Hey there! I’m here to give you a quick rundown of some exciting updates in the world of Chat GPT and Bard. In a recent video by Dr. Marie Haynes, she discusses Google’s testing of a new feature called “Updates for you,” which allows you to see results from websites you follow directly within the search results. Along with this, she shares some custom instructions for ChatGPT and highlights other interesting SEO news and tips.
In her newsletter recap, Dr. Haynes covers various topics, including the importance of building a loyal audience and establishing yourself as a known authority in your field. She also delves into Google’s new information on phasing out third-party cookies and the increasing significance of page experience, particularly factors like easy navigation and distinguishing main content. She even touches on John Mueller’s cryptic message targeting niche site owners and the rivalry between businesses and niche sites in search rankings. Plus, she mentions other intriguing developments in SEO, such as the recent updates by Screaming Frog and discussions from “Search off the Record” podcast. There’s a lot to uncover in this update, so I hope you find it helpful in improving your rankings!
Updates in Chat GPT and Bard
New ‘Updates for you’ feature in Search
Google is testing a new feature called “Updates for you” that allows users to see results from websites they follow directly in the search results. This feature is aimed at surfacing relevant articles from followed websites, providing users with easy access to content they are interested in. The ability to follow websites is not new, but this feature signifies the growing importance of building a loyal audience and following for websites. In order to stay relevant and visible, it is crucial for websites to be known for the topics they cover and engage with their audience effectively.
Custom instructions in Chat GPT
An exciting update has been introduced in Chat GPT, enabling users to provide custom instructions. This means that users can now instruct Chat GPT with specific guidelines and requirements for generating responses. Custom instructions offer more control over the AI model and allow users to tailor the output based on their preferences. This enhancement opens up new possibilities for using Chat GPT in various applications and scenarios.
Phasing out third-party cookies
Google has announced its plan to phase out third-party cookies, which has significant implications for online advertising. Third-party cookies play a crucial role in tracking user behavior and delivering personalized ads. However, concerns over privacy and data security have led to the decision to eliminate these cookies. This change will likely impact targeting and measurement capabilities for advertisers, as they will need to adapt to new methods of reaching and understanding their audiences.
Page experience and user navigation
Page experience has become an integral part of Google’s ranking algorithm. It encompasses various factors, including core web vitals, that determine whether a page provides a positive user experience. One key aspect of page experience is user navigation. Google considers how easily visitors can navigate to and locate the main content of a page. Additionally, the design of a page should enable users to distinguish the main content from other elements on the page. Prioritizing easy navigation and clear content presentation is essential for improving user experience and potentially boosting rankings.
Google’s criteria for helpful content
Google has explicit criteria for determining helpful content. One of the criteria is the presence of an existing or intended audience for the content. While the term “intended audience” may seem vague, it refers to websites that aim to serve a specific group of people with their content. Google values content that not only provides accurate and comprehensive information but also brings original and insightful perspectives to existing knowledge. This criterion emphasizes the importance of establishing an audience and creating valuable content that resonates with them.
Screaming Frog update and Search Off the Record discussion
Screaming Frog, a popular SEO tool, has released an update that brings several improvements and new features. This update is expected to be beneficial for SEO professionals in analyzing and optimizing websites. Additionally, in the latest episode of the podcast “Search Off the Record,” hosts discussed various topics related to SEO, including questions about top-level domains and the practice of publishing “coming soon” pages. These discussions provide valuable insights for SEO practitioners and website owners.
Turbulence in search results
There have been significant changes and turbulence in Google search results recently. The volatility in rankings and shifts in positions have become more frequent. This can be attributed to the impact of machine learning algorithms that continuously learn and refine their understanding of relevant and helpful content. As Google’s AI systems become more sophisticated, we can expect ongoing changes in search results. Website owners and SEO professionals should closely monitor these fluctuations and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Manipulating EAT with fake authors
Manipulating Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EAT) with fake authors is a controversial tactic employed by some website owners. By presenting fictitious authors with fabricated credentials, websites attempt to deceive users and search engines about the credibility of their content. While some websites may achieve short-term gains through this manipulation, it is not a recommended strategy. Google is constantly improving its algorithms to detect and penalize such deceptive practices. Future updates to Google’s systems will likely further reward genuine expertise and discourage attempts to manipulate EAT.
AI’s impact on the search landscape
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a significant impact on the search landscape. Google, Microsoft, and Meta (formerly Facebook) have met with the US government to discuss the societal impacts of AI and measures to ensure responsible implementation. AI is already changing the online landscape and influencing search results. As AI systems continue to evolve, website owners and SEO professionals need to stay updated with the latest developments and adapt their strategies to align with the changing search landscape.
Exciting uses of Bard
Bard, another AI-powered tool developed by OpenAI, has showcased exciting uses in various applications. Amar Reshi, a user, uploaded a screenshot of a timer app to Bard, which generated the code needed to recreate the app. While it may not have been perfect, Bard’s output provided a starting point for making the necessary changes. Similarly, Alvaro Syntas sketched a web page on a napkin and asked Bard to turn it into a functioning website. Although the resulting website may not be publication-ready, it demonstrates the potential of Bard in quickly transforming sketches into functional web pages. These innovative uses of Bard highlight its capabilities in assisting with code generation and web development tasks.
In conclusion, the updates in Chat GPT and Bard, along with the changes in Google search features and algorithms, present both challenges and opportunities for website owners, SEO professionals, and online marketers. Staying informed about these updates and leveraging them effectively can contribute to improved rankings, enhanced user experiences, and successful online strategies. As the search landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to adapt and embrace the advancements brought by AI and technology.