October 2024 Google Search Console Report
This month has been one of the most turbulent periods for Google Search rankings that I’ve ever reported on. Following the completion of Google's August 2024 core update, there were numerous unconfirmed Google ranking updates, adjustments, or episodes of volatility—whatever you prefer to call them. The activity has been extensive and seemingly unrelenting. In fact, we may be witnessing the longest stretch of Google Search volatility in history. The last time we saw this level of sustained volatility was between July 13, 2023, and September 19, 2023, as noted by Semrush, and further confirmed by Mordy Oberstein on the SERPsup podcast at the 48-minute mark.
Additionally, Google rolled out updates to its web spam policies, which seemed to coincide with a drop in Forbes Advisor’s rankings, although the exact reason remains unclear. Around the same time, Google introduced new notifications for fake reviews on business listings and updated its policies on review restrictions, which may have led to an uptick in recent review removals.
One notable development was the discontinuation of the Google cache operator, though this happened only after Google began incorporating Wayback Machine links within the search result snippets. This change marks a shift in how cached information is handled and presented.
During this period, Google’s Search Liaison was interviewed by both myself and Aleyda Solis, with an additional internal interview featuring Irina Tuduce, discussing Google Shopping and the Merchant Center. Notably, Google chose not to mark its own 26th birthday with the usual fanfare, quietly passing over the celebration this year.
Here are some of the major headlines from September, highlighting key updates and developments:
Google Search Algorithm Updates and Volatility:
- The August 2024 core update has finished rolling out.
- Google Search ranking volatility and shifts occurred throughout the month, particularly during the weekend of 9/25.
- Several ranking increases from the core update were reversed post-update, and volatility remained high through 9/18.
- A week after the August core update, ranking instability persisted, marking a prolonged period of movement in search results.
Google AI Overviews:
- Google is experimenting with AI overviews for branded and navigational queries.
- A small "more" link was introduced in AI overviews, and studies suggest 96% of these links point to pages with informational intent.
- Half of the links in AI overviews overlap with the top search results, and Google has again shown shopping results for commercial queries in AI-generated overviews.
- There’s a noticeable trend of users shifting away from traditional search methods, with 55% reporting they use Google less in favor of generative AI tools.
- Google plans to label images as AI-generated, AI-edited, or camera-taken in search results.
Google Search Console:
- Sticky filters for performance reports were introduced in Google Search Console.
- Some recommendations in Search Console are still not fully rolled out.
- A fix was applied to the product snippets report.
SEO and Google Updates:
- Google updated its web spam policies.
- In interviews, Google’s Search Liaison discussed the August 2024 core update, the impact of AI overviews, UGC content, and the role of big brands in the search landscape.
- Irina Tuduce provided insights into Google Shopping and Merchant Center developments.
- There is speculation that Google may have penalized Forbes Advisor for issues related to site reputation.
- Google clarified that Exif data is not used for ranking and provided further guidance on when to use noindex or canonical tags.
- Issues with JavaScript pages and the noindex tag are being addressed, and new properties for Google Merchant listings have been added.
Google User Interface Changes:
- The cache link has been completely removed from Google, now replaced by links to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.
- Google is testing sticky headers for ads and search results, updated its shopping interface with expandable refinement options, and introduced new search labels like "preferred source" and "for you."
Local Search and Google Business Profiles:
- Fake review notices have been added to business profiles, and updated restrictions have been placed on reviews for policy violations.
- A spike in review removals occurred around September 17, and minor updates to business profiles may trigger re-verification processes.
- Google has also introduced a new “About This Place” section in local panels and dropped the Q&A feature in India and other regions.
Miscellaneous Google Updates:
- Google's 26th birthday came and went with no special Doodle.
- The ongoing US DOJ trial has released key exhibits, documents, and responses, shedding light on various aspects of Google's operations.
These updates reflect an active period of change and volatility across Google Search, impacting rankings, policies, and the broader search ecosystem.
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