Google Search News (November ‘20) - from Google Webmasters to Google Search Central and more

TL;DR

Google Search Central launches with updates on tools and events.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] [KEYBOARD CLICKS] [BOOMS] JOHN MUELLER: Hi, everyone, and welcome back to the "Google Search News" series. I hope life is treating you reasonably well wherever you are. I'm your host today, John Mueller, here from Switzerland. With this show, we want to give you a regular summary of what's been happening around Google Search, specif... Read More

Key Insights

• Google Webmasters has been rebranded to Google Search Central, reflecting a broader focus beyond just webmasters to include all roles involved in website success.
• The transition to Google Search Central includes migrating content to a central location and improving accessibility across 13 languages, enhancing global reach.
• A new Web Creators team at Google aims to support those who create content on the web, with resources available on various social media platforms.
• Search Console's URL Inspection tool temporarily disables direct URL indexing requests, emphasizing the use of scalable methods like site maps for indexing.
• Web Stories are gaining traction in Google Search and Discover, with an updated WordPress plugin making story creation easier for users.
• Core Web Vitals and the page experience ranking factor will become active in May 2021, encouraging sites to improve speed and user experience.
• Google's Search On event highlights technological advances in search, with resources available for deeper understanding of how search works.
• Google continues to produce new videos and podcasts on SEO topics, offering insights into best practices for various web platforms and applications.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of the rebranding to Google Search Central?

The rebranding to Google Search Central signifies a shift from focusing solely on webmasters to encompassing all roles involved in website success, such as SEOs and publishers. This change reflects the evolving landscape of web management and aims to provide a more inclusive and comprehensive resource hub for all contributors.

Q: How does the Web Creators team support content creators?

The Web Creators team supports content creators by providing resources and updates through various platforms, including blogs, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. This initiative aims to empower creators with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance their online presence and engage effectively with their audiences, fostering a vibrant web ecosystem.

Q: What changes have been made to the Search Console's URL Inspection tool?

The Search Console's URL Inspection tool has temporarily disabled the ability to request direct URL indexing. This change is part of an effort to improve the tool's infrastructure, making it more robust. Users are encouraged to use scalable methods like site maps for indexing, which are more efficient for regular website updates.

Q: What are Web Stories, and how are they integrated into Google Search?

Web Stories are visually rich, mobile-focused narratives that appear in Google Search and Discover. They offer a dynamic way to engage users with content. Google has updated the WordPress plugin for Web Stories, making it easier for creators to produce and optimize stories for search visibility, leveraging SEO best practices.

Q: What is the timeline for the activation of the Core Web Vitals ranking factor?

The Core Web Vitals ranking factor, which focuses on user experience metrics like load time and interactivity, will become active in Google Search in May 2021. This timeline provides website owners with ample time to optimize their sites for speed and user experience, ultimately benefiting both search rankings and user satisfaction.

Q: What insights were shared during the Search On event?

The Search On event shared insights into Google's technological advancements in search, such as improved language understanding and new features for organizing information. The event highlighted how these innovations enhance the search experience, with resources like blog posts and videos available for those interested in learning more about Google's search technology.

Q: What new resources are available for learning about SEO?

Google has released new videos and podcasts covering various SEO topics, such as optimizing for e-commerce sites, government entities, and single-page apps. These resources provide valuable insights into best practices and strategies for improving search visibility and performance across different web platforms and applications.

Q: How has the pandemic affected Google's event strategy?

Due to the pandemic, Google has shifted from in-person events to online formats, offering virtual events and recorded sessions. This approach ensures continued engagement and information sharing, allowing participants to access valuable content remotely, stay informed about the latest developments, and connect with the global web community.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Google has rebranded its webmaster resources to Google Search Central, reflecting a broader focus on all contributors to website success. The transition involves migrating content to a central hub and improving multilingual accessibility, making it easier for global users to access valuable search-related information.

• The introduction of the Web Creators team marks Google's commitment to supporting content creators across the web. This initiative provides resources and updates through multiple platforms, including blogs, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, to help creators stay informed and enhance their online presence.

• Google Search Console has temporarily disabled the direct URL indexing request feature, urging users to rely on scalable methods like site maps for indexing. Meanwhile, the upcoming activation of the Core Web Vitals and page experience ranking factor in May 2021 highlights the importance of optimizing site speed and user experience.