LIVE updates: This month in search marketing [December 2024]

4th of December

Google announces new dating and companionship’ ads policy

Google has introduced a new dating and companionship ads policy, which includes mandatory certification for dating app advertisers. The policy will take effect on 4th March of 2025

From March, all advertisers promoting dating or companionship services will need to obtain certification from Google. Ads promoting underage dating, misleading imagery or text, paid companionship, or exploitative practices will be prohibited.

Services such as hook-up sites, platforms promoting affairs, or those containing explicit or suggestive content will face stricter restrictions based on factors like ad type, user age, and SafeSearch settings.

Google advises advertisers to review their ads and landing pages to ensure compliance with the new rules. This includes securing certification or removing any non-compliant content. While enforcement will gradually increase after launch, the policy incorporates relevant rules from Google’s existing guidelines on inappropriate and sexual content, which will also be updated.

For brands in the dating and companionship sector, certification will be essential to continue advertising on Google. This policy aims to create a safer advertising environment by reducing misleading and inappropriate content, helping to build greater trust among users of online dating services.

Google will share further details about the certification process and policy updates in the lead-up to the March launch.

5th of December

OpenAI launches o1, the world’s smartest language model

OpenAI has introduced its new o1 language model, described as the world’s smartest, alongside a new Pro tier offering unlimited usage and enhanced computational resources for more advanced tasks.

The o1 model is now live within ChatGPT and will soon be available via the API. The Pro plan, priced at $200 per month, provides increased reasoning power and reliability, making it suitable for complex problem-solving tasks.

Unlike previous versions, the o1 model only supports image uploads, which has created some confusion among users. OpenAI has not clarified whether this restriction is intentional or a temporary limitation. At present, file uploads for text, PDFs, and CSVs are unavailable, and users requiring those features must switch to the GPT-4o model.

The Pro plan includes near-unlimited access to the o1, o1-mini, and GPT-4o models, but OpenAI has specified terms prohibiting automated data scraping, credential sharing, and unauthorised commercial use. Users on the existing $20 per month Plus plan, as well as Team plan subscribers, face limits of 50 weekly messages for the o1 model and 50 daily messages for o1-mini. Usage limits reset every seven days, beginning from the time a user sends their first message.

There are several limitations to the o1 and o1-mini models. These versions do not support features such as memory, custom instructions, file uploads (beyond Vision), web browsing, GPT discovery, or voice capabilities. Users seeking these tools need to revert to GPT-4o for full functionality.

Some initial confusion arose regarding the pricing structure, with concerns that the $20 Plus plan had increased to $200. OpenAI has clarified that the Pro plan is an entirely new tier, separate from the existing Plus plan. The $20 tier remains unchanged, offering access to the o1 and o1-mini models under existing usage restrictions.

The Pro tier’s $200 plan includes a more powerful version of the o1 model, which uses increased computational resources to deliver more refined and accurate responses. This version is designed to perform better in areas such as data science, programming, and case law analysis, offering improved reliability for complex tasks.

6th of December

Google rolls out one-click event tracking in GA4

Google has introduced two new functionalities in GA4: “Mark as Key Event” and “Create Key Event”. Using machine learning technology, GA4 automatically identifies important site events, removing the need for manual configuration.

These new features are now available for all GA4 properties, enhancing tracking and reporting capabilities.

By tracking key events, users can access automatic insights and detailed event reports, measure crucial user actions as conversions, and optimize Google Ads campaigns. Choosing which user interactions to mark as key events can be time-consuming, but Google’s recommendations make this simpler.

The “Mark as Key Event” feature allows you to identify important events for tracking based on historical data from your property. You can review these suggestions directly in GA4 and mark an event as key with a single click, improving tracking and reporting efficiency.

The “Create Key Event” feature lets you create events based on specific page views, such as a “Contact Us” page. If you accept the suggestion, Google will automatically set up and label the event as a key event, eliminating the need for manual setup.

9th of December

Reddit introduces AI-powered search feature with Reddit Answers

Reddit is currently testing an AI-powered search feature called “Reddit Answers” with a select group of users in the United States to enhance search functionality. This tool aims to create summaries from Reddit conversations and link related content, making it easier for users to find information, recommendations, and personal opinions within the platform’s vast community discussions.

The new AI-powered search feature, “Reddit Answers,” is being trialed to help users find relevant information, recommendations, and discussions through real conversations across Reddit. It’s designed to provide targeted answers and summaries to questions submitted by users, pulling information from different subreddits. Additionally, it links related communities and posts, allowing users to explore full conversations for additional context.

The company stated in an announcement: “In line with our mission to empower communities and offer human perspectives to everyone, we’re excited to launch a test of Reddit Answers today. This new feature is intended to provide information, recommendations, discussions, and insights on any topic from real conversations across all of Reddit.”

Reddit’s existing search function has often been seen as less effective than other search engines, with users frequently turning to Google to find Reddit content by adding “Reddit” to their queries. “Reddit Answers” aims to address these issues, reducing reliance on external search engines and keeping users more engaged on the platform.

Currently, the feature is available to a limited number of users in the United States and operates solely in English. The company plans to expand to additional languages and regions soon. Users who are interested in experiencing the new search feature and staying informed about its availability can visit the dedicated Reddit Answers webpage for updates.

10th of December

Update on Google Search indexing issues

Google has confirmed indexing delays affecting its search engine. The issue, which was first reported on the Google Search Status Dashboard at 3:00 PM Pacific Time on December 9, 2024, is impacting a small number of websites.

The company is investigating the root cause and will soon provide an update on the situation. As of 8:16 AM PST on December 10, 2024, Google has resolved the indexing issues for some affected websites. The start and end times of the resolution will be adjusted to reflect the actual impact.

With the issues now addressed, website owners can rest assured that their search rankings and visibility will no longer be compromised. Google will continue to update the timing to accurately reflect the impact on the affected sites.

This indexing delay affects only a limited number of websites but could have significant implications for news organizations relying on timely content indexation, e-commerce sites updating product listings, and businesses publishing time-sensitive content.

Website owners experiencing indexing delays are encouraged to monitor the Google Search Status Dashboard, document any indexing issues for their properties, and await further guidance before taking corrective actions.

The next status update from Google is expected by the early morning hours of December 10, 2024 (Pacific Time). Search Engine Journal will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.

This story is developing and will be updated as new information emerges.

TikTok faces U.S. ban deadline: Impact on advertisers

TikTok is facing a critical moment in the United States as it fights to avoid a ban. The company recently filed an emergency motion for an injunction following a December 6th ruling that upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. This law requires ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19th, 2025, or face an outright ban. TikTok has 170 million users in the United States, with many businesses and individuals relying on the platform for audience engagement.

The company’s primary argument against the ban is that it is extreme and unnecessary. TikTok insists it has already taken steps to protect user data and comply with security concerns. A ban would harm not only TikTok but also advertisers, creators, and businesses that use the platform. TikTok filed an emergency motion for an injunction to delay the ban and allow time for appeals to the Supreme Court.

The appeals court’s decision places TikTok in a challenging position, as it has little room to manoeuvre. The recent ruling leaves the company facing a ticking clock with potentially significant consequences for its future in the U.S. market. TikTok’s response, including initiatives like “Project Texas” to store user data on American soil, has not fully quelled scepticism about national security concerns.

The saga of a potential TikTok ban has been developing for years, with past attempts thwarted by the courts. Lawmakers remain sceptical of TikTok’s Chinese ownership and the risks it poses. In April 2024, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, setting a 270-day deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations.

A TikTok ban would significantly impact advertisers. The platform has become a key tool for engaging with younger audiences, such as Gen Z and Millennials. A ban would disrupt planned campaigns, require budget reallocations, and force advertisers to find new platforms. Small businesses and individual creators would be especially affected, as TikTok is a primary driver of sales and visibility for many.

Google updates search console insights: No more analytics data

Google has streamlined its Search Console Insights by removing Google Analytics data, focusing solely on metrics from Search Console for simplicity.

The latest update to Search Console Insights means that analytics data from Google Analytics will no longer be included. The tool will now concentrate exclusively on data sourced from the Search Console. This change is part of Google’s effort to simplify the user experience within Search Console Insights. By consolidating the data, Google aims to provide a more straightforward view of metrics directly from Search Console.

In a statement, Google explained the reasoning behind the change:

“With this change, we’re prioritizing data from Search Console, eliminating the inclusion of metrics from Google Analytics. We believe this will make it easier to access details from Search Console Insights.”

While this update simplifies the tool, users who need more detailed analytics data will still have to access it through the dedicated Google Analytics platform.

Search Console Insights will no longer include data from Google Analytics. However, users can still access these metrics directly through Google Analytics. This change ensures that users retain access to important data points but will need to use the dedicated Google Analytics interface to view them.

Google has confirmed that the updated version of Search Console Insights will soon be available for all properties. The rollout is in progress, so users can expect these changes to appear in their Search Console Insights dashboard shortly. Google Analytics data remains accessible through its dedicated platform.

12th of December

New 24 hours data view in Google Search Console

Google has launched a new ’24 hours’ view in Search Console, offering near real-time insights for website performance monitoring.

With this update, Google Search Console now shows performance data from the last 24 hours with minimal delay. The new feature includes hourly breakdowns and is available across Search, Discover, and News reports. Google has significantly reduced data delay times, cutting them nearly in half, making performance tracking more immediate. This new addition aims to help track the recent performance of your content.

The ’24 hours’ view will be available in the performance reports and will present data that is only a few hours old. It will include the same metrics as other performance reports, such as clicks, impressions, average click-through rate (CTR), and average position. Users can also break down the data into different categories, such as query, page, and country.

The ’24 hours’ view shows the most recent data and includes an hourly overtime graph, which can be found in the Search Results, Discover, and Google News performance reports. Search Console displays data points as soon as they become available, even if the collection isn’t complete. If the data is incomplete, it will be marked with a dotted line in the user interface. The view shows data in your local time zone based on your browser settings, ensuring a consistent 24-hour view regardless of location.

Google states that this update has reduced the average data delay across Search Console by nearly 50%. To view the ’24 hours’ performance data, simply open your performance report in Search Console and click on the ’24 hours’ tab. As this feature rolls out over the next few months, you’ll gain more timely insights into how your content is performing in Google
Search.

Google completes December 2024 core update rollout

Google has confirmed the completion of the December 2024 core update rollout. The process began on 12th December and concluded after six days. This update closely follows the November 2024 core update, marking a period of frequent changes to Google’s core systems.

Data from SISTRIX has provided early insights into the impact of the December core update on search results. Initial changes were observed on 15th December, just three days after the announcement. Positive trends were noted for websites such as pinterest.com and bbc.com in the US, while several UK e-commerce platforms also experienced improvements. At the same time, some e-commerce and informational websites saw declines, highlighting the mixed effects of the update. The timing coincided with notable domain moves, including Twitter’s shift to the x.com domain and Virgin Holidays transitioning its content to virginatlantic.com. While it remains uncertain if these events are directly related to the core update, significant domain changes can influence search results.

The broader implications of the December update will become evident in the coming weeks as more data emerges. Search Engine Journal and other sources will continue monitoring developments to provide further insights.

In a post on its X platform, Google announced the December 2024 core update rollout, explaining that updates are released when ready, even if they occur in close succession. The post referred to a blog entry from November 2023 titled “A Q&A on Google Search updates,” which provides additional context regarding the company’s approach to algorithm changes. Google stated that its ranking systems undergo continuous improvement to deliver better search results, and while the company aims to space out notable updates, the timing depends on the readiness of these improvements. Updates developed over several months are released as soon as they meet the required standards.

The December update’s specific changes remain undisclosed. However, Google reiterated its longstanding guidance for website owners, advising them to focus on creating helpful, reliable, and people-first content. This strategy continues to be the most effective way to succeed through core updates. Websites noticing traffic changes after an update are encouraged to review Google’s update-specific guidance, which is accessible via the Google Search Status Dashboard. This platform also provides update rollout statuses and an RSS feed for alerts.

The December core update marks the culmination of a year filled with algorithm changes for Google Search. As the effects of this update continue to unfold, it will be essential to monitor traffic patterns and rankings closely. This latest development highlights the dynamic nature of search optimisation and the importance of adapting to Google’s changing algorithmic updates.

17th of December 2024

Google updates generative AI policy to strengthen ethical and responsible use

Google has revised its Generative AI Prohibited Use Policy to provide greater clarity regarding the acceptable use of its generative artificial intelligence tools and services. The update focuses on simplifying the language and offering specific examples of prohibited behaviours, reinforcing Google’s commitment to responsible, legal, and safe use of its AI technologies. While the policy does not introduce new restrictions, it emphasises existing rules and sets out prohibited activities in detail.

The policy explicitly bans the use of Google’s generative AI for creating or disseminating harmful or illegal content. This includes non-consensual intimate imagery, phishing, malware, or other security breaches. Users are expected to adhere to these guidelines responsibly. Prohibited activities encompass a wide range of actions, including engaging in illegal activities such as child exploitation, violent extremism, self-harm, or terrorism. It also includes compromising security through phishing, malware, spam, or circumventing existing safety protections, alongside generating explicit, hateful, or abusive content. Misleading or deceptive practices, such as impersonation, misrepresentation of content provenance, or spreading misinformation about health, governance, or democratic processes, are also strictly forbidden.

The revised policy, however, allows for exceptions in certain circumstances where the use of AI may be educational, scientific, artistic, journalistic, or otherwise of significant public benefit. This approach recognises the potential value of AI in these contexts while maintaining safeguards against harm.

The update highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the rapid development of generative AI technologies capable of producing realistic text, images, audio, and video. By addressing these issues, Google aims to mitigate risks and ensure that its AI tools are used in a manner that minimises harm while maximising their potential societal benefits.

This updated policy, now in effect, aligns with similar guidelines released by other leading AI companies, such as OpenAI and Microsoft. While creating clear rules is a critical first step, ongoing efforts to raise awareness and enforce these policies effectively remain essential.

18th of December of 2024

ChatGPT by phone: OpenAI adds new communication channels

OpenAI has introduced a new way to interact with ChatGPT, enabling users to engage via phone calls and WhatsApp messaging without needing an account. These features expand access to ChatGPT, allowing individuals to either speak directly with it by phone or exchange messages through the WhatsApp platform. The phone option is particularly beneficial for those with limited or unstable data connections, as it can be accessed from any telephone, including landlines.

To speak with ChatGPT by phone, users simply need to add the 1-800-ChatGPT number (1-800-242-8478) to their contacts. Once added, they can call ChatGPT and ask questions, receiving spoken responses in return. This functionality has been demonstrated using various devices, from modern smartphones to old rotary dial telephones, highlighting its broad compatibility. For example, one demonstration involved a query about reinforcement learning, to which ChatGPT replied by explaining it in simple terms, likening it to teaching a robot through rewards for good behaviour.

In addition to phone access, ChatGPT can now be contacted through WhatsApp, providing a global messaging option. By adding the number to their contacts or scanning a QR code, users can send text queries to ChatGPT and receive prompt responses. This feature aims to make ChatGPT more accessible to users worldwide.

The underlying technology for these new access methods is based on the ChatGPT 40 Mini model, which was developed by OpenAI engineers in a remarkably short timeframe. At present, these services are only available in the United States and include a limit of 15 minutes of free calling per month. Users who wish to extend their interaction time can download the ChatGPT app and create an account for additional access.

19th of December of 2024

Google rolls out final spam update of 2024

Google has announced the rollout of the December 2024 spam update, which is anticipated to take a week to complete. This update marks the culmination of a year characterised by significant efforts to tackle spam and enhance the quality of search results. Over the past year, Google has introduced multiple updates targeting policy-violating websites and reducing the visibility of unhelpful content. The June Spam Update and March Core Update, for instance, aimed to address websites breaching Google’s guidelines, achieving a reported reduction of 40% in unhelpful content.

This latest update follows closely on the heels of the December core update, launched on 12th December, which itself arrived shortly after the November core update. The proximity of these updates reflects Google’s commitment to continuous improvement across its various ranking systems, with enhancements being released as soon as they are ready.

The year 2024 has seen an unprecedented number of major algorithm updates. Core updates were implemented in March, August, November, and December, each addressing specific issues within the search landscape. The August update, which required nearly three weeks to complete, focused on reducing low-value SEO-driven content while elevating high-quality material. This busy schedule underscores Google’s evolving approach to refining search results and combating practices that compromise user experience.

This year also marked a transformation in Google’s policies on spam detection and prevention, with three major updates redefining its approach. The Site Reputation Abuse policy, introduced in May, targeted practices such as “parasite SEO,” where third-party content exploits the authority of established domains. This affected several major publishers hosting third-party reviews, coupon sections, or AI-generated content, with some receiving manual actions for inadequate oversight.

Google also addressed expired domain manipulation by focusing on activities such as acquiring expired domains for backlinks, repurposing authoritative domains for unrelated purposes, and domain squatting to manipulate rankings. This was complemented by a rebranding of the policy on scaled content abuse, which now includes large-scale AI-generated content, mass-produced content across multiple websites, and attempts to manipulate translations or automate content transformation.

With the December core update now completed and the new spam update underway, further ranking shifts are expected in the coming weeks. These updates continue to demonstrate Google’s dedication to improving search quality and deterring manipulative practices. The progress of the spam update can be tracked through Google’s Search Status Dashboard as website owners and marketers brace for the potential impacts of these changes.