SEO Wash-up Monday 14th October

Google Updates

Businesses can opt out of online orders – There is a new Google My Business form to opt out of online orders on Google. You can simply fill in a form if you are the restaurant owner to remove the call-to-action button for online ordering.

H1 tags is not critical for ranking – A spokesman from Google has said that your site can rank fine with or without H1 tags. So whether you use or do not use H1 tags, it is not a critical issue specifically for Google search. Although Google has said that it helps them understand the structure of the page, just like it helps users understand the structure of the page.

Google ads expands cross-account analysis on browser – They have expanded the ability of doing cross-account analysis within the report editor on the browser based console. Although they have allowed this back in 2017, it had to be done externally but you can now do it directly within Google Ads. This makes it faster and easier for you to analyse the valuable cross-account data and identify cross-account patterns in your data without actually leaving Google Ads.

Google featured snippet Image carousel will show more results – You may have seen variations of Google showing image carousels in the featured snippet position. Now it seems there is a new style and if you are searching for something on mobile then you will see a featured snippet that shows an image carousel that lets you click on the images to see more results for that answer.

Google tests side bar filters – Google is testing a new design interface for the Google desktop search results. So when you are on the search engine, you normally see on the left and right side of the desktop search results white spaces but now you may see it with more options. On the left side you see more search filter options and on the right you see related search options, to expand your search.

Google migrates change of address tool – Google has announced the change of address tool is now part of the settings section within the new Google Search Console. They have posted on social media that this tool is now available in the new Search Console and to let Google know when you’re moving a domain or subdomain in order to guide you through the process.

Google maps: you can edit business listing even if unverified – You can now make edits on your Google my business listings as an unverified business owner. They have mentioned that as business owners, you will be able to suggest edits to some of the main business information directly from your Google my business account before being verified.

These changes the name, category, address, hours, phone number, and website. So after it has been approved, the changes can be published even before the business is verified on Google Search and Maps. Although some owners may still need to verify their business first before editing their information.