SEO News Digest: November 2024 Core Update, new ways to block AI training bots, product search on Google Maps, hyperlinks in AI Overviews, and more

Let's dive right in to see what's been happening and what's on the horizon.

Updates

• Google Rolls Out November 2024 Core Update

On November 11, 2024, Google began rolling out its third core update of the year: the (fittingly named) November 2024 Core Update.

As usual, Google kept details sparse, sticking to its standard advice: “Create content for people, not just for search engines.”

However, Glenn Gabe has gone a step further and started a diary specifically dedicated to tracking updates, sharing detailed observations along the way:

• Sites hit by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update are struggling to recover, with some seeing even worse results.
• On the flip side, there are signs of recovery for sites impacted by March and August Core Updates.

Here are some notable vertical shifts:

• Medical/Health: Significant volatility reported.
• Education Affiliates: Big drops continue (Forbes, anyone?).
• Gaming & Entertainment: Some previously hit sites are making noticeable gains in visibility.

With ranking volatility still high as the update progresses, keep an eye on your analytics—and stay tuned for more insights!

AI

• Google AI Overviews Testing Anchor Text Hyperlinks

Google’s AI Overviews is experimenting with clickable anchor text hyperlinks instead of those familiar “paperclips.”

• Google Search AI Sales Assistant

Shared by Brodie Clark on X:

"Google is now testing out an AI Sales Assistant through a ‘Shop’ CTA on branded organic sitelinks. When clicking the CTA, a chat window opens up with the ability to ask questions that serve results for the website. The chat serves product results based on the free listings data."

Tech SEO

• Blocking AI Training Bots Without Hurting Organic Performance

Continuing the trend of AI-related updates: The dream can come true for publishers who didn’t want their content to be used for AI training purposes. Sure, you can block crawling, use preview controls, or even noindex your content–but these options often come with a steep price, potentially harming or completely tanking your organic performance.

This proposed solution introduces specialized instructions to target AI training bots exclusively, leaving Googlebot and others unaffected. The draft methods include:

• Robots.txt Protocols
• Meta Robots HTML Elements
• Application Layer Response Headers

Local SEO

• An ‘Almost’ Shopping Experience on Google Maps

Search for a specific product in Google Maps just like you would in regular Search, and Google will show you nearby businesses that sell it. 

Product highlights are included, with inventory spanning home goods, electronics, apparel, and grocery items.

• “Hidden Gems” Along Your Maps Route

Use the “Explore along your route” feature to discover hidden gems and fun spots while traveling. Just enter your destination, tap "Add stops," and explore the pins or browse through categorized suggestions.