Daily Search Forum Recap: December 23, 2025

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web.

Google Ads MMC accounts are starting to see channel performance reporting. Google Ads Demand Gen gains Maps channel. Google Search traffic dropped 25 points to news publishers based on the distribution of all Google Maps traffic. Google Search bar in Chrome teases AI Mode searches. Google Discover notifications push people to Google Discover…

Source:
Search Engine Roundtable

Google Discover Notifications Going To AI Mode

Have you seen those Google Discover notifications that pop up and seem like news notifications from the Google app but what they do is drive you into Google AI Mode. I find them incredibly annoying, because every time I click on it, I think I am going to a news article but instead, I am given an AI-generated AI Mode answer.

Source:
Search Engine Roundtable

Google Search Traffic Drops 25 Points To News Publishers In Two Years

Google Search has been sending 25 percentage points less traffic to news publishers over the past two years, according to the folks over at Newzdash. In 2023, Google Web Search made up over 51% of traffic from Google surfaces to news publishers; that number is now down to 27%.

Source:
Search Engine Roundtable

AI tools are overdelivering: results from our large-scale AI productivity survey

What exactly AI is doing for people, which AI tools have product-market fit, where the biggest opportunities remain, and what it all means

Source:
Lenny’s Newsletter

GSC Groups Keywords as AI Queries Expand

Google Search Console’s "Insights" section no longer shows click trends for single keywords, only by group.

Source:
SEO – Practical Ecommerce

4 Ways to Solve Duplicate Content Issues with Location Pages SEO for Multi-Location Businesses – Sterling Sky Inc

Are you a business owner who wants to improve your online presence? One key factor in improving your visibility on Google Maps and Search is picking the right category for your Google My Business listing. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips on how to pick your Google My Business category.

Source:
Sterling Sky Inc

AI’s impact on search isn’t a secret (How to talk to execs about the new era of search)

Organic traffic is falling as AI reshapes search. Here’s how to brief leadership with data, reset expectations, and adapt your SEO strategy for AI visibility.

Source:
Search Engine Land

How vibe coding is changing search marketing workflows

As Google’s AI Overviews answer more queries directly, vibe coding gives marketers a way to create interactive experiences AI can’t replace.

Source:
Search Engine Land

Google Search Bar Testing Teases For AI Mode & Deep Research

Google is testing prefilling the search bar in a new Chrome tab, with teasers to encourage you to search deeper with AI Mode. Google is putting in the search box, "Research a topic," "Write something new," "Ask Google," and "Make a plan."

Source:
Search Engine Roundtable

What successful brand-agency partnerships look like in 2026

Agency roles differ by company size, from execution-first to integrated partners. Here’s how to align structure and accountability.

Source:
Search Engine Land

Google adds Maps to Demand Gen channel controls

Advertisers now have the option to run Demand Gen ads on Google Maps, either alongside other channels or as a standalone placement.

Source:
Search Engine Land

Why ad approval is not legal protection

Section 230 shields ad platforms from liability, while FTC enforcement holds advertisers strictly responsible for deceptive ad claims.

Source:
Search Engine Land

Google Ads New Demand Gen Maps Channel

Google Ads added a new channel control for Demand Gen to show ads in Google Maps. Some advertisers see the ability to select Maps as a placement in Demand Gen.

Source:
Search Engine Roundtable

Google Ads MCC Accounts Gaining Channel Performance Reporting

Some Google Ads MCC, Manager Accounts, are seeing channel performance reporting. This does not seem to have been rolled out to all advertisers yet, but Mike Ryan noticed it was rolling out on some of his MCC accounts.

Source:
Search Engine Roundtable

Digital Marketing Manager ~ Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of South Atlanta ~ $65,000-$85,000 ~ Remote (USA)

Benefits: 401(k) Bonus based on performance Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance About Paul Davis Paul Davis Restoration is a national leader in property damage restoration helping families and businesses recover from fire, water, mold, and storm damage. At Paul Davis of South Atlanta, were driven by a strong sense of purpose: to serve people […]

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In-house SEO jobs – SEOjobs.com

Director of Search Experience ~ AdsIntelligence Marketing ~ Hybrid – Phoenix, AZ (US)

We are seeking a highly skilled Director of Search Experience with 5–10 years of experience to lead our SEO/AEO practice. This role is ideal for someone who is not only an SEO /AEO expert but also a strategic thinker, a team leader, and an innovator in the evolving world of search. You will own the […]

Source:
SEO Agency Jobs – SEOjobs.com

Digital Marketing Manager ~ Social Factor ~ Remote (USA)

Job Description Social Factor has an exciting opportunity available for a full-time, remote Digital Marketing Manager. This role will be responsible to oversee and optimize Social Factor B2B marketing operations. This role is ideal for someone who loves both the creative and technical sides of digital marketing—someone who can design and deploy lead generation systems, […]

Source:
Senior Level SEO Jobs – SEOjobs.com

Local SEO Specialist ~ Venveo ~ $75,000-$85,000 USD ~ Remote (US)

Local SEO Specialist – Home Services Portfolio Type: Full-Time Location: Remote (EST business hours) About Us: We’re a fast-growing digital marketing agency that helps home service brands grow and thrive online. From HVAC and plumbing to landscaping and remodeling, we work with clients who are experts at what they do – and we help them […]

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SEO Agency Jobs – SEOjobs.com

(Contract) Local SEO Specialist – Hoopless ~ $2,000-$3,500 USD/M ~ Remote (WW)

**This role is open to global applicants, and we are only considering contractor positions at this time.  About Us: Transparent results. Zero hoops. Hoopless exists to replace the agency runaround with straightforward strategy and measurable outcomes. We’re a growing customer-centric marketing and technology team known for clear communication, flexible terms, and ROI-first execution. We partner […]

Source:
SEO Agency Jobs – SEOjobs.com