Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Latest Updates in Google and Bing Search Features
Google has updated its service area business guidelines to prohibit adding countries or states, expanded disabling reviews on local listings, and revamped its hotel rate management and driving directions interface. Microsoft Bing is testing a new floating Copilot search box to enhance user interaction. Additional discussions highlight evolving SEO practices and emerging ad formats, reflecting ongoing shifts in the search landscape.
Optimixed’s Overview: Key Developments in Search Engine Features and Guidelines
Google’s Updated Business and Review Policies
Google has refined its service area business guidelines, explicitly instructing businesses not to add entire countries or states as service areas, aiming to improve local search accuracy. Additionally, Google is expanding the feature that disables review postings on certain Google Business Profiles, which limits user-generated content in specific regions or listings.
Changes in Google’s Hotel and Directions Services
- Hotel Rates Management: Starting July 30, hotels will no longer be able to self-manage their rates on Google Search, requiring partnerships with centralized reservation systems or booking engines.
- Driving Directions UI: The directions interface now features expandable menus for transport modes (car, train, bus) instead of traditional tabs, enhancing user navigation.
Microsoft Bing’s New Search Interface Experiment
Microsoft is testing a floating Copilot search box within Bing’s results page designed to encourage follow-up queries directly in Microsoft Copilot, indicating a push towards more interactive search experiences.
Additional Insights and Industry Trends
- Google Local Service Ads now highlight review attributes with a “Reviews often mention” label, reminiscent of earlier local review summaries.
- SEO professionals are noting a shift with diminished emphasis on traditional “Google juice” or link value, reflecting evolving ranking factors.
- New ad formats like Google’s “Explore” sponsored ads are being tested, alongside ongoing discussions about AI’s role in search and technical SEO nuances such as URL encoding and viewport settings.
