Google Search News (June ‘22) - Ecommerce Essentials, Google I/O Announcements, and more!

TL;DR

John Mueller discusses recent Google Search updates and events.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] JOHN MUELLER: Hi, everyone and welcome back to the Google Search News. I hope life is treating you reasonably well wherever you are. I'm your host today, John Mueller, here from Google Switzerland. Well, it's June already. And today we have updates for you on a new video series, bubble charts, events, and more. So ready or not, here... Read More

Key Insights

• Google launched a new video series, 'Ecommerce Essentials,' focusing on key elements like images to enhance user experience on eCommerce sites.
• A blog series explains how to connect Google Search Console to Data Studio, enabling users to visualize data with tools like bubble charts.
• Google is returning to in-person events, alongside virtual UnConferences, offering opportunities for community engagement and discussion.
• The Google I/O event previewed a search video report for Search Console, highlighting plans for integrating video data into search analytics.
• Google's May Core Update impacts search rankings, with guidance available for site owners on adapting to these changes.
• Bill Slawski, a significant figure in the SEO community, passed away, remembered for his contributions to understanding search-related patents.
• The URL parameters handling tool in Search Console is deprecated due to improved crawling systems, with robots.txt recommended for managing crawling.
• Google's annual Webspam Report details efforts to combat spam and malicious content, ensuring the integrity of search results.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the focus of the new 'Ecommerce Essentials' video series?

The 'Ecommerce Essentials' video series, recently launched by Google, focuses on critical elements for enhancing user experience on eCommerce sites. The first episode addresses the importance of images, with subsequent episodes covering topics like optimizing JavaScript and ensuring mobile-friendliness. The series aims to provide valuable insights applicable to various types of websites.

Q: How can Google Search Console and Data Studio be connected?

A recent blog series outlines the process of connecting Google Search Console to Google Data Studio, allowing users to visualize search data effectively. This connection enables the creation of tools like bubble charts, which help identify well-performing queries and areas for improvement. The integration offers countless data visualization possibilities, enhancing data analysis capabilities.

Q: What are the recent changes to Google's event participation?

Google's Search Relations team is returning to in-person events after a hiatus, alongside hosting virtual UnConferences. These smaller events encourage community participation and discussion with Google representatives. The hybrid approach, including Google I/O's hybrid format, reflects a commitment to engaging with the community both virtually and in person.

Q: What was announced at the Google I/O event regarding Search Console?

During the Google I/O event, a preview of a search video report for Search Console was announced. While a specific timeline is not yet available, the preview highlights plans for integrating video data into search analytics. This development aims to enhance the analysis of video content performance on websites, offering valuable insights for users.

Q: What is the impact of the May Core Update?

The May Core Update is a significant change to Google's search ranking algorithms, affecting the core of their systems. These updates, which occur multiple times a year, can result in noticeable changes in search and discover results. Site owners are advised to consult Google's blog post for guidance on adapting to these updates and understanding their implications.

Q: Who was Bill Slawski and what was his contribution to SEO?

Bill Slawski, who recently passed away, was a highly respected figure in the SEO community. Known for his extensive work on search-related patents, Bill was instrumental in correcting misinformation within the industry. His passion for SEO and dedication to educating others left a lasting impact, particularly in the context of understanding the role of patents in search optimization.

Q: Why was the URL parameters handling tool deprecated?

The URL parameters handling tool in Google Search Console was deprecated due to significant improvements in Google's crawling systems. These advancements have reduced the tool's necessity for managing site crawling. Instead, Google recommends using the robots.txt file to provide information about crawling, reflecting an updated approach to search optimization.

Q: What does the annual Webspam Report reveal?

Google's annual Webspam Report provides insights into the company's efforts to combat spam and malicious content in search results. The report highlights changes and trends observed over the years, underscoring Google's commitment to maintaining the integrity of search results. This ongoing work ensures that users can find reliable and accurate information when using Google Search.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John Mueller introduces the June episode of Google Search News, covering topics like the new 'Ecommerce Essentials' video series and updates to Google Search Console. The video provides insights into optimizing eCommerce sites and visualizing search data effectively.

• The episode discusses Google's return to in-person events and virtual UnConferences, highlighting community engagement opportunities. It also covers announcements from the Google I/O event, including a preview of search video reports in Search Console.

• Recent changes include the deprecation of the URL parameters handling tool and some sitemap extension tags, reflecting Google's evolving approach to search optimization. The annual Webspam Report outlines efforts to maintain search result integrity by combating spam.