SEO Wash-up Monday 13th June 22

Google Update

Google Search scroll to text for sitelinks live in search SERPs – Last year in November, Google had begun testing Sitelinks that support the scroll to text feature. Now, it seems that Google has made it fully live in the US desktop search results. There has been screenshots and chatter about this where users have mentioned that “Google has now launched scroll-to-text sitelinks (that highlight content) for organic listings.” And from what users can see, the rollout looks to only appear on desktop and in the US at this time.

Google Search displays larger images on desktop SERP again – Google Search has been testing displaying a much larger image again in the desktop SERPs. Although we cannot replicate this, users on social media have shared screenshots of this where you can see a comparison of the normal image thumbnails in the desktop search results compared to the larger images in the desktop search results. Although Google has been testing larger images in search on and off for many years, this is no surprise to users.

Nine policies will be added to Google Ads strike based system – This month, Google has mentioned that they will be updated the enforcement procedures for repeat violations, with nine additional policies that have been added in scope of the strike-based system. So last year June, the three-strikes and your out policy system launched for enabling dishonest behaviour, unapproved substances & dangerous products or Services policies and now they will be adding nine-additional policies.

Google Ads mentions that they will begin implementing the strike-based system from June 21, 2022, with a gradual ramp up over a period of 3 months. Below are the nine new policies that will fall within this strike-based system include:

• Compensated sexual acts
• Mail-order brides
• Clickbait
• Misleading ad design
• Bail bond services
• Call Directories, forwarding services
• Credit repair services
• Binary options
• Personal loans

A strike is issued to your Google Ads account via an email and an in-account notification when your assets or ads violate a Google Ads policy multiple times. So an account can receive a maximum of one warning and three strikes per policy violation.

Below are the strikes you can get, including a warning:

• Warning: Google says it understands mistakes happen and you don’t mean to violate our policies hence why the first violation is only a warning. Bearing in mind that you’ll only be warned once through an email notification. If you think Google made a mistake, you can appeal the disapproved ads.
• First Strike: You will earn your first strike when Google detect that you have continued to violate a specific Google Ads policy, even after receiving an initial warning. Your account will be in a temporary hold state for 3 days when you receive the first strike. If you take no action to either acknowledge or appeal the strike, your account will continue to remain on hold. Accounts in a temporary hold state cannot run any ads. Advertisers can, however, still access their accounts and all associated reports. Learn more about temporary account hold.
• Second Strike: You will receive a second strike if you violate the same policy again within 90 days of the first strike. It will serve as the last and final notice for you to remove all policy violating assets or ads in your Google Ads account to avoid being suspended. Your account will be in a temporary hold state for 7 days upon receiving the second strike. If you take no action to either acknowledge or appeal the strike, your account will continue to remain on hold. Accounts in a temporary hold state cannot run any ads. Advertisers can, however, still access their accounts and all associated reports. Google will send you an email notification when your account is released from temporary hold.
• Third Strike: You will receive a third and final strike if you violate the same policy within 90 days of the second strike. Your account will then be suspended for repeat violation of our policies.