Daily Search Forum Recap: July 24, 2025

Posted on July 24, 2025
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Daily Search Forum Recap: Google Updates, SEO Insights, and Industry Trends

Google confirms that normal SEO techniques are sufficient to rank in AI Overviews, eliminating the need for specialized tactics. The launch of the Google Trends API in alpha provides new data access for researchers and developers. Updates on CSS’s impact on SEO and advice for managing show event pages were shared by Google experts. Additionally, Google’s ad revenue continues to grow, and changes to AdSense blocking categories were announced.

Optimixed’s Overview: Key Developments in SEO and Google’s Latest Innovations

Google’s SEO and AI Overview Strategy

At the recent Google Search Live Deep Dive event, Google’s Gary Illyes emphasized that standard SEO practices remain effective for appearing in Google AI Overviews. There is no requirement to implement GEO or LLMO-specific strategies, simplifying SEO efforts for webmasters targeting AI-related visibility.

New Google Trends API Release

  • Google introduced an alpha version of the Google Trends API, enabling enhanced access to search behavior data.
  • This tool aims to assist researchers, journalists, and developers in analyzing search patterns and trends more efficiently.
  • Currently, access to the API is limited as it remains in the early stages of release.

Insights on CSS and SEO from Google Experts

John Mueller and Martin Splitt discussed the relationship between CSS frameworks and SEO, covering how CSS files influence crawlability and page rendering. They also addressed the SEO implications of CSS class names and pseudo elements, highlighting best practices for developers.

Managing Show Web Pages and URL Handling

Advice was provided on handling URLs of past events or shows, with guidance similar to that for discontinued products. This helps maintain SEO value while managing outdated content effectively.

Clarifications on AI Crawling and LLMS.txt Files

  • Google stated it does not crawl LLMS.txt files for AI training data.
  • However, OpenAI might be starting to access these files, indicating evolving AI data collection practices.

AdSense Policy Updates and Revenue Growth

Google announced the removal of the “Significant Skin Exposure” block control category from AdSense by July 2025, affecting ad content filtering options. Meanwhile, Google’s Q2 2025 earnings showed a 10.4% increase in ad revenue and an overall revenue rise of nearly 14%, underscoring the company’s strong financial performance.

Additional Industry Highlights

  • Discussions on disavow file usage and misconceptions around its purpose.
  • Launch of Lifetime Budgets for audience ads, expanding advertising options.
  • Ongoing conversations about the evolving role of SEO in AI-driven search environments.