SEO News April 2018
More Algorithm Updates
Google’s core algorithm updates continue to be rolled out again this month. Starting around the 16th of April, ranking fluctuations were being reported in online SEO groups. On the 21st of April Google’s Danny Sullivan confirmed that yes, another core update had been rolled out.
According to Google they do routine core updates regularly, however the recent updates really have page rankings fluctuating quite significantly. Our own DNA website has suffered and recovered and suffered again from the recent updates. We are currently testing some changes to see if we can improve rankings again.
Google Shutting Down URL Shortener Service
On the 1st of April Google announced that it was going to be shutting down its URL shortening service. From the 13th of April only existing users were still able to access the service. Existing users can still use the service till March 30th, 2019. After that date the service will be discontinued.
This has been the only URL shortening service that I have been using for the last few years so I will have a bit of work to do to move URL’s over to a new service provider.
Apple Hires John Giannandrea Away from Google
In a surprise move, John Giannandrea has left Google to head up AI and machine learning at Apple. In recent times Apple has been lagging in AI when compared to Google, Microsoft and Amazon.
It’s thought that Giannandrea will enable to Apple to make some big strides in AI and help them catch up or at least be competitive in the AI market.
Apple’s newly released HomePod has reportedly had lacklustre sales (Apple refuses to release data) due to Siri’s shortcomings against Google and Alexa.
Giannandrea is being replaced by 2 people at Google, Ben Gomes is now in charge of Search and Jeff Dean will lead Google’s AI efforts.
Google Analytics Data Retention Policies
Google has sent out emails advising users of Google Analytics that they need to review and set their data retention settings before the GDPR compliance comes into effect on May 25th. This has been seen by a lot of people as Google putting the requirement on others and not themselves.
I strongly recommend you look at your Analytics account and make any necessary changes in your account. Even though we aren’t in Europe Google has rolled out the same policy to everyone.
DNA Web Development - Your Success is Our Business
Written by Dave Stansfield - 22 May 2018