SEO News Roundup: Google’s Creators Event, AI Overviews Expansion, Leadership Moves, and OpenAI’s Web Search in ChatGPT
Updates
No formal announcement has been issued yet. However, indicators point to a forthcoming development, based on takeaways from Google’s recent Creators Event.
What attendees observed
– Google Hosts Creators Event: For many small publishers affected by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update (HCU), the event felt more discouraging than encouraging. While Danny Sullivan sought to offer support, the central message to those relying on Google traffic was clear: recovery isn’t guaranteed anytime soon. The guidance was to diversify traffic sources and not to expect an immediate rebound.
– Morgan McBride’s recap highlighted two key themes:
– Recovery remains uncertain: Google signaled a new update “very soon,” but stressed that recovery may or may not occur with that update, the next one, or even the one after that.
– Diversify traffic sources: For publishers heavily dependent on Google, the recommended path is to explore other channels, even if some will recover eventually—there’s no definitive timeline.
– Joshua Tyler’s perspective offered a more critical angle, noting that questions from affected “victim” publishers largely went unanswered as Google representatives listened rather than guided or reassured. Tyler characterized the session as “Google’s funeral.”
– Sources: X (Charleston Craft), Giant Freakin Robot, Joshua Tyler.
Features
- Sitelinks Search Box Going Away This Month (Official): Google has announced the removal of the Sitelinks Search Box due to diminishing usage. Beginning November 21, 2024, the feature will progressively disappear across all geographies and languages. The standard sitelinks will remain intact; only the search box component is being retired.
- (Testing) Generative AI Snippets Across Search: A new AI-driven feature is being piloted that resembles People Also Ask but centers on subtopics and related insights rather than questions. This aims to deliver a broader overview of the topic directly within search results.
- (Testing) People’s Insights for Medical Queries: Google expanded its People’s Insights (akin to discussions and forums) to cover medical queries, with a prominent disclaimer: “This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.”
Local SEO
- Learn Something Specific Question Box on GBP Profiles: Google is experimenting with an AI-powered question box on Google Business Profiles, potentially replacing the traditional Q&A. Users could receive instant AI-generated answers rather than waiting for business owners to respond.
- Local Places & Compare Sites Interface: A new UI is being tested that shows an “all places” view and a “compare now” option, allowing users to see businesses and third-party comparison sites outside of Google Search. This interface has rolled out in some regions (initially Europe) and is now appearing in the US as well.
AIOs (AI-Ops/AI Overviews)
- Google AI Overviews Rolling Out Globally: Google announced that AI Overviews in Google Search are expanding to more than 100 additional countries, reaching over a billion users across all supported languages. Previously available in seven countries, this marks the broadest rollout to date and will be accessible by default, without the need for user opt-in.
- Source: Google Blog (Srinivasan “Cheenu” Venkatachary)
Tidbits
- Google Q3 2024 Ad Revenue Record: In its Q3 2024 earnings, Alphabet reported a 10% year-over-year rise in ad revenue to $65.85 billion, the highest quarterly total on record. Overall revenue grew 15% to $88.3 billion, with profits up 33% to $26.3 billion. Search revenue climbed 12% to $49.39 billion.
- Google Team Updates:
- The Gemini app team has joined Google DeepMind to accelerate model deployment, streamline post-training processes, and leverage the app’s momentum.
- Assistant teams focused on devices and home experiences have shifted to the Platforms & Devices division, aligning AI-driven home initiatives with product surfaces.
- Leadership changes include Nick Fox being named Senior Vice President of Knowledge & Information (K&I), overseeing Search, Ads, Geo, and Commerce products. Prabhakar Raghavan moves to Google’s Chief Technologist role.
- OpenAI Web Search in ChatGPT: OpenAI has launched web search integration in ChatGPT, available on web, mobile, and desktop apps. Initially open to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, as well as those on the SearchGPT waitlist, broader availability is expected in the coming months.
- The enhanced search model builds on GPT-4o, incorporating updated data generation techniques and insights from SearchGPT feedback, plus partner data.
- ChatGPT can autonomously perform web searches or users can manually trigger searches. For topics like weather, stocks, sports, news, and maps, OpenAI has partnered with major publishers and data providers to ensure fresh information and improved visuals.
- Current partners include Associated Press, Axel Springer, Condé Nast, Dotdash Meredith, Financial Times, GEDI, Hearst, Le Monde, News Corp, Prisa (El País), Reuters, The Atlantic, Time, and Vox Media.
- Publishers interested in partnerships can inquire for opportunities.
Conclusion
This roundup highlights several notable developments shaping the SEO and digital publishing landscape:
– Google signals ongoing changes that may affect publisher traffic and recovery timelines, underscoring the importance of diversification.
– AI features continue to evolve in search experiences, with new snippets, insights, and overviews expanding how users discover information.
– Leadership shifts and strategic realignments at Google, alongside OpenAI’s expanding web search capabilities in ChatGPT, indicate a broader push toward more integrated, AI-assisted search experiences.
– For publishers and marketers, staying informed about these changes and testing new features can help maintain visibility and performance in an increasingly AI-powered ecosystem.
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