This week at SEOPartner, we’re sharing: SEO updates that can deliver significant impact to your results, exciting changes in the marketplace to watch out for, good-to-know studies and information, and tips to try based on recent findings on search, online marketing and more.
Google’s Mobile Interstitials Penalty is Here
As reported earlier, this is the day Google will start rolling out its penalty against intrusive pop-ups and interstitial ads on mobile.
“Starting today, pages where content is not easily accessible to a user on the transition from the mobile search results may not rank as high,” Google said in a blog update.
Google also clarified that the new signal is “just one of hundreds” they use to determine a page’s rankings. Intent of the search query remains a very strong signal – between two pages that use pop-ups, the page with great quality content will rank first.
More key points to know about the mobile interstitial policy, according to TheSEMPost:
– The signal will affect mobile searches only.
– It applies only to searches coming from a Google referral.
– Interstitials required by law, such as age verification, will not receive a downrank.
– Sites that pass the mobile-friendly test can still be penalized if its pages violate the new mobile interstitial policy.
Source: https://webmasters.googleblog.com/2016/08/helping-users-easily-access-content-on.html
Goodbye Yahoo and CEO Marissa Mayer; Hello Altaba?
The following changes are expected to transpire after Yahoo completes its $4.8 billion sale of its core internet business to Verizon Communications Inc.:
– CEO Marissa Mayer has stepped down from the board. There’s a possibility that she’ll continue to work at Yahoo under Verizon.
– The remains of Yahoo will be renamed as Altaba, as confirmed by a name change filing at the Securities and Exchange Commission.
– Verizon will most likely continue to use the well-recognized Yahoo brand and users won’t feel any change.
The terms of the deal may still change and whether the acquisition will push through is still up in the air. Observers are expecting more details to surface later this month during Yahoo’s earnings call.
Source: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/yahoo-renames-altaba-ceo-marissa-mayer-resigns/183278
Nielsen Rankings: 5 Out of 2016’s Top 10 Apps from Google
Out of the top 10 downloaded apps of 2016, five spots were claimed by Google, says a Nielsen Rankings report.
The highly coveted top 1 and 2 spots, however, are not among those clinched by Google; the honors went to the flagship Facebook app and Messenger app, respectively. The list is as follows:
- Facebook Messenger
- YouTube
- Google Maps
- Google Search
- Google Play
- Gmail
- Apple Music
- Amazon App
The data from the report is gathered from a monthly survey performed by Nielsen among 30,000-plus mobile subscribers 13 years old and older in the United States.
Call Extensions Soon to be AdWords Default
Do you have mobile search ads that direct users to landing pages prominently displaying your business phone number? Then expect AdWords to automatically add call extensions to these ads by Feb 7.
This new feature will make it possible for businesses to receive calls straight from their mobile ads. Detailed reporting from calls performance and call conversion tracking will also be available.
Advertisers will be provided the option to opt out of automatic call extensions, use phone numbers different from those featured on the landing pages or customize their campaigns per ad group.
Source: http://searchengineland.com/google-adwords-automated-call-extensions-267292
Bing’s New Search Features Promote Healthy Living
Bing rolled out a series of new search features that focus on helping users get easy access to health and fitness information.
Some of the new health and fitness search features include the following:
– Filters to refine search results for videos using the terms “workouts” or “exercise.”
– Further narrow down results by difficulty level, target area, or focus depending on your preferred workout.
– Search for detailed information based on diet needs and preferences.
– Preview more information per recipe through the Nutrition, Ingredients, Steps and Reviews tabs.
Source: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/bing-health-fitness/182929/
Image via: https://blogs.bing.com/search/2017-January/bing-helps-you-reach-new-years-health-goals
SUMMING IT ALL UP
Here are the top headlines in this week’s SEO news roundup:
Google’s Mobile Interstitials Penalty is Now Here. Google will start to demote mobile pages with pop-up ads and interstitials that block users from easy access to content.
Goodbye Yahoo and CEO Marissa Mayer; Hello Altaba? In the midst of Yahoo’s impending sale to Verizon, Marissa Mayer has resigned and Yahoo is changing its name to Altaba.
Nielsen Rankings: 5 Out of 2016’s Top 10 Apps from Google. The 10 most downloaded apps last year included five Google apps.
Call Extensions Soon to be AdWords Default. By Feb 7, AdWords will be automatically adding call extensions to mobile search ads that point to landing pages with phone numbers.
Bing’s New Search Features Promote Healthy Living. Getting fit and healthy this 2017 is easier with Bing’s new search features.
Reliable Search Engine Optimization help here