The Latest July SEO Updates for 2024: What You Need to Know
Sadeeq Ali
Performance Marketing, SEO Expert & Amazon PPC Specialist| 6yrs Experience in Digital Marketing
The SEO landscape is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest changes is crucial for maintaining your competitive edge. Here are some of the most significant updates and changes in the world of SEO and digital marketing for 2024.
1. Bing Webmaster Guidelines Add Policy Against Prompt Injection Attacks
Date: 01/07/24
Source: Bing Webmaster Help
Bing has updated its Webmaster Guidelines to include a policy against prompt injection attacks. This addition aims to protect users and maintain the integrity of search results by preventing malicious actors from manipulating AI-driven content.
2. Google Search Console Introduces Shipping and Return Policies
Date: 11/07/24
Source: Google Ads Liaison on X
Google Search Console now allows webmasters to set their shipping and return policies directly within the platform. This new feature aims to enhance user experience by providing clear and accessible information about shipping and returns, directly influencing search rankings.
3. Google Ads Defaults to Broad Match for Smart Bidding
Date: 11/07/24
Source: Google Ads Liaison on X
Google Ads has set broad match as the default setting for smart bidding in search ads. This change is designed to optimize ad performance by leveraging machine learning to match ads with the most relevant search queries.
4. Microsoft Ads Introduces AI-Powered Video Ad Recommendations
Date: 12/07/24
Source: Microsoft Ads Blog
Microsoft Ads has rolled out AI-powered recommendations for video ads based on landing page URLs. This feature uses artificial intelligence to analyze landing pages and suggest the most effective video ad content, improving ad relevance and performance.
5. Google to End Notes Function in Search Console
Date: 16/07/24
Source: 9to5Google
Google announced that it will be ending the Notes function in Google Search Console, which was introduced in November 2023. The feature will be discontinued by the end of July 2024.
6. Discontinuation of Google Business Profile Chat Function
Date: 16/07/24
Source: Google Support
Google Business Profile's chat function is being discontinued. New chats were disabled from July 15th, and the function will be completely removed by July 31st, 2024.
7. Meta Ads Now Supporting Ads Over Reels
Date: 16/07/24
Source: Meta Ads Help
Meta has started allowing ads over Reels, providing a new advertising avenue for marketers. This feature is gradually rolling out to all advertisers and is expected to enhance engagement and reach.
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8. Microsoft Ads Allows Brand Safety Lists for Performance Max Campaigns
Date: 16/07/24
Source: Microsoft Ads Help
Advertisers using Microsoft Ads can now create brand safety lists for their Performance Max campaigns. This feature helps ensure that ads do not appear on sites or content that may be deemed inappropriate or harmful to the brand.
9. Google to Discontinue goo.gl Short URLs
Date: 18/07/24
Source: Google Developers Blog
Google will completely stop supporting goo.gl short URLs from August 25th, 2024. Users are advised to transition to other URL shortening services.
10. Google Announces New User Experience in Chrome
Date: 22/07/24
Source: Privacy Sandbox
Google has announced that it will not phase out third-party cookies as previously planned. Instead, the company will introduce a new user experience in Chrome aimed at enhancing privacy and security.
11. Bing Launches Generative Search
Date: 24/07/24
Source: Bing Blog
Bing has launched a generative search feature that combines traditional search results with AI-generated content. This new search experience aims to provide more comprehensive and relevant results for users.
12. OpenAI Launches SearchGPT
Date: 25/07/24
Source: OpenAI
OpenAI has introduced SearchGPT, a prototype search engine currently in the waitlist phase. SearchGPT promises to revolutionize the search experience with advanced AI capabilities.
13. Reddit and Zapier Introduce Lead Generation Ads
Date: 25/07/24
Source: Reddit Ads Announcement
Reddit, in collaboration with Zapier, has launched Lead Generation Ads for global advertisers. This new ad format aims to help businesses capture leads directly from Reddit.
14. Google Business Profiles Can Now Generate Menus from Pictures
Date: 29/07/24
Source: Google Support
Google Business Profiles can now automatically generate menus from uploaded pictures. While this feature aims to simplify the process for businesses, users have reported mixed results regarding its accuracy.
Conclusion
These updates reflect the ongoing efforts by major tech companies to enhance user experience, improve ad performance, and secure online interactions. Staying informed about these changes is essential for any SEO professional looking to optimize their strategies and maintain a competitive edge in the digital landscape.
Keep these updates in mind as you plan your SEO and marketing strategies for the rest of the year!