HTTPS Tops 30%: How Google Is Winning the Long War
Moz Blog – July 5th, 2016
The Google gods spoke, SEOs listened. Regardless of the actual weight of this ranking signal, the mere confirmation of it appears to have initiated a major security shift over the past two years.
Angie’s List Is Now Free: What This Change Means for Your Business
Search Engine Land – July 5th, 2016
Now that Angie’s List’s reviews are public, local businesses (especially those in the home services industry, to start with), should be prepared for how this content could affect their local search performance.
The Beacons Are Coming: How They Fit Into Your SEO Strategy
Search Engine Journal – July 8th, 2016
Still in its early stages, but definitely a trend worth keeping an eye on.
The ABC of Google Quick Answers
Search Engine Watch – July 8th, 2016
“Google is increasing the number of queries that receive a Google Quick Answer box. The number of results that had an answer box went from just over 20% in December 2014 to more than 30% in May 2016.”
Google Confirms AdWords Keyword Planner Includes Organic Traffic
The SEM Post – July 8th, 2016
Lots of back and forth on this topic recently, but Google has confirmed that volume estimates do, in fact, include organic traffic.
How Paid and Organic SEO Results Overlap in 2016
Search Engine Watch – July 5th, 2016
An annual review that’s less status quo than it’s predecessors: “For the first time ever, mobile searches on Google exceeded desktop. To account for this massive shift, Google has made some of the most drastic changes to search results in years.”
10 Ways to Improve Your Chances for Featured Snippets
Entrepreneur.com – July 8th, 2016
Featured snippets are a great way to leapfrog to the top of the SERPs (provided, in most cases, that you’re at least already ranking on page one). This article offers 10 solid tips on how to optimize your content to improve your chances of being featured.
How Local Content is Helping SMBs Keep Big Brands at Bay
Moz Blog – July 7th, 2016
There are advantages you have as a small business – here’s how to leverage them. Plus a few reminders of basic tactics that are often overlooked.
Report: Eu Responding to Google Antitrust Search-Quality Defense with New Objections
Search Engine Land – July 8th, 2016
“Supplementary statement reportedly being filed to enable European Commission to address Google’s defense against claims of abuse of market position.”
Google: No Need To Disavow Links That Are No Longer Relevant To Your Site
Search Engine Roundtable – July 8th, 2016
Google understands that businesses and websites evolve, and that even quality links may become irrelevant over time. Basically, if you earned it, keep it. Only disavow links you would disavow in the literal sense as well.
