Marketing Highlights: Google Tests 47 AI Search Features, Gemini Set to Replace Google Assistant by 2025, and Potential Removal of Low-Engagement Pages
Hey everyone! We’re continuously on the lookout for the latest and most impactful updates in SEO and marketing to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving space. Here’s a roundup of last week’s most noteworthy developments:
Search / SEO
- Google Eliminates Review Counts for Non-Ecommerce Pages
Google has recently updated its search results by removing the display of review counts for non-ecommerce pages. This change only affects general searches, while ecommerce listings will still show review counts.
- Google Warns: Low-Engagement Pages Could Be Removed
Martin Splitt has noted that pages with low user engagement might be dropped from search results. A lack of interaction could indicate poor content quality or the emergence of better alternatives. If your pages aren’t performing well, it’s time to reassess your content strategy.
Source:
Barry Schwartz | LinkedIn
Martin Splitt | YouTube
SERP Features / Interface
- (Testing) Google Explores 47 New AI Search Features Beyond AI Mode
Google is currently testing a variety of AI search features that go beyond its standard AI Mode, with 47 new options in the works. Some of these include Info Sleuth, MedExplainer, and Fantasy Sports Researcher. While early testing didn’t show significant impacts on search results, unique URL parameters suggest these tools could lead to more specialized user experiences if released publicly.
- Google Enhances Health Features and Introduces ‘What People Suggest’
Google has expanded its AI-driven Health Overviews and Knowledge Panels to provide more medical information, adding support for languages like Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese. Additionally, the new feature “What People Suggest” utilizes AI to curate different perspectives on topics from online discussions, aiming to enhance both clarity and comprehensiveness in health-related content.
Sources:
Tom Critchlow | LinkedIn
Google The Keyword > Technology > Health
Google Search Console (GSC)
- Google Search Console API Introduces 24-Hour Hourly View
The Google Search Console API is set to support a 24-hour hourly view, allowing users to access hourly performance data over an 8-day period, enhancing insights into time-based trends. This improvement follows the recent addition of the 24-hour view in GSC’s standard performance reports.
Source:
Barry Schwartz | Search Engine Roundtable
AI Developments
- (Testing) Clickable Links in Google AI Overviews
Google is experimenting with embedding clickable links within its AI Overviews, redirecting users to more Google search results instead of external websites. Displayed as dotted lines, these links aim to encourage further exploration of related content.
- (Testing) AI Overviews Moving to the Middle of SERPs
In another test, Google is shifting the placement of AI Overviews to the middle of search results pages rather than the top, potentially changing how users interact with these summaries. This follows previous tests with featured snippets.
- Gemini to Replace Google Assistant in 2025
Google has announced that it will replace its traditional Assistant with Gemini, beginning its rollout on mobile devices running Android 10 or later. Devices with Android 9.0 or earlier will not support Gemini, which will also extend to cars, tablets, headphones, smartwatches, and more.
Sources:
Sachin Patel | X
Google The Keyword > Products > Gemini
Documentation Updates
- Googlebot IPs Now Updated Daily in JSON File
Googlebot IP addresses will now receive daily updates in the googlebot.json file, a shift from the previous weekly schedule. This change was made for better accuracy and faster adjustments for developers and network administrators.
Source:
Gary Illyes | LinkedIn
Tidbits
- **AI-Generated Fake
2 responses to “Marketing News: Google Tests 47 AI Search Features, Google Assistant Will Be Replaced by Gemini in 2025, Low-Engagement Pages May Be Removed from Search Results”
Thanks for sharing this comprehensive roundup of the latest SEO and marketing news! It’s fascinating to see how rapidly Google is evolving its search features and AI capabilities. Here are a few thoughts:
Review Counts for Non-Ecommerce Pages: It makes sense for Google to differentiate between ecommerce and non-ecommerce results when it comes to review counts. This could impact how businesses strategize their online presence, especially those relying on reviews for visibility.
Low-Engagement Pages: The idea that low-engagement pages could be removed from search results is a significant wake-up call for content creators. It emphasizes the importance of delivering valuable, engaging content and could help improve the overall quality of search results.
AI Features: The testing of 47 new AI search features is exciting! Tools like Info Sleuth and MedExplainer could really transform user experience and information retrieval. It’ll be interesting to monitor how these develop and whether they will become permanent fixtures in Google’s offerings.
Gemini Replacing Google Assistant: This is a game-changer! As Google rolls out Gemini, it will be intriguing to see how it enhances user interactions across various platforms. This could lead to smarter, more intuitive assistance for users.
Search Console Updates: The expanded 24-hour API view is particularly useful for SEOs needing granular data analysis. It should help better inform strategies and respond quickly to performance fluctuations.
404 Errors from AI: The issue with AI-generated fake URLs underscores the challenges that come with the increasing use of AI. As advised by John Mueller, prioritizing well-designed 404 pages can mitigate user frustration and guide visitors effectively.
Overall, these updates highlight a trend toward more engaging, accurate, and user-centric search experiences. Thanks again for the insights! Looking forward to seeing how these developments unfold.
This post highlights some pivotal shifts happening within Google’s search ecosystem, and it’s fascinating to see how these changes could potentially reshape SEO strategies moving forward. The removal of review counts for non-ecommerce pages, for instance, really emphasizes the need for marketers to focus on content quality and user engagement. As Martin Splitt notes, low-engagement pages may be at risk of being de-prioritized in search results. This means that businesses should critically assess their content strategies, ensuring that they not only attract traffic but also foster meaningful interactions.
Moreover, the testing of 47 new AI search features showcases Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience, particularly with specialized tools like the Info Sleuth and MedExplainer. If these features go live, they could revolutionize how users approach information searches, driving a need for adaptable content strategies that meet specific user needs.
With Gemini set to replace Google Assistant by 2025, it will be interesting to see how these AI advancements could integrate and interact across various devices. This evolution presents an opportunity for businesses to explore AI integration in their own customer service and engagement strategies.
As we navigate these changes, continuing to prioritize high-quality, engaging content remains more crucial than ever. It’ll be exciting to see how marketers respond to these evolving dynamics!