SEO News Digest: AI Overviews in 100+ countries, Live Web Search in ChatGPT, and more

This week has been full of updates and announcements, so let's dive in together:

Updates

Nothing official just yet.

However, there's evidence suggesting that one is on the way. This assumption is based on information shared during Google’s recent event for creators:

• Google Hosts Creators Event

For many attendees, the event felt more frustrating than inspiring. While Danny Sullivan aimed to offer support, Google’s main message to small publishers impacted by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update (HCU) was clear:

Do not expect a recovery anytime soon. Some of you may recover during upcoming updates but there’s no guarantee. If you depend on Google, move on and try to find another traffic source.

Here are key takeaways from Morgan McBride, who attended the event:

• Recovery is uncertain: Those affected by the HCU should not expect immediate improvement. Google hinted that a new update is coming “very soon,” but emphasized that recovery may not come with this update, the next, or even the one after that.
• Diversify traffic sources: For those heavily dependent on Google, the recommendation was to consider other strategies. Google’s saying that some of us may recover eventually, but not all, and there’s no timeline.

Joshua Tyler offered a more critical perspective, noting that questions from affected “victim” publishers went largely unanswered, with Google representatives consciously ignoring and even gaslighting them. Basically, Google was just gathering feedback on what they need without providing sufficient guidance or reassurance.

Summing up the event, Tyler referred to it as “Google’s funeral”.

Features

• (official) Sitelinks Search Box Going Away This Month

Google has announced the removal of the Sitelinks Search Box due to decreased usage.?

Starting on November 21, 2024, this feature will gradually be removed from search across all geographies and languages. Note that this change only affects the search box—the standard sitelinks will remain available.

• (test) Google Generative AI Snippets Across Search

Google is testing a new AI-generated feature that resembles the "People Also Ask" section but instead of questions, it displays subtopics and highlights related to the search query.?

This AI-powered feature offers users a broader view of relevant information on the topic.

• (test) People’s Insights For Medical Queries

Google has expanded its “People’s Insights” feature (which is similar to “Discussions and Forums”) to include insights on medical queries, which were previously largely avoided.

To address any concerns relating to this, Google has put up a disclaimer: “This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional."

Local SEO

• “Learn Something Specific” Question Box on GBPs

Google is testing a new, AI-powered question box on GBPs, potentially replacing the traditional Q&A section.?

Users can ask specific questions, and instead of waiting for business owners to reply, they’ll receive instant answers generated by Google’s AI.

• Google Tests New “Local Places & Compare Sites” Interface

Google is testing a new "all places" and "compare now" interface to see businesses and third-party comparison sites outside of Google Search.?

This is something Google launched in the European regions but now some are seeing this in the US with this new user interface.

AIOs

• Google AI Overviews Rolling Out To 100+ Countries, Reaching Over A Billion Users

Google has announced that it is rolling out AI Overviews in Google Search to over 100 additional countries and reaching more than a billion users across all supported languages.?

Previously available in just seven countries, this marks the most extensive rollout of AI Overviews to date, now accessible by default (without requiring user opt-in).

Tidbits

• Google Achieves Record Ad Revenue in Q3 2024

In its Q3 2024 earnings report announced last night, Google/Alphabet said that it has seen a 10% increase in ad revenue, reaching $65.85 billion—its highest ad revenue quarter to date. Total revenue rose by 15% to $88.3 billion, with profits up 33%, totaling $26.3 billion. Search revenue alone increased 12% to $49.39 billion.

• Google Team Updates

The Gemini app team is now part of Google DeepMind, which aims to accelerate the deployment of new models in the app, streamline post-training processes, and leverage the product's momentum.

The Assistant teams working on devices and home experiences have shifted to the Platforms & Devices division, aligning them more closely with product surfaces and centralizing AI-driven home initiatives for enhanced user experience.

And on some leadership changes:

Nick Fox has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President of Knowledge & Information (K&I), overseeing Search, Ads, Geo, and Commerce products. Prabhakar Raghavan, the former SVP of K&I, is now Google’s Chief Technologist.

In the meantime,

• OpenAI Launches Web Search in ChatGPT

Now available on web, mobile, and desktop apps. Initially, this feature is accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, as well as those on the SearchGPT waitlist, with broader availability expected in the coming months.

The search model is an enhanced version of GPT-4o, refined with updated data generation techniques and insights from SearchGPT feedback, along with partner data.?

ChatGPT can automatically decide to search the web based on user queries, or users can manually initiate a search using the web search icon. For topics such as weather, stocks, sports, news, and maps, OpenAI has partnered with several major news and data providers to ensure up-to-date information and provide new visual designs.

Current partners include Associated Press, Axel Springer, Condé Nast, Dotdash Meredith, Financial Times, GEDI, Hearst, Le Monde, News Corp, Prisa (El País), Reuters, The Atlantic, Time, and Vox Media. Publishers interested in joining can reach out to explore partnership opportunities.