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Tag: News

Unveiling Google’s May 2026 Core Update: A New Era for SEO

Today, I’m excited to discuss the latest development in the world of search engines: Google has just rolled out the May 2026 core update. This follows the previous update we saw in March.

I learned that the announcement was made by Google through their official status page. It’s a significant moment as it marks the second core update of the year after March’s update and the earlier Discover update in February.

What Google is sharing. According to Google’s updated Search Status Dashboard, the rollout might take up to two weeks to complete. They also made a LinkedIn post explaining the aim is to enhance the visibility of relevant content.

Core updates like these occur several times yearly. They bring broad, impactful changes to Google’s algorithms, and though they often aren’t announced, this one is attracted due attention.

If you’ve noticed changes. Experiencing shifts in your site’s rankings? Google typically suggests focusing on producing quality content. Even if hit, it may not indicate problems with your pages.

For further guidance, consider reviewing the questions Google advises if affected.

The main takeaway? Prioritize creating authentic and helpful content; let these guiding principles lead your SEO endeavors.

For deeper insights, explore Google’s comprehensive documentation on core updates.

Reflection on past updates. Looking back, we’ve seen similar significant updates like the March 2026 and December 2025 rollouts, each influencing search result dynamics differently. Will this update continue that trend? Only time will tell.

Why this matters for us. Core updates can shake up the search engine landscape, causing noticeable volatility. It’s an opportunity for improved site visibility or a call to action to tweak your strategies if rankings dip. May this update bolster your SEO efforts, rewarding your dedication with increased organic traffic.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 21, 2026
Google’s Preferred Sources Now Available in Every Language

When I learned that Google’s Preferred Sources feature now supports all languages, not just English, I was thrilled. This exciting update means more people can tailor their news experience, regardless of the language they speak.

According to a recent post on Google’s blog, ‘Preferred Sources is now rolling out globally in all supported languages.’ This gives me, and everyone else, more control over the news we see on Search, allowing us to choose our preferred outlets to appear more frequently in Top Stories.

It’s fascinating to reflect on how this feature initially rolled out in December, but was limited to English. Now, it’s a comprehensive tool available globally, no matter the language.

Interesting Stats: Google shared some compelling data with this launch. For instance, readers are reportedly twice as likely to click on a site after marking it as a Preferred Source. Also, over 200,000 unique sites have already been selected by users—from local niche blogs to major global news platforms.

Preferred Sources: This feature lets me star my favorite publications in the Top Stories section of Google Search. By doing so, Google uses that interest to show more stories from those sources. I learned it started in beta back in June and was initially available in the U.S. and India by August, but now it’s part of a worldwide expansion.

How it Works: It’s simple! I just click the star icon next to the Top Stories header in my search results. This allows me to pick preferred sources, provided these sites are constantly updating their content.

Once selected, Google promises to showcase more updates from my favorite sites in Top Stories, provided they have fresh content relevant to my search.

For more detailed information, I can visit this page.

Why it Matters: In the competitive area of Google Search traffic, marking my site as a preferred source can make a significant impact. Google indicated these users are twice as likely to engage, which could help in driving more traffic to my site.

So, I’m adding the preferred source icon to encourage my audience to sign up. If you’re interested, you can make Search Engine Land a preferred source by clicking here.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

April 30, 2026
Google AI Mode: Ad-Free Personal Intelligence Experience

Recently, I’ve learned that Google’s AI Mode will continue to be ad-free for those of us who connect apps to enable Personal Intelligence. This remains true even as Google expands ad testing in its U.S. rollout of more personalized features.
Although Google is experimenting with ads in AI Mode, those of us who have linked our apps for Personal Intelligence won’t see any ads — a feature confirmed by Google. This decision means our user experience remains focused and personal.
What’s happening.
Google has been testing ad placements within AI Mode in the U.S., and I’ve noticed how they describe these connections as “helpful” to users, which, according to Google, opens new opportunities to discover products and services.
There is, however, an exception — no ads for those of us who opt into app-connected, highly personalized experiences.
The details.
Google has recently expanded Personal Intelligence in AI Mode as a beta for anyone in the U.S., allowing Gemini to create truly tailored responses. By linking data across Google services like Search, Gmail, and YouTube, our experiences become exponentially more personalized.
By opting into Personal Intelligence, I’ve experienced that AI Mode remains ad-free.
Why we care.
With ads potentially moving into AI Mode, Google approaches carefully, especially where personal data is most sensitive. As it stands, Personal Intelligence experiences remain ad-free as Google finds the right balance.
What Google is saying.
A Google spokesperson shared:
“There are no ads for us who connect our apps with AI Mode. That isn’t changing at this moment.”
“Test results over the past months indicate that people find business connections helpful and uncover new opportunities for products and services.”
“Future ads will operate similarly for us connecting apps. They will maintain relevance related to queries, response context, and user interests.”
Bottom line.
In embracing Personal Intelligence, I see Google’s Gemini app positioning itself as a more personalized assistant. This groundwork sets the stage for future ad experiences built on richer, cross-platform user context.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 17, 2026
Google Ads Reporting Glitch: What It Means for Your Campaigns

Many advertisers might be experiencing discrepancies in reporting on Google Ad Manager, which could impact their ability to effectively track performance and optimize their campaigns.

Google has acknowledged a disruption in the Google Ad Manager service, as noted on the Google Ads Status Dashboard, and they are actively investigating the matter.

The incident surfaced at 13:49 UTC on March 4. By 13:54 UTC, Google identified the issue where users could log into Ad Manager but not access the most current data.

What’s happening: The issue primarily affects reporting consistency. There’s a mismatch between Ad Exchange match rate and request values in Ad Manager’s reports when compared to the legacy reporting tool, which complicates data interpretation.

Why this matters to me: This discrepancy in reporting can hinder my ability to accurately evaluate performance and make informed decisions on campaign pacing, forecasting, and revenue adjustments.

What it means: While I’m still able to log into Ad Manager, the issues may lead to inaccuracies in my data, affecting campaign insights temporarily. Although there’s no complete outage reported, the mismatch in metrics can pose challenges for real-time performance analysis.

Next steps: Google is actively investigating the situation and will issue updates as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, I’m advised to monitor the status dashboard for further updates and reach out to support if I encounter any unlisted issues.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 4, 2026
Google’s February 2026 Discover Update: What You Need to Know
I’m excited to share that the Google February 2026 Discover core update has officially completed its rollout. Starting on February 5 and wrapping up on February 27, this update exclusively affects Google Discover content within the U.S. and in English.

This marks the first confirmed Search update of the year and notably, the first Discover-only update announced by Google. Unlike previous core updates that impacted both Search and Discover, this one is focused solely on Discover content.

U.S. and English Focus. For now, this update only targets English content for users in the United States. However, Google plans to expand it across other countries and languages in the months ahead.

Key improvements. Google stated that this update aims to enhance the user experience by:
- Providing more locally relevant content from domestic websites.
- Minimizing sensational content and clickbait.
- Featuring more in-depth, original, and timely content from sites recognized for their expertise in specific fields.
Since the update emphasizes locally pertinent content, it might lead to decreased Discover traffic for non-U.S. websites targeting a U.S. audience. This impact may subside as the update is adopted globally.

Google has also updated the Get on Discover help page, so I recommend reviewing it for additional insights.

Expanded insights. Google clarified that its systems are designed to identify expertise on a topic-by-topic basis, allowing sites with specialized knowledge to appear on Discover. For instance:
- A local news site with a specialized gardening section could be recognized for its gardening expertise, even if it covers various other subjects. In contrast, a movie review site with a single gardening article would likely not receive the same acknowledgment.
Google intends to continue using systems that personalize content based on users’ favorite creators and sources.

During their tests, Google discovered that “this update makes the Discover experience more valuable and fulfilling.”

Why this matters to us. If your site’s traffic relies on Google Discover, you might have noticed shifts in your traffic patterns. Keep in mind, this update currently affects only U.S. English audiences and pertains solely to Discover. While there’s been significant discussion about Google Search fluctuations, Google hasn’t confirmed those reports.

If you seek further guidance, Google advises referring to their documentation on core updates and the Get on Discover help page.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
February 27, 2026
Google Resolves Brief Search Result Glitch Overnight

I woke up to some interesting news this morning — Google experienced a minor hiccup in serving search results around 1:30 am ET on Wednesday, February 25th. From what I gather, the issue was resolved swiftly, which is why there weren’t too many complaints flooding in.
Google kindly informed us that, “We fixed the issue with serving search results. There will be no more updates.” It’s always reassuring when they keep us in the loop, isn’t it?
Why I care. If you noticed a sudden drop in your website’s traffic close to midnight, don’t panic. It might very well be linked to this brief serving issue.

Although Google posted about the issue and its resolution almost instantly, it doesn’t necessarily mean the problem lasted just a minute. This was the timeframe they chose to update us.
And here’s the screenshot from the status dashboard notice that caught my eye:

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

February 25, 2026
Google Merchant Center Feed Issue: How It Impacts Your Ads
I discovered that the Google Merchant Center is currently examining a problem that affects Feeds. This issue has been flagged on their public status dashboard, raising concerns for those of us who rely on these Feeds for product listings and Shopping ad performance.

Here’s what you need to know:
- Incident began: Feb. 4, 2026, at 14:00 UTC.
- Latest update (Feb. 20, 14:43 UTC): “We’re investigating reports of an issue with Feeds. We will provide more information shortly.”
- Status: Service disruption
The notification you see is on the Merchant Center Status Dashboard, which closely monitors the availability of Merchant Center services.

Why is this important? Feeds are the backbone of product listings for Shopping ads and free listings. Any issues here can affect product approvals, updates, or their visibility in campaigns tied to retail inventory.

What to keep an eye on: Google has yet to clarify the extent, cause, or expected resolution timeline. If you’re experiencing any delay or disapproval in feed processing, I suggest keeping a close watch on the dashboard for updates.

The takeaway: Any disruption in feed processing can lead to a decline in ecommerce performance. As retail advertisers, we should continually check diagnostics and campaign delivery until we get more information.

Further Reading. Merchant Center Status Dashboard

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
February 20, 2026
Unlock New Customers with Google’s ROAS-Based Ad Tool

I’ve just discovered an exciting development in the Google Ads world that’s sure to interest any advertiser looking to optimize their campaigns. Google Ads is experimenting with a new ROAS-based tool that automatically suggests conversion values, aiming to enhance how we bid for new customers without the need for manual estimates.

For those like me who are focused on campaigns that target new customer acquisition, this update is a game changer. It empowers us to bid more assertively to capture those elusive first-time buyers.

How it works. I enter my desired ROAS target for new customers, and Google Ads does the rest. It proposes a conversion value that aligns with the goal I’ve set, removing much of the guesswork that previously complicated bidding strategies.

Currently, this feature doesn’t customize at the auction, campaign, or product levels. Instead, we apply values at a broader setting; this means the system doesn’t yet allow variable bids based on different contexts.

Why we care. This new tool addresses a significant shortfall in performance bidding—assigning the correct value to new customers. Many of us have relied on flat manual values, which don’t always reflect true profitability or align with our long-term goals.

By linking conversion values to a target ROAS, the door is opened to more strategy-driven bidding, potentially enhancing our balance between growth and efficiency in acquisition campaigns.

What advertisers are saying. Initial feedback suggests this feature is a notable improvement over the static manual inputs we’ve been using. Andrew Lolk, Founder of Savvy Revenue, believes the next step could be auction-level intelligence that dynamically adjusts values based on campaign or product performance.

What to watch. If Google decides to expand this feature to support more granular adjustments, it could significantly reshape how we plan our acquisition strategies and value long-term customer growth.

For now, the tool provides a more structured approach to calculating the value of new customers.

First seen. This update was first spotted by Andrew Lolk, who shared the insight on LinkedIn.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

February 13, 2026
Google Search Antitrust Appeal: What It Means for Competition

The ongoing battle over default search deals caught my attention recently as critics argue these arrangements exclude competitors and restrict choice for users, advertisers, and rival companies.

The U.S. Justice Department, along with several states, is challenging a federal judge’s ruling regarding Google’s search antitrust case. They plan to appeal the decision made by the judge, which determined Google was illegally monopolizing search but didn’t impose significant changes like breaking up Chrome or stopping default search agreements completely.

What’s happening. Just yesterday, the DOJ and state attorneys general filed their appeals, focusing on U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta’s remedy ruling from September. Reports from Bloomberg and Reuters highlighted these developments.

Judge Mehta, back in August 2024, had found that Google unlawfully maintained its search monopoly through default search deals with companies like Apple and Samsung—deals costing Google over $20 billion every year.

Following a further remedies trial in 2025, Judge Mehta did not enforce the government’s suggestion to split up Chrome or halt payments for default search status. Instead, he required Google to rebid its default search and AI app agreements yearly.

Why we care. This appeal leaves me wondering just how much of a grip Google will retain on search placement. This control plays a crucial role in determining who gets traffic. Should stricter changes be implemented, it could alter default search settings, foster competition among search engines, and shift how we all engage with search across our devices.

Yes, but. So far, the DOJ and states haven’t revealed their exact legal strategies. The court submissions are vague about which aspects of the ruling are under fire, although Chrome and Google’s default deal with Apple are expected to be central points of contention.

What to watch. Later this year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit will examine the case, and I’m keen to see how it unfolds. For now, Google continues operating as usual, but its key contracts will face annual scrutiny, and the potential for harsher consequences looms.

What they’re saying. David Segal, VP of public policy at Yelp, expressed approval of the appeal. In a statement to Search Engine Land, Yelp criticized the trial court’s remedies as insufficient for reinvigorating competition in search:

“Unfortunately, the measures put forth in the trial court’s remedy decision are unlikely to restore competition — for instance, it allows for Google to continue to pay third parties for default placement in browsers and devices, which was the primary mechanism by which Google unlawfully foreclosed competition to begin with.

Internet users, online advertisers and others who rely on and seek to compete in the industry deserve a level playing field with more, higher quality, and fairer search options — and the need for a more competitive space is all the more clear as Google seeks to leverage its vast power over the web, especially search indexing and ranking, to come to dominate the GenAI space.”

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

February 4, 2026
Discover Bing’s New AI Performance Insights: A Sneak Peek

I recently discovered that Bing is testing a new AI Performance report within their Webmaster Tools. This has piqued my interest, especially since Microsoft has been teasing the idea of providing better insights into website performance in AI-driven Bing and Copilot searches for months.

It all started back in February 2023, and then in April 2023, Microsoft hinted at delivering data on Bing Chat and AI search impressions. Sadly, our hopes were dashed when they lumped this data together with regular web queries, leaving us still in the dark about our sites’ performance in Bing’s AI experiences. I can’t help but feel a bit let down.

Now, it seems Bing is experimenting with a new report within Bing Webmaster Tools, known as the AI Performance report. This report is in a super limited beta phase, and Microsoft hasn’t officially announced anything yet. A source shared that it showcases citation data from both Microsoft Copilot and its partners, detailing the number of citations and cited pages per day.

With this report, I can see how often Copilot cites my website and across how many pages. However, it still doesn’t reveal how many people clicked through from those citations to my site. The report also presents data categorized by “grounding queries” and “pages.” While “grounding queries” might not represent the exact query entered in Copilot, it shows how Bing interprets them, including insights into the intent behind such queries, like whether they are navigational or informational.

This new report lets me identify the specific pages Copilot cites. While there’s excitement in seeing more AI performance-related data pop up in Bing Webmaster Tools, I can’t shake the feeling of wanting click-through data. Knowing the click-through rate from AI interactions compared to regular web searches is something I, and I’m sure many other publishers and site owners, have been eagerly anticipating.

It feels like all search engines are intentionally keeping this data under wraps, and it’s frustrating not having full transparency.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 27, 2026

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