We can't believe it either. But... yep.


Every Wednesday / 17th July 2024 / goodsignals.com

Weekly Trivia: Which Google Search feature is coming to an end this month?


Happy Hot Dog Day! Yes, you heard it right. Today marks the 53rd celebration of the annual Hot Dog Day, when you can gobble unlimited hot dogs and gulp down root beer. How did I know? Check out 10 Yetis' day-of-the-year calendar and discover more excuses to devour ice cream, lasagne, and crème brûlée – how nice it is when every day is a holiday! (Hint: this Sunday is great).

In the SEO world, the biggest news is that the next Google Core update is coming soon. We are not sure about the exact date, but it's likely to happen in the next few weeks - so let's buckle up and stay tuned.

Before we get to our top picks, here are some other updates from this week: Google has added labelling to AI-generated images, is testing highlighted snippets and a "Back to AI Overview" button. According to the June 2024 Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX), websites in general are experiencing performance gains, OpenAI has finally confirmed the launch of its heavily rumoured search product, which will provide detailed written responses with citations and images to questions. Anthropic's generative AI app Claude is now live on Android following the release of its iOS version this May.

Lastly, scam alert: If you have a business profile on Google Maps, be aware of competitors moving your pin to a new location, as this could negatively impact your ranking.

Now, to our top picks.

Joyce, editor at The Signal

P.S. The answer to our trivia? Google Search Notes - it was launched as an experiment eight months ago to help people share thoughts on search results. There has been a lot of speculation that Notes is ending, and now we are really saying goodbye.


20 Confirmed Facts About YouTube’s Algorithm - Here is YouTube's complex algorithm explained in plain language. If you are busy, scroll to the end to read the key facts and top tips for creators, from developing consistent sequels to creating playlists. By Matt G. Southern on Search Engine Journal.

I Disavowed Every Link To My Website. Here’s What Happened - SEO legend Cyrus Shepard conducted a bold experiment and disavowed every link to his site – what happened then? The results will surprise you. By Cyrus Shepard on Zyppy.

Google AI Overviews: Do Ranking Studies Tell the Whole Story? - There have been lots of studies around AI Overview recently, but how reliable are they? They may have overlooked the full complexity of the system, according to Rich Sanger.

Detailed Q4: Analysing The SEO Playbook of Digital Goliaths In-Depth, Every Quarter - How are the digital giants doing in SEO recently? Who won and who lost? Discover the detailed performance analysis of 45 big names, including The Times newspaper and Nextdoor, here – this quarterly report is going viral, so you'll have to read it! By Glen Allsopp on Detailed.

35 SEO Interview Questions (Top Answers from the Experts) - Anyone looking to hire an SEO? This could be your bible! Learn ace interview questions, from building local SEO to handling keyword research. By Backlinko Team.

The 11 Known Google Business Profile Fields That Impact Your Rank - Local search visibility is more important than ever, so let's learn how to optimise it. Follow this guide and you'll have the best rank in the neighbourhood! By Miriam Ellis on Moz.

Local Link Building: How Community and Local Activities Lead to Backlinks - Here're the best tips to build local links for your business. There are plenty of opportunities in the neighbourhood, so let's learn how to grab them. By Celeste Gonzalez on Wix.

Top Restaurant Owners Blackmailed Over Fake Reviews - Independent restaurants in the UK are targeted by criminals who post fake nasty reviews and demand £2,500 in blackmail attempts. A Google spokesperson said they have looked into the case and are removing the policy-violating content. By Shari Vahl on BBC.

Seasonal SEO: A Guide to Mastering the Fluctuations - Some products may sell better at certain times of the year. But with proper seasonal SEO, you can succeed in the low season too! Discover the full action plan here. By Mary Mutua on Sitebulb.

Optimising Your E-Commerce Site in Turbulent Economic Times - Brexit, COVID, the cost of living crisis... we are living in a time of economic turbulence, so it's better to learn how to make business decisions when things are unpredictable. You can survive it! By Emma Russell on OnCrawl.

7 Key Questions and Tools to Assess Your Site Organic Search Rankings Drops - Seeing a drop in organic search traffic? Don't panic. Ask yourself these questions and learn the tools for better debugging. By Aleyda Solis.

How Etsy Bet on Talented New Yorkers, not Fast Fashion— and Won - In the era of Shein and fast fashion, it's surprising to see Etsy is trending. Why? “The more people experience these mass-produced, commoditized shopping experiences, the more people are going to crave something different,” explains the e-commerce platform's chief marketing officer. By Lydia Moynihan on New York Post.

A Brief Meeting With Google After The Apocalypse - Start-up founder Brandon Saltalamacchia suffered a heavy blow during the algorithm changes last September. Then he was invited to the Google HQ in London and met Danny Sullivan. Read his diary in full. By Brandon Saltalamacchia.

Public Speaking Tips - If you are a shy person like me, this guide could be your game-changer in public events especially when it comes to pitching. Overcoming the fear of public speaking isn't easy, but good communication skills can bring professional growth and help build your brand. By Montserrat Cano.


Joyce Yang,

editor at The Signal


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