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.
Google Articles
SEO and LLM-optimization articles about Google.
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
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
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
Research: Google AI Mode Reduces Clicks and User Satisfaction
New research shows Google's AI Mode sends fewer clicks to websites and delivers a poor user experience, contradicting Google's claims about AI search.
Algorithm Updates
Google Tests AI Payment Pilot with 10,000 Search Profiles
Google is testing a pilot program to pay content creators whose work contributes to AI-generated answers, currently limited to 10,000 search profiles. John Mueller noted challenges in reporting AI position data, and Cloudflare announced a separation of training from search operations.
Algorithm Updates
Google lowers follower requirements and adds single login for Search profiles
Google has updated its Search profiles with a single login feature and lowered the follower requirement to 10,000 across platforms, simplifying profile management for publishers.
Algorithm Updates
Google Acknowledges Search Console's AI Search Reporting Gaps
Google has admitted that Search Console's current AI search reporting does not accurately reflect AI search positioning data.
Algorithm Updates
Google's August 2026 spam update causes search visibility drops for publishers
Google's August 2026 spam update has caused significant search visibility drops for some publishers, including long-standing performers, and the update is now complete. Affected sites need to act before Q4 sales begin.
Algorithm Updates
Google tests traditional Search campaigns in AI Mode
Google is testing whether traditional Search campaigns using exact and phrase match keywords can serve text ads in AI Mode, potentially allowing advertisers to gain exposure in AI-powered search without switching to AI Max or Performance Max.
Algorithm Updates
Google Expands Search Console AI Reports Worldwide, Mueller Discusses Recovery
Google has made its Search Console AI reports available globally. John Mueller also provided insights on recovery timing, markdown for AI crawlers, and sitemap cache-busting.
Algorithm Updates
Google Search upgrades AI Mode with Gemini 3.8 Flash
Google has updated its AI Mode in Search to use Gemini 3.8 Flash, replacing Gemini 3.7 Flash for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, with improvements in software engineering, agentic tasks, and multi-step reasoning.