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Daily Search Forum Recap: January 26, 2024
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 is cutting their SEO starter guide in half, which will raise some eyebrows. Google said HTML structure doesn’t matter much for ranking. Google is testing a price slider in the mobile search results. Google driving direction reports showed a huge increase after Google said it would show a decrease. Microsoft is testing replacing the Bing logo with a Copilot logo. And I posted the weekly SEO video recap.
Search Engine Roundtable Stories:
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Google SEO Starter Guide To Be Cut In Half
Google is in the process of reworking its popular SEO starter guide, which it initially released in 2010. The starter guide is about 8,500 words right now, but it will be less than half that when the revised SEO starter guide comes out. -
Google Tests Price Slider Filter In Search For Product Results
Google is testing a price slider for some queries where narrowing by price may make sense. We’ve seen Google show price range sliders for products and price slider filters for hotels but now we are seeing a price slider filter for normal product results. -
Google: HTML Structure Doesn’t Matter Much For Ranking
Gary Illyes from Google said that the HTML structure for your web pages does not matter much for rankings. He said this on the latest Search Off The Record podcast, saying, “I know that some people like to think that HTML structure matters all so much for rankings, but in fact, it doesn’t matter that much.” -
Bing Home Page Swapping Out Bing Logo With Copilot Logo
Just like Microsoft has been testing swapping out the Bing Chat link with the Copilot link within the Bing Search results pages, now Microsoft is testing swapping out the Bing logo with a Copilot logo. This is all for the rebranding of Bing Chat to Copilot, which started two months ago. -
Huge Increase In Google Business Profiles Driving Directions
Earlier this week, we reported that Google said we should expect a decline in the number of driving directions reported in the Google Business Profiles performance reporting tool. Well, the opposite happened. Everyone is seeing a significant increase in the number of driving directions reported in that Google tool. -
Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Confirmed Ranking Bug, Ranking Volatility, Quality Raters Cut & Google Ads AI Goes Live
Google has confirmed that issue where sites would rank during the week and then not rank on the weekends – just wild. We had an unconfirmed Google ranking update this week after having a calm weekend. Google has dropped Appen… -
Laying On Google Entry Mat
Here is an entry mat with the Google logo on it. I am not sure why this guy is laying on it but he did say on Instagram “Bing wanna sponsor me?”
Other Great Search Threads:
- 10+ Notes! Like I’ve said before, for right article covering the right topic, some users are more apt to add notes via the SERPs. You don’t see 10+ notes for an article often. And some of the notes have likes as well. But still weird that you have to *go , Glenn Gabe on X
- Hey, appreciate the thread and always concerns being voiced. Wanted to clarify something, though. Page Insights only appear if someone is actually on a page and requests to see them. They don’t automatically appe, Google SearchLiaison on X
- In case you missed it – finish setting up your Google Analytics 4 property before your connected Universal Analytics property is permanently deleted on Jul 1, 2024., Khushal Bherwani on X
- My 2024 Google GenAI Bets + Advice: 1. Google SGE isn’t going away. Expect this to roll out more widely. G will continue to test/integrate different features from what we see today. My worry: SEOs worried about SGE are staring at the tree vs. the forest, Britney Muller on X
- Queries that do not meet our privacy thresholds are aggregated in within the “other” search terms line. Search Terms Insights (on the Insights page) can be helpful to better understand the query themes/categories driving activity though. The category , AdsLiaison on X
- The advanced features for consent mode are optional and provide additional controls for businesses that want further customization. For example, opting to redact ads data when ads_data_redaction is set to true and ad, AdsLiaison on X
- There are hundreds of thousands of backlinks to these https://chat.openai.com/share/ URLs and content is not protected. @rustybrick We should continue reminding all webmasters that this is good practice to regularly review their websites security prac, Fabrice Canel on X
- These are two topics separated by a comma. Top Stories labels are automatically generated based on the main topics in a particular news cluster. In this case, it’s simply naming key topics in the cluster. For, Google SearchLiaison on X
- I can’t think of a reason why they’d be useful for anything (other than as reminders for coders). If I were making a web page reader again, I’d start by filtering them out., John Mueller on X
- Scare a SEO with only one word, Redd
- We launched this new FREE Audience finder tool yesterday. https://t.co/NbtVKMf2O2 Takes a keyword and finds different TYPES of people that might be searching. Then suggests content ideas for the audience. Not bad for free…, Dixon Jones on X
Search Engine Land Stories:
Other Great Search Stories:
Analytics
Industry & Business
Links & Content Marketing
Local & Maps
Mobile & Voice
- Apple Plans New Fees and Restrictions for Downloads Outside App Store, Wall Street Journal
- Bard Advanced is coming to the Google app — with a familiar catch, Android Central
- Making VR Headsets Cool Won’t Be Easy, Even for Apple, New York Times
- Apple Podcasts offers transcripts for all shows in iOS 17.4, AppleInsider
- Google could finally give Wear OS an annual upgrade cycle, Android Authority
- Google Pixel Feature Drop: Circle to Search, Magic Compose for Messages, Google Blog
- Google’s latest Pixel feature drop adds Circle to Search, Magic Compose, and more, The Verge
- iOS 17.4 Introduces Alternative App Marketplaces With No Commission in EU, MacRumors
- Update on apps distributed in the European Union, Apple Developer
- Updated App Store Review Guidelines now available, Apple Developer
SEO
- How brands can E-E-A-T better in 2024, Hallam
- How to Determine SEO Potential: A Comprehensive Guide, Semrush
- How to Reduce the Risk of Hurting SEO During a Site Migration, seoClarity
- IndexWatch 2023: SEO Visibility Losers, SISTRIX
- The SEO Basics for Marketers & Businesses (2024), Ethan Lazuk
- 51 Types of SEO. Did We Miss Any?, Ahrefs
- Advanced SEO Tactics for Google Entity Search, Hill Web Creations
- ChatGPT for SEO? You’re Using It Wrong., Ahrefs
- Mastering Website Management with Site Explorer, Bing Webmaster Blog
- Rewriting the SEO Starter Guide, Search Off the Record
- SEO Trends for 2024, BrightEdge
- SEO: Common Indexation Hurdles, Practical Ecommerce
- Taking a Proactive Approach to SEO in 2024, Lumar
PPC
Search Features
Other Search
Feedback:
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Why Malia Obama Received Major Criticism Over A Secret Facebook Page Dissing Trump
Given the divisive nature of both the Obama and Trump administrations, it’s unsurprising that reactions to Malia Obama’s alleged secret Facebook account would be emotional. Many online users were quick to jump to former President Donald Trump’s defense, with one user writing: “Dear Malia: Do you really think that anyone cares whether you and/or your family likes your father’s successor? We’re all trying to forget you and your family.”
Others pointed out the double standard held by those who condemn Trump for hateful rhetoric but praise people like Malia who speak out against her father’s successor in what they believe to be hateful rhetoric. Some users seemed bent on criticizing Malia simply because they don’t like her or her father, proving that the eldest Obama daughter couldn’t win for losing regarding the public’s perception of her or her online presence.
The secret Facebook situation is not all that dissimilar to critics who went after Malia for her professional name at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. In this instance, people ironically accused Malia of using her family’s name to get into the competitive festival while also condemning her for opting not to use her surname, going by Malia Ann instead.
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Best Practices for Data Center Decommissioning and IT Asset Disposition
Data center decommissioning is a complicated process that requires careful planning and experienced professionals.
If you’re considering shutting down or moving your data center, here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Decommissioning a Data Center is More than Just Taking Down Physical Equipment
Decommissioning a data center is more than just taking down physical equipment. It involves properly disposing of data center assets, including servers and other IT assets that can contain sensitive information. The process also requires a team with the right skills and experience to ensure that all data has been properly wiped from storage media before they’re disposed of.
Data Centers Can be Decommissioned in Phases, Which Allows For More Flexibility
When you begin your data center decommissioning process, it’s important to understand that it’s not an event. Instead, it’s a process that takes place over time and in phases. This flexibility allows you to adapt as circumstances change and make adjustments based on your unique situation. For example:
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You may start by shutting down parts of the facility (or all) while keeping others running until they are no longer needed or cost-effective to keep running.
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When you’re ready for full shutdown, there could be some equipment still in use at other locations within the company (such as remote offices). These can be moved back into storage until needed again.
Data Center Decommissioning is Subject to Compliance Guidelines
Data center decommissioning is subject to compliance guidelines. Compliance guidelines may change, but they are always in place to ensure that your organization is following industry standards and best practices.
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Local, state and federal regulations: You should check local ordinances regarding the disposal of any hazardous materials that were used in your data center (such as lead-based paint), as well as any other applicable laws related to environmental impact or safety issues. If you’re unsure about how these might affect your plans for a decommissioned facility, consult an attorney who specializes in this area of law before proceeding with any activities related to IT asset disposition or building demolition.
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Industry standards: There are many industry associations dedicated specifically toward helping businesses stay compliant with legal requirements when moving forward with projects such as data center decommissioning.
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Internal policies & procedures: Make sure everyone on staff understands how important it is not just from a regulatory standpoint but also from an ethical one; nobody wants their name associated with anything inappropriate!
Companies Should Consider Safety and Security During the Decommissioning Process
Data center decommissioning is a complex process that involves several steps. Companies need to consider the risks associated with each step of the process, and they should have a plan in place to mitigate these risks. The first step of data center decommissioning is identifying all assets and determining which ones will be reused or repurposed. At this point, you should also determine how long it will take for each asset to be repurposed or recycled so that you can estimate how much money it will cost for this part of your project (this can be done through an estimate based on previous experience).
The second step involves removing any hazardous materials from electronic equipment before it’s sent off site for recycling; this includes chemicals used in manufacturing processes like lead-free solder paste adhesives used on circuit boards made from tin-based alloys containing up 80% pure tin ingots stamped out into flat sheets called “pucks”. Once these chemicals have been removed from whatever device needs them taken off their surfaces then those devices can safely go through any other necessary processes such as grinding away excess plastic housing material using high pressure water jets until only its bare frame remains intact without any cracks where moisture might collect inside later causing corrosion damage over time due too much moisture exposure.
With Proper Planning and an Effective Team, You’ll Help Protect Your Company’s Future
Data center decommissioning is a complex process that should be handled by a team of experts with extensive experience in the field. With proper planning, you can ensure a smooth transition from your current data center environment to the next one.
The first step toward a successful data center decommissioning project is to create a plan for removing hardware and software assets from the building, as well as documenting how these assets were originally installed in the facility. This will allow you or another team member who may inherit some of these assets later on down the line to easily find out where they need to go when it’s time for them to be moved again (or disposed).
Use Professional Data Center Decommissioning Companies
In order to ensure that you get the most out of your data center decommissioning project, it’s important to use a professional data center decommissioning company. A professional data center decommissioning company has experience with IT asset disposition and can help you avoid mistakes in the process. They also have the tools and expertise needed to efficiently perform all aspects of your project, from pre-planning through finalizing documentation.
Proper Planning Will Help Minimize the Risks of Data Center Decommissioning
Proper planning is the key to success when it comes to the data center decommissioning process. It’s important that you don’t wait until the last minute and rush through this process, as it can lead to mistakes and wasted time. Proper planning will help minimize any risks associated with shutting down or moving a data center, keeping your company safe from harm and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken before shutdown takes place.
To Sum Up
The key to a successful ITAD program is planning ahead. The best way to avoid unexpected costs and delays is to plan your ITAD project carefully before you start. The best practices described in this article will help you understand what it takes to decommission an entire data center or other large facility, as well as how to dispose of their assets in an environmentally responsible manner.
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Massive Volatility Reported – Google Search Ranking Algorithm Update
I am seeing some massive volatility being reported today after seeing a spike in chatter within the SEO community on Friday. I have not seen the third-party Google tracking tools show this much volatility in a long time. I will say the tracking tools are way more heated than the chatter I am seeing, so something might be off here.
Again, I saw some initial chatter from within the SEO forums and on this site starting on Friday. I decided not to cover it on Friday because the chatter was not at the levels that would warrant me posting something. Plus, while some of the tools started to show a lift in volatility, most of the tools did not yet.
To be clear, Google has not confirmed any update is officially going on.
Well, that changed today, and the tools are all superheated today.
Google Tracking Tools:
Let’s start with what the tools are showing:
So most of these tools are incredibly heated, signaling that they are showing massive changes in the search result positions in the past couple of days.
SEO Chatter
Here is some of the chatter from various comments on this site and on WebmasterWorld since Friday:
Speaking of, is anyone seeing some major shuffling going on in the SERPs today? It’s a Friday so of course Google is playing around again.
Something is going on.
Pages are still randomly dropping out of the index for 8-36h at a time. Extremely annoying.
Speaking of, is anyone seeing some major shuffling going on in the SERPs today? It’s a Friday so of course Google is playing around again
In SerpRobot I’m seeing a steady increase in positions in February, for UK desktop and mobile, reaching almost the ranks from the end of Sep 2023. Ahrefs shows a slight increase in overall keywords and ranks.
In the real world, nothing seems to happen.
yep, traffic has nearly come to a stop. But exactly the same situation happened to us last Friday as well.
USA traffic continues to be whacked…starting -70% today.
In my case, US traffic is almost zero (15 % from 80%) and the rest is kind of the same I guess. Traffic has dropped from 4K a day to barely scrapping 1K now. But a lot is just bots since payment-wise, the real traffic seems to be about 400-500. And … that’s how a 90% reduction looks like.
Something is happening now. Google algo is going crazy again. Is anyone else noticing?
Since every Saturday at 12 noon the Google traffic completely disappears until Sunday, everything looks normal to me.
This update looks like a weird one and no, Google has not confirmed any update is going on.
What are you all noticing?
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
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