Welcome back to another episode of the Niche Pursuits podcast! This week, Jared plays host alongside his guest Tony Hill, a niche site expert with about 2 decades of experience. Come along as they dissect and digest the latest news on SEO, digital marketing, Google, niche sites, and beyond. This episode covers a wide range of topics, including the October core update and its impact on websites, the Amazon Influencer Program and recent changes, the effects of Google Discover on website traffic, and the need for a web Publishers Association to address Google’s power in the publishing industry. Join Jared and Tony for an informative and engaging discussion, and stay tuned for future episodes analyzing SEO news and discussing side hustles and unique sites.

October Core Update and its Impact

The recent October core update by Google has caused quite a stir in the SEO community, with many speculating whether it was a rollback of the previous helpful content update. The update has brought about significant changes in search engine rankings and website traffic, leading to a lot of volatility and speculation.

Google Updates and Volatility

Over the past few months, there have been multiple updates by Google, making it a challenging time for website owners and SEO professionals. While the October core update has finished its rollout, the spam update is still ongoing. The core update has caused a lot of volatility and uncertainty, leaving many websites wondering about their rankings.

Interestingly, many sites that were hit by the helpful content update also experienced a negative impact from the October core update. This has led to speculation that Google may not have rolled back the effects of the helpful content update, and instead, it was a separate update altogether.

Importance of Mainstream News Reporting

The impact of Google updates on websites is a significant issue, and it is crucial for mainstream news outlets to report on these updates. Mainstream news reporting can create awareness about the changes in search engine rankings and traffic, helping website owners and SEO professionals understand the situation better.

The transparency and clarity provided by mainstream news reporting can help address the speculation and uncertainty surrounding Google updates. It is still early days, and time will tell how the core update and its aftermath play out. Factors like the potential continuation of the helpful content update and the ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Google may also play a role in shaping the future of search engine rankings.

Challenges for Publishers

Publishers are facing fresh challenges as Google continues to push deeper into AI. The use of AI in search has led to a decrease in organic traffic for many publishers. Changes to the Omni box in Chrome have also resulted in more direct website visits and less revenue from ads. This shift in user behavior poses challenges for publishers who rely on ad revenue to support their websites.

Additionally, there are blockers for chat Gpts bot and Google Extended, further impacting website traffic and revenue. Publishers need to adapt their strategies and find new ways to attract and retain users amidst these challenges.

Amazon Influencer Program

The Amazon Influencer Program has undergone recent changes that have had a significant impact on website traffic. Initially, there was a decline in traffic for many websites participating in the program. However, there has been a recent spike in traffic after the reappearing of carousels. It’s essential for website owners to stay updated on these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly.

Google Discover’s Effect on Website Traffic

Google Discover, the personalized content recommendation feature, has had a mixed impact on website traffic. With frequent changes and updates, some websites have experienced positive boosts in traffic while others have seen a decrease. It is worth noting that the impact of Google Discover on website traffic is not consistent, making it a challenging platform for website owners to rely on for sustained traffic.

Google is also testing a desktop version of Google Discover, which could potentially open up new opportunities for website owners to reach a broader audience. Monitoring the changes in Google Discover and adapting content strategies accordingly can be beneficial for website owners looking to leverage this feature.

Web Publishers Association

The challenges faced by publishers highlight the need for a web Publishers Association to address the power and influence of Google in the publishing industry. Such an association can work towards creating a more level playing field for website owners and help navigate the changing landscape of search engine optimization and AI-driven search algorithms.

By coming together as a collective voice, web publishers can advocate for fair practices, transparency, and accountability from search engines, ensuring a more equitable ecosystem for all stakeholders in the publishing industry.

Content Creation for Google Discover

Creating content for Google Discover requires a different approach compared to traditional search engine optimization (SEO). Websites that solely focus on creating content for Google Discover have emerged, capitalizing on the platform’s potential to drive traffic.

Understanding the nuances of Google Discover’s algorithm and user preferences is crucial for website owners looking to optimize their content for this feature. In an upcoming podcast episode, there will be a part two interview on Google Discover, providing further insights and recommendations for content creation.

Halloweenjokes.com: A Seasonal Niche Website

Halloweenjokes.com is a seasonal niche website that focuses on Halloween jokes, puns, humor, and riddles. While the website may seem outdated with low traffic, it holds top rankings for certain keywords related to Halloween jokes.

With the Halloween season approaching, Halloweenjokes.com has the potential to drive significant traffic and engagement. The ease of setting up seasonal niche websites has been made more accessible with the help of AI, enabling website owners to capitalize on seasonal trends and generate targeted traffic.

Find a Grave: Connecting with Ancestry

Find a Grave is a website that allows users to access information about people’s graves, primarily in the US. Users can contribute to the website by taking pictures of graves, providing location details, and engaging with the community through forums.

Highlighting passionate contributors through the blog and monetizing through ads and affiliate links, Find a Grave offers a unique service for genealogy enthusiasts and those looking to connect with their ancestry. With potential for growth and expansion, Find a Grave demonstrates the niche market and passionate community surrounding graveyard documentation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the October core update by Google has had a significant impact on search engine rankings and website traffic. Amidst the volatility and speculation surrounding the update, it is crucial for mainstream news outlets to report on these changes to create awareness and clarity.

Publishers are facing fresh challenges as Google pushes deeper into AI, resulting in decreased organic traffic and changes to revenue streams. The Amazon Influencer Program and Google Discover have also shaped website traffic, with both positive boosts and decreases observed.

The need for a web Publishers Association is evident to address the power and influence of Google in the publishing industry. Such an association can advocate for fair practices and transparency, ensuring a level playing field for website owners.

Content creation for Google Discover requires a different approach compared to traditional SEO, with websites focusing solely on Google Discover content. Niche websites, such as Halloweenjokes.com, demonstrate the potential for targeted traffic during specific seasons, aided by AI-powered tools.

Find a Grave provides a unique service for genealogy enthusiasts, connecting individuals with their ancestry through detailed grave information. The website holds opportunities for growth and expansion, highlighting the passionate community surrounding graveyard documentation.

Stay tuned for future episodes of the Niche Pursuits podcast, where further analysis on SEO news, side hustles, and unique websites will be explored.