685 | News from the EDGE | Week of 5.20.2024

Are you curious about Google's latest moves in SEO and AI? This week on EDGE of the Web, host Erin Sparks and show producer Jacob Mann explore articles that reveal Google's strategies and advancements in these ever-evolving fields. 

Google's helpful content system might be changing a bit. The recent update folds helpfulness signals into their core ranking algorithm, making them page-level considerations. This means content on individual pages will be judged for its value to users, with some influence still coming from overall site authority.  The takeaway? Focus on showcasing your expertise and building trust with transparency!

Erin and Jacob also discuss Search Engine Land's 2024 Search Advertising Benchmarks report, which reveals rising costs and declining conversion rates.  The average cost-per-click (CPC) increased by 10% across most industries, with some sectors experiencing even steeper hikes.  Conversion rates also dipped slightly, falling to 6.96% on average. 

Another topic discussed is outlining the struggle with unwanted content appearing in Google's AI overviews. This GSQI blog post offers a solution! While completely opting out isn't possible, the article explores using "preview controls" like nosnippet and max-snippet. These tools allow you to limit or remove specific content from being displayed in the AI Overviews, ensuring your audience sees the information you want them to.

Stay ahead of the curve by tuning in to this week's EDGE news podcast, packed with trending topics and insights on the future of AI.

News from the EDGE:

[00:03:39] Google's Helpfulness Signals Could Be Updating Again: Why It Will Fall Short

[00:11:44] Rising Search Ad Costs and Dropping Conversion Rates

[00:16:04] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Site Strategics

[00:19:44] Managing Google’s AI Overviews: Using 'Preview Controls' to Remove Content and Links

[00:24:05] Andrew Optimsey's Plugin: Optimisey Search

[00:26:10] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: SERanking

AI Blitz:

[00:27:25] ChatGPT to Mine Reddit for Content in Partnership with OpenAI

[00:29:50] Google Ads Limits Use of Brand Names and Logos in AI Image Generation

[00:32:20] OpenAI Dissolves AI Safety Team, Raising Concerns About Superintelligence

[00:34:07] EDGE of the Web Sponsor: Inlinks

Barry Blast from Search Engine Roundtable:

[00:35:05] Decoding Google's Ranking Systems: Insights from Communication Engineers

[00:36:03] Google Search Update: Notes and Comments Now Included in Results 

[00:38:32] How to Remove Your Content from Google's AI Overviews

Thanks to our sponsors!

Site Strategics https://edgeofthewebradio.com/site    

SERanking: https://edgeofthewebradio.com/seranking

Inlinks https://edgeofthewebradio.com/inlinks

Follow Us:

Twitter: @ErinSparks

Twitter: @MordyOberstein

Twitter: @TheMann00

Twitter: @EDGEWebRadio

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