional Core Web Vitals often requires a deeper dive. Consider conducting performance audits, using browser developer tools, and analysing user behaviour to identify specific bottlenecks.

Faster websites mean happier visitors. And happy visitors are more likely to stick around, explore, convert, and even come back. So, even if search rankings aren’t your top goal, boosting your website’s speed is a smart move.

Remember, improving Core Web Vitals is an ongoing process. Stay updated with the latest best practices and tools to maintain a high-performing website.

The post Core Web Vitals look up: Fresh data shows improvement appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

On June 20th, 2024, Google announced the rollout of its June 2024 Spam Update. This update aims to further refine search results by targeting websites that violate Google’s Webmaster Guidelines.

The announcement itself was brief, delivered via Google’s Search Central Twitter account: “Today we released the June 2024 spam update. It may take up to 1 week to complete, and we’ll post on the Google Search Status Dashboard when the rollout is done.” While concise, the message carries significant weight for website owners and SEO professionals.

Google’s Search Liaison says this update is not the algorithmic component of the site reputation abuse update.

Understanding Google spam updates

Google regularly rolls out spam updates throughout the year. These updates are crucial for maintaining the integrity of search results by identifying and penalizing websites that employ deceptive or manipulative tactics to gain higher rankings.

Spam updates typically target a variety of techniques, including:

• Keyword stuffing: Unnaturally cramming keywords into content to the point of sacrificing readability.
• Cloaking: Serving different content to search engines than what users see, often with the goal of manipulating search rankings.
• Hidden text or links: Placing invisible text or links on a webpage to manipulate search engine algorithms.
• Automated content: Using software to generate low-quality, irrelevant content.
• Link schemes: Building unnatural or paid links to a website to artificially inflate its authority.

By identifying and penalising such practices, Google ensures that search results prioritise high-quality, informative websites that offer genuine value to users.

The potential impact of the June 2024 spam update

While Google hasn’t released specific details regarding the June 2024 update’s focus, it’s likely to target a combination of the aforementioned spam tactics. This could lead to a shakeup in search rankings, potentially impacting websites that have been relying on outdated or manipulative techniques.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential outcomes:

• Visibility loss for spammy websites: Websites heavily reliant on spam tactics might see a significant drop in search rankings, potentially disappearing from search results altogether.
• Rise of high-quality content: This update can be seen as a positive development for websites that prioritise user experience and publish valuable, informative content. Such websites might see a rise in their organic search visibility.
• Fluctuations for grey-area sites: Websites that fall in a grey area, employing tactics that might not be explicitly classified as spam but push boundaries, could experience ranking fluctuations. This may prompt them to re-evaluate their SEO strategies.

Safeguarding your website from the update’s impact

Here’s what you can do to ensure your website remains unscathed by the June 2024 Spam Update:

• Review Google’s Search Essentials: Familiarise yourself with the latest guidelines to ensure your website adheres to Google’s best practices.
• Focus on user experience: Prioritise creating high-quality content that provides genuine value and addresses your target audience’s needs.
• Build links naturally: Earn backlinks organically through high-quality content and collaboration rather than resorting to paid or manipulative link-building schemes.
• Monitor your website: Utilise tools like Google Search Console to monitor your website health and identify any potential spam flags raised by Google.
• Stay updated: Keep yourself informed about the latest SEO trends and Google algorithm updates to adjust your strategy accordingly.

By following these steps, you can build a website that is not only Google-friendly but also genuinely valuable to your users.

Conclusion

The June 2024 Spam Update serves as a reminder that sustainable SEO success lies in providing valuable content and building trust with your audience. While short-term tactics might yield temporary gains, focusing on long-term value creation will ensure your website thrives in the face of algorithm updates and shifting trends.

Regularly review your SEO strategy, stay informed, and prioritise user experience to navigate the ever-evolving SEO landscape with confidence.

Checkout the following resources if you want to learn more:

• Google Search Essentials (formerly Google Webmaster Guidelines)
• Google Spam updates
• Spam policies for Google web search

The post Google announces June 2024 spam update appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

But with Google’s ever-evolving search algorithms, is this method of title tag optimisation even relevant anymore? In this article, we find out what H1s and title tags actually mean, explore how Google uses them, and see what the search engine giant itself has to say about this SEO mystery

What is a title tag?

The title tag, nestled within the <head> section of your web page’s code, is like a billboard for your content. It’s the concise description that appears in search engine results pages (SERPs) when someone searches for a term related to your web page’s topic. Think of it as a first impression, a quick and informative blurb that entices users to click and explore further.

What is an H1?

The H1 tag, the largest heading on your webpage, acts as a headline. It introduces the main topic of your content and gives visitors a clear idea of what they’re about to read.

Unlike the title tag, the H1 tag isn’t directly visible in SERPs, but it plays a crucial role in structuring your webpage and making it easier for users to navigate.

How does Google use H1s and title tags?

Google uses both H1s and title tags to understand the content of your webpage and determine its relevance to search queries. They also play a role in crafting the title link – the clickable text displayed in SERPs that users see before clicking through to your page.

Here’s the interesting part: Google doesn’t necessarily prioritise matching the title tag with the H1 tag.

Twenty years ago, keyword-stuffed title tags were the norm, but with advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, Google can now grasp the meaning and context of your content without needing an exact keyword match.

Is it important for H1 and title tags to match for title tag optimisation?

According to Google’s Gary Illyes, the answer is a resounding no.

In a Google Office Hours podcast, Illyes stated that you should prioritise user experience: “No, just do whatever makes sense from a user’s perspective.”

This makes perfect sense.

While keyword relevance is still important, cramming your H1 and title tag with the same keywords can sound unnatural and off-putting to users. The goal is to create clear, concise, and informative descriptions that accurately reflect your content and entice users to click.

Here’s a breakdown of how Google uses H1s and title tags, and why you shouldn’t get hung up on an exact match:

• Title Tags: Google prefers titles that are descriptive and concise, accurately reflecting the content of your webpage. Keywords are still valuable, but prioritise user clarity over stuffing keywords
• H1 Tags: The H1 tag is your chance to jump a bit deeper than the title tag. Think of it as a more specific introduction to your content.
• Title Links: Google prioritises using the title tag for the title link displayed in SERPs. However, if the title tag isn’t descriptive enough, Google might use the H1 tag or even pull content from elsewhere on your page to create a better title link.

Conclusion

The age-old question of matching H1s and title tags can finally be put to rest. While both elements remain crucial for SEO, Google prioritises user experience and content clarity over an exact match. Understanding how Google utilises H1s and title tags empowers you to craft a winning strategy that benefits both search engines and users.

The key lies in prioritising the user. Write clear, concise, and informative H1s and title tags that accurately reflect your content and grab user attention. Keyword relevance is important, but prioritise natural language over keyword stuffing.

View your H1 and title tag as complementary pieces, not identical twins. The title tag offers a general overview, while the H1 delves a little deeper into the specific content of your webpage.

Finally, prioritise your title tag (but have a backup plan). Google prefers to use the title tag for the title link displayed in SERPs. However, if your title tag isn’t descriptive enough, Google might use the H1 tag or even pull content from elsewhere on your page. Ensure both your title tag and H1 are clear and informative.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to provide valuable content that keeps users engaged and coming back for more. By following these principles and prioritising user intent, you can create a user-friendly and SEO-friendly experience that lets your fantastic content shine.

The post The great H1 vs. Title tag debate: Does Google even care? appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

However, a recent episode of Google’s “Search Off The Record” podcast served as a reality check, highlighting the potential pitfalls of AI-generated content.

Their key message?

Human oversight remains crucial to avoid spreading misinformation.

Key points from the Google podcast

• AI-generated content may contain factual errors: Google highlights a significant risk – factual inaccuracies in content created by generative AI tools.
• Outdated SEO advice a real threat: The podcast showcases a specific example: an AI-suggested social media post promoting an outdated SEO practice (using rel=”prev/next” for pagination) that Google no longer supports.
• Human fact-checking is essential: Google emphasizes the necessity of human review before publishing AI-generated content.

The experiment: AI & outdated SEO advice

The Google Search Relations team decided to put AI-generated content to the test.

They used Gemini, an in-house large language model (LLM), to create content on technical SEO concepts for social media posts. While exploring Gemini’s capabilities, they discovered a major limitation:

Gary Illyes on AI and factuality

“My bigger problem with pretty much all generative AI is the factuality – you always have to fact-check whatever they are spitting out. That kind of scares me that now we are just going to read it live, and maybe we are going to say stuff that is not even true,” says Gary

Illyes’ quote underlines a critical concern – AI-generated content requires verification to ensure accuracy. Especially in technical fields like SEO, factual errors can have significant consequences. Incorrect information can mislead readers and damage your website’s credibility with search engines.

Outdated advice

The experiment highlighted a potential pitfall: outdated information can be woven into AI-generated content.

Lizzi Sassman on outdated training data

“If there’s enough myth circulating or a certain thought about something or even outdated information that has been blogged about a lot, it might come up in our exercise today, potentially,” according to Lizzi.

Sassman’s point proved true almost immediately. Gemini recommended using rel=”prev/next” for pagination, a practice Google no longer supports, as confirmed by John Mueller:

John Mueller on rel=”prev/next”: “It’s gone. It’s gone. Well, I mean, you can still use it. Don’t get me wrong. But it has no effect.”

This isn’t just a minor technical detail. Following outdated SEO advice can negatively impact your website’s ranking in search results.

The Takeaway: Human Oversight is Still Critical

The Google Search Relations team’s discussion underscores the importance of human oversight, echoing wider concerns about responsible AI adoption. While AI tools can be a valuable asset for content creation, they shouldn’t replace human expertise.

Why we should care

While AI tools can be helpful for content creation and analysis, it’s crucial to approach their output with a critical eye. Content creators and marketers should use AI as a tool to brainstorm ideas, generate drafts, and conduct research, but verification and revision by human experts remain essential.

Blind trust can be costly

Relying solely on AI-generated content can lead to publishing inaccurate or misleading information, potentially damaging your SEO and reputation. Furthermore, plagiarism can be a concern, as AI may unintentionally copy phrases or sentence structures from its training data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while AI-powered content creation tools hold promise, careful human review remains essential to ensure factual accuracy and avoid spreading misinformation. Additionally, human creativity and editorial judgment are irreplaceable in crafting content that is not only informative but also engaging and persuasive.

The ideal scenario involves a symbiotic relationship between AI and human content creators, where AI augments human capabilities to produce high-quality content at scale.

You can watch the full podcast episode here:

https://youtu.be/AGoN0oeuZ2k

The post Google warns: Fact-check AI-generated content before publishing appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

Strategic FAQs can be a game-changer for your local business website. They not only answer customer questions but also boost your local SEO (Search Engine Optimization), helping you attract more qualified leads and convert them into loyal customers.

The power of strategic FAQs for local businesses

• Become a local authority: Craft FAQs that address specific questions about your area, services, and unique selling points. Mention local landmarks or events to showcase your deep connection to the community. This establishes you as a trusted local expert in search engine results.
• Target local keywords: Sprinkle relevant local keywords throughout your FAQs. Include your city, neighbourhood, and surrounding areas to increase your visibility in local searches.
• Boost user engagement: Well-written FAQs keep visitors engaged on your site for longer, sending positive signals to search engines. This can improve your website’s ranking in local search results.
• Reduce support calls: Anticipate common inquiries and provide clear, concise answers within your FAQs. This frees up your team to focus on more complex customer interactions.

Crafting compelling local FAQs

Now you know some of the many amazing benefits of adding FAQs to your local business web pages.

But what’s the best way to do it?

Here are a few tips and best practices to help you make the most out of FAQs.

• Dive into local concerns: What are common questions specific to your location? Address parking availability, neighbourhood safety, accessibility options, or local delivery areas.
  • Pro tip: Conduct local market research or analyse existing customer inquiries.
• Highlight your uniqueness: Use FAQs to showcase what sets your business apart from competitors. Do you offer same-day delivery? Source local ingredients? Have a loyalty program?
  • Pro tip: Identify your competitive advantages
• Embrace the human touch: Infuse your FAQs with a friendly, approachable tone. Imagine you’re having a conversation with a neighbour, explaining things clearly and enthusiastically.
  • Pro tip: Maintain a clear and conversational tone

Examples of local FAQs:

Although FAQs would mostly be unique to each business, here are a few examples of how various industries can benefit from strategic and informative FAQs.

These examples should get your creative juices flowing, and then you can come up with relevant FAQs that can be added to important web pages on your local business website.

Restaurant:

• Q: Do you offer outdoor seating?
• A: Absolutely! Enjoy our beautiful patio overlooking Main Street, perfect for soaking up the sunshine during your meal.

Plumber:

• Q: Do you provide emergency plumbing services in [Your City]?
• A: Yes, we understand plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. We offer 24/7 emergency services within a 10-mile radius of [Your City Center].

Retail Store:

• Q: Do you carry products from local artisans?
• A: Supporting our community is important to us! We proudly stock a wide selection of handcrafted goods from talented local artists right here in [Your Neighbourhood].

4 FAQ tips to remember

• Regularly update: As your business or local landscape evolves, update your FAQs to reflect changes in service offerings, events, or promotions.
• Mobile-friendly design: Ensure your FAQs are easy to access and read on smartphones and tablets, where most local searches happen.
• Promote across channels: Don’t limit your FAQs to your website. Share snippets on social media, local online directories, or even print them as flyers to distribute around town.
• Keyword-rich FAQs: FAQs are a great place to add important primary and secondary keywords. You can drive a substantial amount of organic traffic by making your FAQs search-engine friendly.

Bonus Tip: Consider using a dedicated FAQ schema markup on your website. This helps search engines understand the purpose of your FAQ content and potentially display it in a richer format in search results.

Conclusion

By strategically incorporating local FAQs, you empower customers with the information they need while simultaneously boosting your local SEO and online presence. This winning combination paves the way for attracting more local customers and establishing yourself as a trusted community partner.

The post FAQs for local business | Conquer your local market appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

Here’s where schema markup emerges as your secret weapon.

Forget dry technical jargon; think of it as a magic key that unlocks a treasure trove of benefits for both you and Google.

This post dives into the essence of schema markup and its profound benefits for Google and website owners. We also share practical strategies for local businesses to leverage schema markup.

Why Google loves Schema markup (and why you should too)

Imagine Google as a giant library with shelves overflowing with books. Schema markup is like a detailed filing system, making it easier for librarians (in this case, Google’s algorithms) to find the exact information you have.

This translates into two wins:

1. Google saves time and resources, understanding your website, and
2. Your business has a higher chance of getting a prime spot on the search engine results pages (SERPs).

Google is currently grappling with the ever-increasing costs of managing spam and integrating generative AI into search engine results pages (SERPs). The introduction of Search Generative Experience (SGE) marks a leap towards meeting searcher needs more efficiently, albeit at a higher cost.

This scenario presents a unique challenge: maintaining ad revenue while enhancing user satisfaction.

Schema markup stands out as a cost-effective solution, aiding Google’s crawlers and algorithms in understanding web content with unprecedented efficiency.

This not only helps reduce Google’s operational costs but also improves the visibility of websites that utilize schema markup.

By making your site easier for Google to crawl, index, and understand, you’re more likely to secure a front-row seat in the digital visibility arena.

Building trust: The new currency of the web

In the digital world, trust is paramount.

Schema markup allows you to speak Google’s language with precision.

By using @id tags and linking to external data sources, you’re essentially building a bridge of trust. Google can verify your information with ease, giving your content a big thumbs up.

How local businesses can use Schema markup

For local businesses, schema markup is a game-changer. Think of it as a neon sign screaming, “We’re open and awesome!” to everyone in your neighborhood searching online.

Here are a few of the many, many ways how local businesses can use Schema markup to improve their search experience.

• Local Business Schema: This is your bread and butter. Provide Google with your name, address, phone number, and hours – the nitty-gritty that local customers crave. Learn more about NAP here.
• Product and Service Schema: Don’t just tell them you exist; tell them what you offer! Showcase your products and services directly in search results, making that click to your website a no-brainer.
• Reviews and Ratings Schema: Customer reviews are like gold. Schema markup allows you to display them prominently, building trust and encouraging more clicks.
• Events Schema: Hosting a local event? Schema markup ensures it gets the recognition it deserves, potentially boosting attendance.

Leveraging the power of @id and sameAs

While the above are powerful ways for local businesses to use schema markup, most websites are still ignoring the powers of @id and sameAs.

These two tools are especially important in the context of this conversation, as they directly help Google (1) understand your web page and (2) establish your page’s credibility.

Here is a quick explanation of both:

In schema markup, “@id” acts like a unique identifier within your webpage

Imagine you have a webpage with information about a product, a local business, or even an event. Within the schema markup code, you can use “@id” to assign a unique label to that specific entity. This label allows you to connect different parts of your schema markup that are related to the same entity.

For example, you could use “@id” to link customer reviews for a product to the product itself.

Search engines can then understand the relationships between different pieces of data on your webpage, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of your content.

On the other hand, “sameAs” acts like a digital fingerprint. It connects your content to the same entity it describes on a trusted website, like Wikipedia or a brand’s official website.

Imagine you have a page about a local bakery. You can use “sameAs” to link it to the bakery’s official website or its Wikipedia entry (if it has one).

Search engines see this connection and understand that your webpage is definitely about that specific bakery, not some random bakery with the same name. This builds trust with search engines and potentially improves your search ranking.

The Schema markup AI advantage

The future of search is all about conversations and understanding user intent. Schema markup plays a starring role here.

The detailed data you provide becomes fuel for Google’s AI, helping it learn and deliver even more relevant search results. This not only increases your chances of appearing in these advanced search experiences but also positions you as a valuable source of information.

Conclusion

Schema markup is a strategic investment, not just an SEO trick. It’s about building trust with Google, enhancing your online visibility, and ultimately, attracting more customers to your local business.

So, embrace the power of schema markup, watch your business climb the digital ladder, and leave the competition in the dust.

And, as always, if you have any questions or need any help, we’re here to help. Give us a call.

The post Schema markup: The secret weapon for local businesses in the age of AI appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

But that world comes with its own risks and fears.

While a lot of people are benefiting from the sudden rise of AI into their daily lives, there is also a valid fear that AI will completely change online search in the near future and would render websites and content creators obsolete.

Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, recently offered a glimpse into this future, revealing how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will shape the way we search for information in the next decade.

Let’s see what he said.

It’s still early days

The discussion opens with AI’s undeniable impact on search. Pichai assures us that Google isn’t just keeping pace; they’ve been actively building the foundation for AI integration since 2016. And that it is still early days for AI.

“One of the main things I did as a CEO is to really pivot the company towards working on AI and I think that’ll serve us well for the next decade ahead. For example now I look back and compute is the hot currency now. We built TPUs, we started really building them at scale in 2016 right, so we have definitely been thinking about this for a long time.”

He emphasizes that we’re still in the early stages of the AI revolution, with even more groundbreaking advancements on the horizon.

The myth of disappearing websites

Many in the SEO and publishing world fear that AI will render websites obsolete.

Pichai offers a sigh of relief, stating that websites will continue to play a crucial role in search.

He clarifies that the core principle of surfacing information from the web remains unchanged; it’s simply the “technology by which you can answer” that’s evolving.

Search: A continuous evolution

Search has always been in flux.

While the iconic “ten blue links” format may seem like a relic of the past, Google has constantly adapted, incorporating features like image and video search, featured snippets, and answer boxes.

According to Pichai, Users have embraced these changes, highlighting their trust in Google’s ability to deliver relevant information.

Pichai sees AI as a natural extension of this evolution, empowering search with a more powerful tool: Large Language Models (LLMs).

Here, he references the user acceptance of past changes:

“Search used to be text and 10 blue links maybe 15 years ago but you know be it images, be it videos, be it finding answers for your questions, those are all changes you know …to my earlier point people kind of shrug and …we’ve done all this in Google search for a long time and people like it, people engage with it, people trust it.”

A focus on valuable websites

The conversation delves into potential biases within search algorithms. Pichai reiterates Google’s commitment to reflecting the information available on the web and providing trustworthy, high-quality results. Even with advancements like Search Generative Experience (SGE), the focus remains on directing users to valuable websites.

SGE acts as a summary tool, curating information from the web while still offering users access to a range of viewpoints. Pichai emphasizes this point:

“Let’s talk about search for a second here, you’re asking a very important question. I think you know the the work we have done over many many years making sure, from a search standpoint, in search we try to reflect what’s out in the web. And we want to give trustworthy high quality information. We’ve had to navigate all of this for a long time.”

Search vs chatbots: Understanding the difference

There’s a misconception that SGE signifies a shift towards a chatbot-like search experience. Pichai clarifies this distinction.

Search, by its very nature, involves actively seeking information, whereas chatbots are more passive interactions. This distinction is crucial; websites won’t be replaced by conversational AI.

Pichai lays out the difference between search and chatbots:

“And so I think that’s different from when you’re in a chatbot and I think that’s the more active area of research where sometimes it has its voice so how do you get those moments right and you know again for us, I think it’s an area where we will be deeply committed to getting it right.”

AI: Not a replacement?

The discussion concludes with a reassuring perspective on AI’s role in search.

Pichai views AI not as a disruptive force, but as a technology that enhances existing ones. Search, YouTube, and other Google products will all benefit from these advancements.

The future of search: A brighter horizon

The future of search, as envisioned by Pichai, is an exciting one. AI promises a more natural and intuitive way to access information, all while preserving the core strengths of the web. Websites will continue to thrive as valuable sources, and users will have a more powerful toolkit to navigate the ever-expanding information.

How are you planning to tackle the AI-powered future of search? Do you agree with Sundar Pichai’s predictions and assessments?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.

The post Search by 2034? Predicting the future with Google’s CEO appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

These little gold stars hold immense power, influencing our decisions and shaping how we perceive businesses online. But have you ever stopped to wonder: how exactly do Google star ratings work?

In this post, we’re diving deep into this world of ratings and reviews, unpacking their significance for both consumers and business owners.

What is the Google star rating?

Think of the Google star rating system as a virtual thumbs-up or thumbs-down for businesses. It’s a consumer-powered grading system, allowing previous customers to share their experiences through a simple 1-to-5-star rating scale. These star ratings appear prominently across various Google properties, including:

• Google Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs): Star ratings often accompany business listings in local search results, influencing which businesses rise to the top.
• Google Maps: Star ratings are prominently displayed on business listings within Google Maps, giving users a quick glimpse into customer sentiment.
• Google My Business Profiles: Businesses can claim and manage their Google My Business profile, where star ratings are displayed alongside detailed information and reviews.

How does the Google star rating work?

The magic behind the Google star rating system lies in its simplicity and transparency. Here’s a breakdown of the mechanics:

• Calculation: Google star ratings are an average of all the reviews a business has received. If a restaurant has 20 reviews, with 15 giving 5 stars and the remaining 5 giving 4 stars, the overall rating would be 4.8 stars (rounded to the nearest tenth).
• Algorithm: While the exact inner workings are a secret sauce, Google’s algorithm plays a role in determining which reviews are most relevant. Factors like recency, reviewer location, and helpfulness votes from other users can influence the weight given to each review.
• Not Real-Time: It’s important to note that star ratings aren’t updated instantaneously. There can be a delay of up to two weeks after a new review is submitted before the average rating reflects the change.

Benefits of Google star ratings for website owners

So, why should website owners care about these little gold stars? Here’s a glimpse into the power they hold:

• Increased Visibility: High star ratings can boost your business’s ranking in local search results, making it more discoverable by potential customers. Studies suggest that businesses with higher star ratings are more likely to be clicked on in search engine results pages.
• Enhanced Credibility: Positive star ratings serve as a virtual stamp of approval from satisfied customers. They build trust and credibility, influencing consumers who might be on the fence about choosing your business.
• Improved Conversion Rates: High star ratings can significantly improve conversion rates. Consumers are more likely to patronize a business with a stellar online reputation.
• Valuable Customer Feedback: Reviews attached to star ratings offer a treasure trove of customer insights. By analyzing these reviews, businesses can identify areas for improvement and tailor their offerings to better meet customer needs.

How to get Google stars on organic SERPs

Now that you understand the importance of Google star ratings, you might be wondering: “How can I get those golden stars shining on my listings?”

Here are some key strategies that might be helpful:

• Encourage Customer Reviews: Make it easy for customers to leave reviews by providing a link on your website and social media profiles. You can also politely request reviews after a positive customer interaction. Important Note: Always adhere to Google’s guidelines and avoid incentivizing reviews in a way that could be seen as biased.
• Respond to Reviews (Both Positive and Negative): Actively engage with customer reviews. Thank happy customers for their feedback and acknowledge positive experiences. Don’t shy away from negative reviews; address them professionally and offer solutions where possible. This shows potential customers that you care about their experience.
• Claim and Manage Your Google My Business Profile: This is crucial for optimizing your local search presence. A well-maintained Google My Business profile with accurate information and high-quality photos can attract more reviews and improve your star rating visibility.
• Go the extra mile: Providing exceptional customer service is key to earning positive reviews. By consistently exceeding customer expectations, you’ll naturally encourage more customers to sing your praises online.

However, earning positive reviews is just one piece of the puzzle.

Here’s where schema markup comes in:

Schema markup is a way to provide search engines with additional information about your web pages. By adding specific code to your website, you can tell Google that your pages contain reviews and their associated ratings.

It’s important to note that Google won’t display star ratings based on schema markup alone. You’ll need to have actual reviews displayed on your website for the structured data to work. Ensure your reviews comply with Google’s guidelines to avoid any issues.

Implementing Schema Markup

There are two main ways to add schema markup for reviews:

• Manual Coding: For developers who are comfortable with code, Google provides specific guidelines and code snippets for implementing review schema markup. (https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/review-snippet)
• Plugins and Widgets: Many platforms offer widgets or plugins that can automatically generate schema markup for your website, making the process simpler.

Once you’ve implemented schema markup, use Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool (https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data) to validate your code and ensure Google can understand your data.

Remember that Google doesn’t guarantee a specific timeframe for when star ratings will appear in search results. It can take days or even weeks after implementing schema markup for Google to crawl your website and update your search result listing.

The post A guide to star ratings On Google and how they work appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.