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Google asks what feature users want next in AI Mode
Google Robby Stein posted a simple question on X, asking users what they want in AI Mode. He wrote: “If you could get one…
Google new tracking URL is nearing full rollout
Google has been testing a new tracking URL format, google.com/goto, within its search results. This was first spotted by Brodie Clark on July 2,…
5 best DataForSEO alternatives we recommend in 2026
Let me say from the very beginning, after my tests – there is no clean, one-for-one replacement for DataForSEO. That is the first thing…
Bing Webmaster Tools AI Performance review: 7 things we love
I am a fan of Bing Webmaster Tools. I’ve said it multiple times, and I’ll say it again: I think they’ve come a long…
Google tests AI-generated descriptions for ads in AI Mode
Google is testing another change to how ads appear in AI Mode. Previously, we spotted sitelinks showing up within these ads. Today, we noticed…
Do AI-automated sites get filtered differently in Google spam update?
Users shared interesting observations on X about how Google’s August 2026 spam update may be treating AI-generated and automated content differently, depending on how…
Google search results are dropping PDF pages
Some users are seeing a drop in visibility and indexing for PDFs in Google Search. Savanna Gray spotted this and shared her observations on…
Google is bringing link carousels for developing topics to AI Mode
Google is bringing link carousels for developing topics to AI Mode, giving users more prominent access to relevant articles and webpages when searching for…
Bing tests renaming Copilot results to AI Overview
Bing is testing a rename of its Copilot results section in search results to “AI Overview.” This is the first time we’ve seen this…
The GEO conferences worth attending in 2026 and 2027
The first problem with finding a good GEO conference is deciding what the field is actually called, believe it or not. Some organizers use…
Google changes call lead charging policy for Local Services Ads
Google has informed Local Services Ads customers that the charging policy for call leads will change starting October 1, 2026. The major change is…
Google tests new loading animation for sponsored ads on mobile
Google is testing a new animation for sponsored ads on mobile. When a user searches for something, the sponsored results now show a loading…
Bing tests bold https in sponsored result URLs
Bing is testing bold URLs for sponsored results, though the entire URL isn’t bold just the “https” portion appears in bold. Previously, Bing tested…
Google Says AI Search Responses Don’t Require Special Optimization
A user asked John Mueller a question about GEO on Bluesky: are there any industries where GEO isn’t required? The user, @galloni.net, cited examples…
Google expands AI Max for search campaigns
Google is expanding AI Max for Search campaigns, giving advertisers new tools to test changes to budgets, ROI targets, and campaign settings before actually…
Search Engine Watch is back: a new independent chapter begins
Thirty years after a webmaster’s question became Search Engine Watch, the publication is under new independent ownership. Here is what we owe its history,…
Google Search Console owners receive emails about new account owners
Google Search Console owners have been receiving emails from Google notifying them of a new owner on their Search Console accounts. Barry Schwartz received…
Google Merchant Center warns advertisers about image size requirements
Google has been sending emails to Merchant Center advertisers about a change coming to product image requirements. Starting January 31, 2027, Google will disapprove…
Is Google changing its homepage buttons again?
Google appears to be making more changes to its homepage design. A couple of weeks ago, we covered Google adding new buttons below the…
6 best SEO courses that are actually worth taking in 2026
Search Engine Watch was comparing online SEO training options back in 2008. At the time, paying roughly $150 for a beginner course could be…