NEWS
SEO Benefits of New Top Level Domains (nTLDs)?
Google’s John Mueller answered a question about New top-level Domains (nTLDs). These are domains like .tool or .shopping. Mueller answered the question as well as commented on any SEO value to nTLDs)
New Top Level Domains (nTLDs)
A generic top-level domains is like .com, .net and .org.
There’s another kind of domain that’s associated with countries called Country Code top-level Domain (ccTLD). Examples of ccTLDs are .uk and .ru.
There are other kinds of domains known as sponsored top-level domains. Examples of sponsored top-level domains are .edu and .mil.
The question that John Mueller answered had to do with a new kind of domain that are called, new top-level domains (nTLDs).
An nTLD is a generic top-level domain that is usually made up of a keyword.As mentioned above, typical examples of nTLDs are .tool and .shopping but also .job, .dentist and .marketing.
Question About SEO Benefits of nTLD Keyword Domains
The question sought to understand how Google indexed nTLDs and if there were any benefits.
Google’s Mueller answered the question and expanded on his answer to include possible SEO benefits.
This is the question:
“I’d like to know how Google indexes sites with new extensions like dot club or dot tools.
Is there any preference for indexing dot com domains over these?”
Generic Top Level Domains are Treated Equally
Google’s John Mueller answered:
“So we treat all of the New Top-level Domains like any other generic top-level domain.
So there is no kind of additional value to having keywords in the top-level domain. There’s no additional value in having city names or country names in the top-level domain.
We treat them all like any other generic top-level domain, like leica.com, essentially.
So from that point of view, if you find a domain name that works well for your site that you want to keep for the long run and it’s a New top-level Domain then definitely go for it. I think that’s perfectly fine.”
No SEO “Bonus” for New Top Level Domains
Google’s Mueller then added that there are no SEO benefits to a keyword matched nTLD.
Mueller explained:
“But also keep in mind that there is no kind of bonus for using a particularly well matching top-level domain.
It’s not that we would, from an SEO point of view, treat those as anything better than other generic top-level domains.”
How Google Treats Top Level Domains
Google has a history of treating generic top level domains differently from country code top level domain (.uk, .ru, etc.).
Google uses many country code level domains (ccTLDs) as a signal of what country Google should show a web page in, to localize the search result of a web page that uses a country code domain.
That’s why in general people in the USA might not see results from a .uk domain and why search results in Ireland may show preference to a .ie domain.
According to a Google support page about internationalization:
“If your site has a country-coded top-level domain (such as .ie or .fr) it is already associated with a geographic region (in this example, Ireland or France).
If you use a country-coded domain, you won’t be able to specify a geographic location. You can specify a target country in the International Targeting report.”
Understanding that Google treated many ccTLDs as a geographic localization ranking signal may have inspired SEOs to wonder if Google showed preference to other kinds of domains.
For example, the SEO community has long believed that .edu domains had special ranking power and because of that, links from .edu websites have been prized higher than links from common generic top level domains like .com.
Yet Googlers have long insisted that Google does not treat .edu sites any differently than other generic top level domains. Although .edu domains are a sponsored top level domain, John Mueller’s answer can be seen as being in harmony with previous statements about not showing any indexing or ranking preference for a type of top level domain (with the documented exception of country code top level domains).
Mueller said that Google does not treat New Top Level Domains (nTLDs) differently from generic top level domains. That’s good information because it helps to fill in the knowledge gaps in how Google treats different generic top level domains. It also helps because we can rule out SEO benefits from a keyword related nTLD as a reason to register an nTLD.
There are many good reasons to register an nTLD. But according to Google’s John Mueller, SEO benefits is not one of the reasons.
Citation
Watch Google’s John Mueller Discuss SEO Value of New Top Level Domains
NEWS
OpenAI Introduces Fine-Tuning for GPT-4 and Enabling Customized AI Models
OpenAI has today announced the release of fine-tuning capabilities for its flagship GPT-4 large language model, marking a significant milestone in the AI landscape. This new functionality empowers developers to create tailored versions of GPT-4 to suit specialized use cases, enhancing the model’s utility across various industries.
Fine-tuning has long been a desired feature for developers who require more control over AI behavior, and with this update, OpenAI delivers on that demand. The ability to fine-tune GPT-4 allows businesses and developers to refine the model’s responses to better align with specific requirements, whether for customer service, content generation, technical support, or other unique applications.
Why Fine-Tuning Matters
GPT-4 is a very flexible model that can handle many different tasks. However, some businesses and developers need more specialized AI that matches their specific language, style, and needs. Fine-tuning helps with this by letting them adjust GPT-4 using custom data. For example, companies can train a fine-tuned model to keep a consistent brand tone or focus on industry-specific language.
Fine-tuning also offers improvements in areas like response accuracy and context comprehension. For use cases where nuanced understanding or specialized knowledge is crucial, this can be a game-changer. Models can be taught to better grasp intricate details, improving their effectiveness in sectors such as legal analysis, medical advice, or technical writing.
Key Features of GPT-4 Fine-Tuning
The fine-tuning process leverages OpenAI’s established tools, but now it is optimized for GPT-4’s advanced architecture. Notable features include:
- Enhanced Customization: Developers can precisely influence the model’s behavior and knowledge base.
- Consistency in Output: Fine-tuned models can be made to maintain consistent formatting, tone, or responses, essential for professional applications.
- Higher Efficiency: Compared to training models from scratch, fine-tuning GPT-4 allows organizations to deploy sophisticated AI with reduced time and computational cost.
Additionally, OpenAI has emphasized ease of use with this feature. The fine-tuning workflow is designed to be accessible even to teams with limited AI experience, reducing barriers to customization. For more advanced users, OpenAI provides granular control options to achieve highly specialized outputs.
Implications for the Future
The launch of fine-tuning capabilities for GPT-4 signals a broader shift toward more user-centric AI development. As businesses increasingly adopt AI, the demand for models that can cater to specific business needs, without compromising on performance, will continue to grow. OpenAI’s move positions GPT-4 as a flexible and adaptable tool that can be refined to deliver optimal value in any given scenario.
By offering fine-tuning, OpenAI not only enhances GPT-4’s appeal but also reinforces the model’s role as a leading AI solution across diverse sectors. From startups seeking to automate niche tasks to large enterprises looking to scale intelligent systems, GPT-4’s fine-tuning capability provides a powerful resource for driving innovation.
OpenAI announced that fine-tuning GPT-4o will cost $25 for every million tokens used during training. After the model is set up, it will cost $3.75 per million input tokens and $15 per million output tokens. To help developers get started, OpenAI is offering 1 million free training tokens per day for GPT-4o and 2 million free tokens per day for GPT-4o mini until September 23. This makes it easier for developers to try out the fine-tuning service.
As AI continues to evolve, OpenAI’s focus on customization and adaptability with GPT-4 represents a critical step in making advanced AI accessible, scalable, and more aligned with real-world applications. This new capability is expected to accelerate the adoption of AI across industries, creating a new wave of AI-driven solutions tailored to specific challenges and opportunities.
This Week in Search News: Simple and Easy-to-Read Update
Here’s what happened in the world of Google and search engines this week:
1. Google’s June 2024 Spam Update
Google finished rolling out its June 2024 spam update over a period of seven days. This update aims to reduce spammy content in search results.
2. Changes to Google Search Interface
Google has removed the continuous scroll feature for search results. Instead, it’s back to the old system of pages.
3. New Features and Tests
- Link Cards: Google is testing link cards at the top of AI-generated overviews.
- Health Overviews: There are more AI-generated health overviews showing up in search results.
- Local Panels: Google is testing AI overviews in local information panels.
4. Search Rankings and Quality
- Improving Rankings: Google said it can improve its search ranking system but will only do so on a large scale.
- Measuring Quality: Google’s Elizabeth Tucker shared how they measure search quality.
5. Advice for Content Creators
- Brand Names in Reviews: Google advises not to avoid mentioning brand names in review content.
- Fixing 404 Pages: Google explained when it’s important to fix 404 error pages.
6. New Search Features in Google Chrome
Google Chrome for mobile devices has added several new search features to enhance user experience.
7. New Tests and Features in Google Search
- Credit Card Widget: Google is testing a new widget for credit card information in search results.
- Sliding Search Results: When making a new search query, the results might slide to the right.
8. Bing’s New Feature
Bing is now using AI to write “People Also Ask” questions in search results.
9. Local Search Ranking Factors
Menu items and popular times might be factors that influence local search rankings on Google.
10. Google Ads Updates
- Query Matching and Brand Controls: Google Ads updated its query matching and brand controls, and advertisers are happy with these changes.
- Lead Credits: Google will automate lead credits for Local Service Ads. Google says this is a good change, but some advertisers are worried.
- tROAS Insights Box: Google Ads is testing a new insights box for tROAS (Target Return on Ad Spend) in Performance Max and Standard Shopping campaigns.
- WordPress Tag Code: There is a new conversion code for Google Ads on WordPress sites.
These updates highlight how Google and other search engines are continuously evolving to improve user experience and provide better advertising tools.
Facebook Faces Yet Another Outage: Platform Encounters Technical Issues Again
Uppdated: It seems that today’s issues with Facebook haven’t affected as many users as the last time. A smaller group of people appears to be impacted this time around, which is a relief compared to the larger incident before. Nevertheless, it’s still frustrating for those affected, and hopefully, the issues will be resolved soon by the Facebook team.
Facebook had another problem today (March 20, 2024). According to Downdetector, a website that shows when other websites are not working, many people had trouble using Facebook.
This isn’t the first time Facebook has had issues. Just a little while ago, there was another problem that stopped people from using the site. Today, when people tried to use Facebook, it didn’t work like it should. People couldn’t see their friends’ posts, and sometimes the website wouldn’t even load.
Downdetector, which watches out for problems on websites, showed that lots of people were having trouble with Facebook. People from all over the world said they couldn’t use the site, and they were not happy about it.
When websites like Facebook have problems, it affects a lot of people. It’s not just about not being able to see posts or chat with friends. It can also impact businesses that use Facebook to reach customers.
Since Facebook owns Messenger and Instagram, the problems with Facebook also meant that people had trouble using these apps. It made the situation even more frustrating for many users, who rely on these apps to stay connected with others.
During this recent problem, one thing is obvious: the internet is always changing, and even big websites like Facebook can have problems. While people wait for Facebook to fix the issue, it shows us how easily things online can go wrong. It’s a good reminder that we should have backup plans for staying connected online, just in case something like this happens again.
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