Latest Search Engine Updates: Google, Yandex, ChatGPT, Bing, and Yahoo

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Google Update on Product Reviews
3. Yandex Search Ranking Factors
4. Chat GPT Craze: Google's Apprentice Bard
5. Microsoft's Response to Chat GPT
6. SEO Issues: Disavowing Links and Title Rant
7. New Features in Google Search Console
8. Canonicalization Tips from Google
9. Major Refresh in SEO Canonicalization Documentation
10. Last Mod Field in XML Sitemaps: Importance and Changes in Microsoft Bing
11. Update on Google Ads and Revenue Decline
12. Yahoo's Return to Search
13. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the latest updates and news in the world of search engines and SEO. From Google's recent product review update to Yandex's search ranking factors, we have a lot to cover. We will also delve into the growing trend of chat GPT AI models and how both Google and Microsoft are responding to it. Additionally, we will address important SEO issues, including disavowing links and canonicalization. Stay tuned for valuable insights and tips to enhance your website's search engine performance.

Google Update on Product Reviews

On January 26th, there was an unconfirmed update by Google that seemed to have an impact on product review sites. Glenn Gabe noticed this update and shared his findings. While it may not be solely focused on product reviews, it did have some signals affecting these sites. There was some chatter among SEOs, although not as much as usual. If you were affected by this update, you were not alone. We will continue to monitor any further evidence of updates and report them accordingly.

Yandex Search Ranking Factors

Yandex, often referred to as the "Google of Russia," made headlines this week when its source code was leaked. This leak exposed the ranking factors used by Yandex in its Search Engine. While Yandex was founded by a former Googler, it's important to note that the source code may not reflect Google's current search algorithms. Nonetheless, SEOs are digging through this leak to gain insights into Yandex's ranking factors. Although it may not drastically change your SEO strategies, it is a fascinating opportunity to understand how a search engine utilizes ranking factors.

Chat GPT Craze: Google's Apprentice Bard

The release of OpenAI's Chat GPT in late November caused quite a stir among SEO professionals. To compete with this AI model, Google is testing "Apprentice Bard," their own answer to Chat GPT. Apprentice Bard aims to provide faster and more accurate responses to user queries. Google will be leveraging its Lambda team's capabilities to prioritize this project. The upcoming interfaces powered by this AI model are expected to enhance the search experience. Keep an eye out for Google's future announcements and improvements in this domain.

Microsoft's Response to Chat GPT

In response to the Chat GPT craze, Microsoft Bing is also developing its own version of chat GPT. Owen Yin noticed a feature test from Microsoft Bing, indicating their integration of chat GPT capabilities. Referred to as version 3.5, Microsoft's chat GPT is expected to be launched in the near future. Additionally, they are working on version 4, which promises to be faster and more robust. Screenshots shared by Owen Yin give a glimpse into the new interface, but further information is awaited. The competition between Google and Microsoft in this space will likely result in improved AI-powered search experiences.

SEO Issues: Disavowing Links and Title Rant

John Mueller, a prominent Google figure, expressed his frustration with some SEO agencies. He called out those who engage in creating and disavowing links for profit without offering substantial value. In a recent rant, Mueller stated that agencies should focus on genuine SEO efforts rather than resorting to manipulative tactics. While his rant may not provide detailed solutions, it highlights the importance of ethical SEO practices and the need to prioritize long-term strategies over short-term gains.

New Features in Google Search Console

Google's Search Console recently introduced some notable features for video indexing reports. Website owners can now track the impressions their videos receive by using index reports. Additionally, there is the option to filter indexed videos based on sitemap files, allowing for better analysis of what was and wasn't indexed. Furthermore, Google suggests adding "no follow" attributes to site credential links in the footer, if possible. Keeping these links "no follow" prevents passing PageRank unnecessarily.

Canonicalization Tips from Google

Canonicalization plays a vital role in SEO, and Google provided some tips to optimize this aspect. Gary from Google advised stacking canonical signals to strengthen their impact. By leveraging multiple signals, you can ensure that search engines understand your preferred version of a page. Additionally, Gary emphasized the importance of using absolute URLs, including the full address, in your canonical links. This ensures accuracy and Clarity in specifying the original source of content.

Major Refresh in SEO Canonicalization Documentation

Google recently gave its SEO canonicalization documentation a significant overhaul. The documentation now covers three distinct sections: an explanation of canonicalization, specifying canonicals with URL rel=canonical, and other methods to address canonicalization issues. This update provides in-depth insights into the canonicalization process and offers practical guidance for handling common challenges.

Last Mod Field in XML Sitemaps: Importance and Changes in Microsoft Bing

Microsoft Bing has highlighted the significance of the last mod field in XML sitemaps. This field informs the search engine about the timeliness and frequency of crawling a website. Microsoft emphasized that correctly specifying the last mod field can greatly impact how your website is crawled. They revealed statistics indicating that many hosts have either improperly set this field or ignored it altogether. To ensure optimal crawl rates, make sure to use the last mod attribute accurately and keep it updated in accordance with your website's updates.

Update on Google Ads and Revenue Decline

Google recently reported a decline in ad revenue, a rare occurrence for the tech giant. The company experienced a year-over-year decline of 3.6% in ad revenue. While this does not significantly impact their overall revenue, it highlights the challenges faced by the company. The decline in profit resulted in a decision to implement cost-cutting measures, including layoffs. These changes are expected to help Google navigate the evolving landscape of online Advertising.

Yahoo's Return to Search

Yahoo is making a comeback in the search engine arena. They have recently posted job openings for a product manager in search, indicating their renewed efforts in this space. Jim Lanzone, a former Ask.com executive, confirmed Yahoo's intention to re-establish a presence in search. Although it may take time to fully develop their search capabilities, Yahoo's return to the market is an exciting development. Keep an eye out for future updates and innovations from Yahoo search under Jim Lanzone's leadership.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored a range of topics concerning search engines and SEO. From Google's updates and challenges to Yandex's leaked search ranking factors, there is much to consider. We also examined the impact of chat GPT models on Google and Microsoft's search capabilities. Furthermore, we addressed important SEO issues, such as link disavowal and canonicalization. Stay informed and adapt your strategies accordingly to navigate the ever-changing landscape of search engine optimization.