SEO News Archives -

Why Google Prioritises Controllable Ranking Signals Over External Metrics

by Nick

Are Social Signals a Ranking Factor on Google?

In a recent discussion, Google’s Gary Illyes clarified why the tech giant doesn’t incorporate external signals, like social media shares, into its ranking algorithms. He emphasized that Google prefers to rely on signals it can directly control to maintain the integrity and reliability of its search results. Google’s Stance on External Signals During a Q&A …

How to Conduct a Technical SEO Audit Using Free Tools

by Nick

Performing a technical SEO audit is essential for ensuring your website is optimized for search engines and provides a seamless user experience. While many premium tools are available, several free resources can help you identify and fix common SEO issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of conducting a comprehensive technical SEO …

The SEO Truth Google Won’t Spell Out — And Why Your Website Might Be Missing Out

by Nick

If you’ve been in digital marketing for more than five minutes, you’ve probably read Google’s official SEO guidelines — now called Search Essentials. They’re helpful, authoritative, and absolutely worth reading. But here’s the thing: simply following those guidelines word-for-word won’t guarantee SEO success. That’s not because Google is trying to mislead you — it’s because …

Ensuring Quality in AI-Generated Content: Google’s Stance on Human Oversight

by Nick

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integral to content creation, questions about its role in SEO and content quality have emerged. Google has addressed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in AI-generated content. Google’s Perspective on AI-Generated Content Gary Illyes, a Google Search Advocate, clarified that AI-generated content is acceptable for search purposes, provided …

Maximizing Image Visibility: The Power of Dedicated Landing Pages in SEO

by Nick

In the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO), staying ahead of the curve is essential. A recent insight from Google’s Search Advocate, John Mueller, underscores a pivotal strategy for enhancing image visibility in search results: creating unique landing pages for individual images. The Challenge with Traditional Gallery Setups Many websites employ gallery plugins that …

21 Future-Ready SEO Trends to Dominate Google in 2025 and Beyond

by Nick

Search engine optimization is evolving faster than ever before. As we move into 2025, SEO isn’t just about keywords and backlinks anymore — it’s about adapting to AI-driven changes, personalized search experiences, and user intent like never before. From Google’s AI Overviews reshaping search engine results pages (SERPs) to rising importance of E.E.A.T and user …

AI Overviews and Click-Through Rates: A Closer Look at Google’s Claims

by Nick

Google has recently asserted that its AI-driven search features are enhancing user engagement by generating more queries and delivering higher-quality clicks. However, these claims are met with skepticism due to a lack of transparent data and varying experiences among web publishers. Google’s Perspective In a recent blog post, Google’s Search head, Liz Reid, emphasized that …

The Rise of Answer Engines: How to Thrive in the New Age of Online Discovery

by Nick

The digital discovery landscape is shifting. While traditional search engines like Google and Bing still dominate web traffic, a new generation of platforms—answer engines—is quickly emerging. These intelligent systems are changing how users find information and how content creators must adapt to stay relevant. In this blog post, we’ll explore what answer engines are, why …

Audience‑First SEO: Google’s Strategy for Effective Content Creation

by Nick

In the ever-evolving world of SEO, it’s easy to fall into the trap of writing for algorithms instead of actual people. But Google’s own experts—John Mueller and Martin Splitt—are urging content creators to do the opposite: focus on the audience first. In a recent discussion, they shared valuable advice on how to approach content in …

SEO‑Ready CMS: Top Content Platforms That Drive Search Visibility

by Nick

Crafting a website that ranks well requires more than high-quality content—it demands a content management system (CMS) built with search engine optimization (SEO) in mind. Below are platforms known for their SEO strengths and limitations, based on recent industry research and expert consensus. What Makes a CMS SEO‑Friendly? An SEO‑optimized CMS should make it easy …

Evolving Search: How SEO Transforms in the Age of AI & Multichannel Visibility

by Nick

The Shifting Terrain of Search Organic traffic from standard search engines is increasingly under pressure. Traditional SERPs are being overshadowed by AI-generated summaries, featured snippets, and zero-click answers—all of which provide instant information, often without any user click-through to your site pave.agency. Meanwhile, discovery is fragmenting—social platforms, email, newsletter products, and free tools offer direct …

Mastering SEO with AI: Essential ChatGPT Prompts for Smarter Optimization

by Nick

As AI tools like ChatGPT become more integral to digital marketing workflows, SEO professionals are discovering how to use them to boost efficiency and creativity. When used thoughtfully, ChatGPT can assist with keyword research, content planning, on-page optimization, technical SEO, and more. But the key lies in asking the right prompts. Below is a guide …

Google Launches Full “Search Live with Video” as Part of AI Mode Expansion

by Nick

Google has rolled out the full video version of Search Live, now available in real time through Google Lens within its AI Mode. Initially launched in audio-only form, the platform now offers video-based conversational search: users simply open Lens in the Google app, tap Live, and ask questions verbally while pointing the camera. AI Mode …

SEO vs. GEO: What’s the Difference, and Do You Need Both?

by Nick

SEO vs. GEO: What’s the Difference, and Why You Need Both

As search technology evolves rapidly—especially with AI-generated responses now commonplace—marketers must adapt. While traditional SEO (Search Engine Optimization) remains critical, a new strategy is emerging: GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). This guide breaks down the differences and similarities between SEO and GEO and shows how a combined approach can elevate your content’s visibility across search engines …

WordPress SEO Myths Debunked: What’s Actually Effective

by Nick

WordPress powers over 40% of websites globally, but there’s a lot of confusion about what drives search ranking success. Let’s dispel some persistent myths and highlight real strategies that make a difference – Search Engine Journal. 🔮 Myth 1: “WordPress Is At Risk of Disappearing” Reality: It’s here to stay. WordPress is a mature, open‑source …

AI-Powered Strategies for Boosting Your Local SEO Performance

by Nick

The way people search for local businesses is rapidly evolving. With AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and voice assistants gaining popularity, local SEO now demands smarter, faster, and more personalized tactics. To stay visible and competitive, businesses must embrace AI to scale their SEO strategies and connect with nearby customers in meaningful ways. …

Understanding Google Penalties: Identify – Recover – Prevent

by Nick

Google penalties are a significant concern for anyone managing a website, especially those invested in search engine optimization (SEO). When Google imposes a penalty, it can drastically reduce a website’s visibility in search results, leading to sharp declines in organic traffic and, consequently, business revenue. This guide explains what Google penalties are, how to identify …

Google: Stick to Classic SEO — No Need for AEO or GEO to Rank in AI Overviews

by Nick

Google’s Gary Illyes reassured SEOs that you don’t need specialized “AI SEO,” AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), or GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) to appear in AI-powered search results. According to Illyes, traditional SEO tactics are exactly what’s needed for success in both AI Overviews and AI Mode. 1. AI Search = SEO AI features in Google …

Google Ranking Signals: What Actually Matters in 2025

by Nick

Google’s ranking algorithm continues evolving. Although the company doesn’t disclose exact weights, SEO audits, leaks, and official documentation reveal core factors that matter today. 1. Content Quality & Intent Alignment User-first depth: Google in 2023 integrated the “Helpful Content Update” into its core systems Focus Digital. High-performing pages consistently offer comprehensive, clear, and user-attuned content. …

Google’s AI Mode: A Game-Changer for SEO

by Nick

Google has launched AI Mode, a conversational search interface built on its Gemini 2.5 model, debuting in the U.S. Unlike traditional search results, AI Mode deconstructs user queries into multiple sub-questions, pulls data from across the web, and delivers a single coherent response—often with citation links, but far fewer clickable results WIREDeyefulmedia.com. What’s New for …

Google Search Introduces AI-Powered Feature to Call Local Businesses Directly

by Nick

Google has recently rolled out an innovative update to its Search platform, enabling users to place calls to local businesses directly through AI-powered assistance. This new feature aims to streamline customer interactions by simplifying the process of contacting nearby stores and service providers. How It Works With the integration of advanced artificial intelligence, Google Search …

AI Search is Accelerating — But SEO Still Matters

by Nick

The AI Search Revolution Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have reshaped how we find information online. Rather than scrolling through search results, users can now engage in conversational searches that deliver fast, nuanced, and context-aware answers. These systems excel in areas such as coding help, language tutoring, and personalized explanations, creating an appealing alternative to …

OpenAI’s New ChatGPT Agent: A Major Shift for Businesses and SEO

by Nick

OpenAI recently launched a powerful new AI agent—branded simply as the “ChatGPT Agent”—that marks a significant leap for business automation and search engine strategies. Melding together the capabilities of its earlier “Operator” browser-interaction tool and the “deep research” module, this agent acts autonomously to complete multi-step digital workflows via its own virtual interface. 🛠️ What …

How Long Does SEO Really Take? Insights from Google’s John Mueller

by Nick

When new web pages go live, website owners often wonder: how soon can SEO yield tangible results? Google’s John Mueller addressed this exact question in the “Ask Googlebot” YouTube series—without giving a simple, one-size-fits-all timeline—but offering clear guidance on how to boost your chances of faster results X (formerly Twitter)+6Search Engine Journal+6New Web Network Blog+6. …

Ongoing Volatility from Google’s June 2025 Core Update

by Nick

As of July 14, 2025, the Google June 2025 Core Update continues to cause significant fluctuations in search rankings, with volatility persisting through the weekend. The update, which began rolling out on June 30, 2025, has been particularly impactful, with many SEO tools indicating heightened activity since July 10.Search Engine Roundtable+2Search Engine Roundtable+2Search Engine Roundtable+2 …