?? Google's Ranking Volatility Spikes: What News SEOs Need to Know

Plus: Tips to address search traffic declines and communicate with executives

The past week has been a whirlwind of changes and updates - not just in the political space - but also in the SEO landscape, particularly for those of us in news SEO. We've observed significant ranking volatility in Google's algorithm, reminding us of the ever-evolving nature of search, coupled with reports of traffic declines for some publishers.

One of the most notable developments is Google's confirmation that country code domains receive a ranking advantage in their respective countries. This information, shared by Gary Illyes, might have implications for news organizations with international audiences. Additionally, we've seen Google experimenting with AI-generated video descriptions in search results, potentially changing how we may optimize video content. On the technical side, Google has provided valuable insights on utilizing internal linking to enhance both SEO and user experience – a crucial aspect of site structure for news websites.

As we navigate these changes, it's clear that the intersection of SEO, content marketing, and AI continues to shape our industry. While some wrongfully speculate about AI making SEO obsolete, the consensus remains that as long as users search for information, SEO will remain vital.?

In this newsletter, we've curated the most relevant updates, expert insights, and practical tips to help you stay ahead in the dynamic world of news SEO. Let's dive in and explore how these developments can inform and improve our strategies.

Keep calm and SEO on,

John Shehata

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??John Shehata’s SEO Relics (SEO Historic Fun Facts)

Politics and SEO have a long and intertwined history, with many fascinating examples of how search engine optimization has been used to in political campaigns and elections. Here are some notable instances:

• 2000: The "Miserable Failure" Google Bomb: This infamous incident saw political activists manipulate Google's search results by linking the phrase "miserable failure" to then-President George W. Bush's official biography page. This demonstrated the power of coordinated online action to influence public perception.
• 2008: Obama's SEO Dominance: The Obama campaign pioneered the strategic use of SEO to ensure that searches for key terms like "hope," "change," and "Obama" directed users to official campaign materials, setting a precedent for future campaigns.
• The "Santorum" Google Problem: Former Senator Rick Santorum's last name became a target for negative SEO when activists promoted a derogatory definition in search results, highlighting the potential for online manipulation to harm reputations.
• 2012: "Binders Full of Women" Goes Viral: Mitt Romney's debate remark about "binders full of women" triggered a wave of search queries, with marketers quickly creating content to capitalize on the trend, showcasing the opportunistic nature of SEO.
• 2016 - "Delete Your Account" and SEO: In 2016, Hillary Clinton's campaign responded to a tweet from Donald Trump with "Delete your account." This phrase became a viral sensation, and the campaign quickly optimized their website to capture traffic from related searches.

?Must Read

• Google Search Ranking Algorithm Volatility - July 23rd: Keep an eye on the recent spike in Google ranking volatility.https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-ranking-algorithm-update-37777.html
• Search traffic declines and what to do: Learn how to address search traffic declines and communicate changes to executives. Discover new ways to connect with your audience.https://www.seoforjournalism.com/p/news-publishers-seo-google-traffic
• Google Confirms Ranking Boost For Country Code Domains: Gary Illyes confirms that country code domain names get a ranking advantage in their respective countries.https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-confirms-ranking-preference/522477/
• Video: News SEO and Google News Optimisation with Barry Adams: Get insights from renowned News SEO expert Barry Adams in this exclusive interview about search engine optimization for news portals.https://youtu.be/BlNbE--TCnI?si=A7m5ghwBkYZXVJ7E

News SEO Slack Community - Join the Conversation:?

Want to stay ahead of the SEO curve? Join our News SEO Slack Community where 1500+ news SEO pros chat, share tips, and troubleshoot together. It's your go-to place for the latest insights, questions, and support. And the best part? It's FREE!        

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SEO Tips

• Google Shares Tips To Improve SEO Through Internal Links: Learn three key strategies from Google for using internal links to boost your SEO and user experience.https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-shares-tips-to-improve-seo-through-internal-links/522797/
• How to use internal linking for SEO: Martin Splitt, Search Relations Advocate, provides three tips for optimizing internal linking to enhance website navigation for users and Googlebot.https://youtu.be/vc3uGc6TSH0?si=5CvPBPS3hhuxPOMV
• How to Combine SEO and Content Marketing: Explore how to integrate SEO and content marketing to achieve greater success in your online strategy.https://ahrefs.com/blog/seo-content-marketing/
• How to Use Google Keyword Planner: Get a comprehensive guide on how to effectively utilize Google's free keyword research tool to discover valuable keywords.https://www.semrush.com/blog/google-keyword-planner/
• How to bulk export translated results by country from Google Search Console using Analytics Edge: Learn how to extract translated results by country from Google Search Console with Glen's step-by-step tutorial using the GSC API and Analytics Edge.https://youtu.be/MSZrnYGFfSc?si=Q1-yuxhoMJjAzBlA
• The Smarter-Not-Harder Guide to Content Marketing in 2024: Discover why the old content marketing approach is no longer effective and learn a smarter strategy for 2024.https://sparktoro.com/blog/the-smarter-not-harder-guide-to-content-marketing/
• Could AI eventually make SEO obsolete?: Understand why SEO remains essential even with advancements in AI, as long as users continue to search for information.https://searchengineland.com/ai-seo-obsolete-444302

NewzDash: Introducing Real-Time News Trends Search Volume!!

??Other SEO & Marketing Goodies

• Google isn’t killing third-party cookies in Chrome after all: Get the latest update on Google's decision regarding third-party cookies in Chrome.https://www.engadget.com/google-isnt-killing-third-party-cookies-in-chrome-after-all-202031863.html
• Google Says This Will Cancel Your “Linking Power”: Learn about John Mueller's eye-opening response regarding the impact of blocking Google on "linking power." https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-says-this-will-cancel-your-linking-power/522692/
• What Is the Most Searched Thing on Google?: Find out which word tops the charts as the most searched term on Google, according to Semrush data.https://www.semrush.com/blog/most-searched-keywords-google/
• Google Cautions: Exponential Content Growth Causes Re-Evaluation: Understand John Mueller's warning that exponential content growth might trigger a re-evaluation of your website as a new site.https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-says-exponential-growth-triggers-a-re-evaluation/522769/
• Google Search AI Overviews Video Descriptions: Stay informed about Google Search's experiment with AI Overviews to generate video descriptions in search results.https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-video-descriptions-via-ai-overviews-37770.html

??Industry News

• Google Drive keyboard shortcuts on the web are changing: Stay updated on the upcoming changes to Google Drive keyboard shortcuts.https://9to5google.com/2024/04/30/google-drive-keyboard-shortcuts-update/
• Google had a massive quarter thanks to Search and AI: Get insights into Alphabet's impressive financial performance, driven by Search and AI.https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/23/24204618/google-search-ai-q2-2024-earnings-results
• Meta warns EU regulatory efforts risk bloc missing out on AI advances: Read about Meta's concerns about the potential impact of EU regulations on AI advancements.https://www.ft.com/content/3c9d4172-91c0-417a-b347-00b4a9aee892
• AI is confusing — here’s your cheat sheet: Simplify your understanding of AI terminology with this helpful cheat sheet.https://www.theverge.com/24201441/ai-terminology-explained-humans
• Reddit’s NFL, NBA deals bring more sports highlights — and ads: Learn about Reddit's new deals with the NFL and NBA, which will bring more sports highlights and ads to the platform.https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/22/24203528/reddit-nba-nfl-highlights-sports-leagues-ads-deal

2024 US Election SEO Tracker

?? Introducing Our FREE SEO SERP Tracker for News Publishers!?? 

New Methodology - Beyond Keywords to Comprehensive Topic Tracking: Forget traditional keyword tracking – our new methodology analyzes the entire topic landscape, monitoring thousands of trending keywords to accurately determine news content authority in this rapidly evolving field.        

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??Important Tweets

• Lily Ray: Discover insights about recent volatility in Discover.https://x.com/lilyraynyc/status/1815783448503869762
• Mike Futia: Stay updated on the latest Google Core Update.https://x.com/mikefutia/status/1814709462386577793
• Darren Shaw: Find out how Google reviews can influence your ranking.https://x.com/DarrenShaw_/status/1815400531025973432
• Marie Haynes: Access a free episode of Marie's Notes.https://x.com/Marie_Haynes/status/1815407361831416061
• Lily Ray: Explore how current events can impact Google's organic results.https://x.com/lilyraynyc/status/1815442219320365454
• Gagan Ghotra: Learn about Google's testing of AI Overviews for YouTube video summaries in search results.https://x.com/gaganghotra_/status/1815238316121587726

NewzDash: Introducing Real-Time News Search Volume!!

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?????News SEO Jobs

• Fox News Digital is looking for a full-time SEO Production Assistant https://www.foxcareers.com/Search/JobDetail/R50025911 ?
• The Athletic is hiring a senior editor https://jobs.lever.co/theathletic/6a2193c0-6101-4c4f-aa0e-e2b721cecc14?
• The Athletic is seeking a Live Reporter https://jobs.lever.co/theathletic/c9400b7e-bf57-41b6-ac9c-dcd620fc3496?
• FairPlay Sports Media is looking for SEO Manager https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/3977316281/
• Dow Jones is seeking an Audience Development Manager, Partnerships https://dowjones.jobs/new-york-ny/manager-audience-development-partnerships/1E64333A327F4D41B5EFD1042128A1F4/job/?
• Amazon is seeking an SEO Manager https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/seo-manager-about-amazon-at-amazon-3934420210/?
• The Walt Disney Company is looking for SEO Manager I - Customer Engagement https://geebo.com/jobs-online/view/id/1086418606-seo-manager-customer-engagement?
• American Public Education, Inc. (APEI) is looking for Senior SEO analyst https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/senior-seo-analyst-at-american-public-education-inc-apei-3939889421/
• Fox News Digital is looking for a full-time SEO Production Assistant https://foxcareers.com/Search/JobDetail/R50025911/digital-production-assistant-seo-fox-news-media?
• Business Insider is hiring an SEO Manager https://www.builtinnyc.com/job/seo-manager/269404?
• North Star InboundSEO Content Manager?https://www.dhirubhai.net/jobs/view/3960803763/?
• CMI Media Group is looking for SEO Analyst https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=e7f4bbbeafe3bc4c