Jan 10: Google Local Ranking Bug; Reddit Dropping & Microsoft Fools Searchers

Search Engine Roundtable Podcast

We had this weird Google local ranking bug that seemed to happen over last weekend but resolved itself by around Tuesday. Then, the other day, we noticed that Reddit may be seeing a decline in Google Search traffic and visibility, but it might be too early to tell. Microsoft is tricking its searchers to thinking they are using Google and not Bing. Google Search Console performance reports can now be exported to show hourly data. Google core updates do not impact site names in Google Search. Google said using generative AI to create content for links is against its spam policies. Google said SEOs overestimate links. Google said the Search Console validate fix does not expedite fixes. A blank screenshot in the Google Search Console URL inspection tool is fine. Google Ad scheduling help document update caused a lot of confusion. Google Ads PMax bug around asset group conversions also caused confusion. Google’s search partner network has a 37% lower ROAS than Google search ads. Google is testing local packs without review stars. Google Business Profiles gained add to menu options. That was the search news this week at the Search Engine Roundtable.

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0:00 - Introduction

1:03 - January 2025 Google Local Ranking Update (Unconfirmed Bug)

1:53 - Reddit Not Ranking As Well In Google Suddenly?

2:37 - Microsoft Tricking Bing Users To Thinking They Are On Google

3:55 - Google Search Console Performance Reports Now Exports Hourly Data

4:24 - Google: Core Updates Do Not Impact Site Name Changes

4:46 - Google: Using Generative AI To Create Content For Links Against Spam Policies

5:01 - Google On Losing Lots Of Links Fast: SEOs Often Overestimate Links

5:21 - Google Search Console Validate Fix Does Not Expedite Fixes

6:00 - Blank Screenshot In Google Search Console URL Inspection Tool May Be Fine

6:24 - Google: URLs Provide Minimal Additional Signals For Search Engines

6:44 - Screenshot: Google Ads Negative Keywords In Performance Max

7:12 - Google Ad Scheduling & Smart Bidding Campaigns Doc Update Confuses

7:47 - Google Ads PMax Pause/Enable/Remove Conversion Actions On Asset Group Level

8:21 - Report: Google SPN Placement Have A 37% Lower ROAS vs Google Search

9:04 - Google Tests Local Pack Ads Without Review Stars

9:16 - Google Business Profiles Gains Add To Menu Option

9:33 - Conclusion