Algorithm Updates
Google Hints at Major Changes in Next Core Algorithm Update
Google's recent statements and observations provide strong clues about significant changes in its next core algorithm update, as reported by Search Engine Journal.
All Articles
Every SEO and LLM-optimization article on The SEO Xpert, newest first.
Algorithm Updates
Google Updates AI Content Guidelines, Adds Fact-Checking Requirements
Google has updated its AI content guidelines to include fact-checking requirements. The update also notes the use of UTM tags in Gemini links. Desktop click-through rates (CTR) fell in Q2, and a judge dismissed two AI-related lawsuits.
Algorithm Updates
Google Updates Helpful Content Guidance to Warn Against Fake Author Profiles
Google has added a warning against fabricated author profiles to its people-first content guidance, aligning with existing rater guidelines that classify such practices as deceptive.
Algorithm Updates
AI Has Changed Buyer Behavior Faster Than Businesses Can Adapt
AI has significantly altered consumer behavior over the past 18 months, outpacing the 12-month planning cycles of most businesses, creating a widening gap that demands faster adaptation.
Algorithm Updates
STAT to Host Webinar on Measuring AI Overviews and LLMs in Enterprise SEO
STAT is hosting a webinar on October 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET to address the challenges of measuring AI Overviews and LLMs in enterprise SEO. Tom Capper of STAT will provide tactical solutions for these measurement issues.
Algorithm Updates
Google Expands AI Mode Information Monitoring to All Global Users
Google is rolling out AI Mode's information monitoring features globally, including ongoing updates and suggested monitoring tasks within Google Search.
Algorithm Updates
CallRail Integrates ChatGPT Ads for SMBs and Agencies
CallRail's new integration lets small businesses and marketing agencies track calls, texts, and form submissions from ChatGPT ads, sending conversion data to OpenAI for cross-channel performance comparison.
Algorithm Updates
Google Rolls Out September Spam Update and Adds Image Search Data to Search Console
Google has launched its September 2026 spam update, which may take up to two weeks to complete. The company has also added image-based search data to Google Search Console, providing more insights for SEO practitioners. Reports now include traffic from both traditional Search and AI Mode.
Algorithm Updates
LLMs Remove Signals That Helped Users Judge Content Quality, Says Search Expert
Large language models strip away traditional signals like author bylines and publication dates, making it harder for users to assess content quality, according to a Search Engine Journal article by Duane Forrester.
Algorithm Updates
MIT and Stanford Research Warns of AI Agents Gaming SEO Metrics
Research from MIT and Stanford warns that AI agents can game SEO metrics by finding the cheapest route to any target, prompting SEO teams to adopt metrics that agents cannot easily fake.
Technical SEO
JavaScript SEO: What Still Breaks Crawling and Rendering in 2026
An updated, specific list of what actually still causes JS-rendered content to be missed or delayed in indexing, cutting through outdated claims that Google can't render JavaScript.
Algorithm Updates
Trendos Explains How to Map AI Citation Sources by Industry and Engine
Trendos' Gintare Rimolaityte outlines a method to identify and audit AI citation sources specific to industries and search engines. This process helps uncover competitor gaps and informs content and outreach strategies.