Algorithm Updates
Google, Cloudflare, and Microsoft Test Different AI Payment Models for Publishers
Google, Cloudflare, and Microsoft are each testing different models for paying publishers when AI systems access or use their content.
SEO
General
How Often Should You Actually Publish? A Realistic Look at Content Velocity and Rankings
Cuts through 'publish daily' advice with what publishing frequency actually correlates with versus what's confounded by other factors like site authority and content quality.
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.
LLM & AI Search Optimization
AI Overviews vs. Traditional Search Results: What Actually Changes for SEO
A direct comparison of what still matters and what's newly important when optimizing for AI Overviews specifically versus classic ten-blue-links results.
Algorithm Updates
Google Ads Data Reveals Longer Search Queries Post-AI Mode Launch
Google Ads data analyzed by Search Engine Land confirms a sustained shift toward longer, more conversational search queries since the launch of Google's AI Mode, continuing a trend first observed with the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT.
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 Maps uses 72 ranking signals for local search results
Google Maps employs 72 ranking signals to determine local search results, according to an analysis of a non-public scope of Geostore, the system Google uses to represent geographic entities.
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
Semrush Launches AI Visibility Tool to Track LLM Search Performance
Semrush has introduced a new AI visibility tool to help marketers track their brand's presence in AI search engines like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, as over a third of consumers now start searches with AI rather than traditional engines.
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.