The world of digital marketing is constantly changing and evolving, and April is no exception. This month, we have seen a number of significant developments, especially with new AI implementations. How is AI being integrated into search engine’s platforms? What effect will this have for advertisers? When will the Google core algorithm update be finished?
Make sure you are kept up-to-date with the latest updates in the world of digital marketing by reading our April roundup!
2024 Google Core Algorithm Update
Google has been rolling out a new core algorithm update over the past month, which has had drastic effects for SEO and PPC campaigns alike. Increased search volatility has resulted in significant keyword movement, and has seriously impacted website traffic in some cases. This update has been rolled out in an attempt to reduce the amount of AI-generated content that is being used on websites, and tackle spam content.
Has the Update Been Completed?
There has been no confirmation that the March core algorithm update – mentioned in the last roundup article – has been completed. The update will continue to cause high search volatility until it is completed. The spam updates that were rolled out at the same time as the core update have now been completed, however, and the manual actions that started occurring during this update have stopped.
What is Left to do?
While we wait for the Google update’s completion to be confirmed, we are slightly in the dark with what may be left to come. Due to the drastic nature of the core update, the rollout is taking longer than expected, and search volatility can reasonably be expected to continue until the update is finalised.
When Will the Update End?
Unfortunately, there is simply no way of knowing when the core update roll-out will be completed! Google continually updates their algorithm to improve their platform performance and quality, and the sheer complexity of the core algorithm means that any updates take a long time to complete. Be sure to keep updated by checking our website for updates.
Read more here.
Google Search Generative Experience
The BBC published a report to say that Google is bringing AI-powered search answers to the UK for the first time. While this technology has been developing for a long time, the technology by which an answer can be provided to a search query has only recently begun to be implemented broadly.
What Does This Mean?
- This means that AI-generated answers could begin making appearances for Google queries, which could have dramatic impacts on both organic and paid traffic.
- Google is going to continue evolving towards a Search Generative Experience by implementing AI to help produce featured snippets, and other similar rich results.
- This may seem like a contradiction to the March algorithm update that aims to tackle spam content, however AI is still considered a highly useful tool for digital marketers when used appropriately.
- AI has dramatically reshaped Google search and SEO in general over the past year, and will likely continue to affect the quality and speed of search results for the years to come.
Read more here.
Generative Image Tools
Demand Gen campaigns allow brands to capitalise on powerful video and image assets to develop enticing adverts. Custom visuals are created to make a brand appear more visually appealing, and this can take a large amount of time out of budgets to take necessary photo and video content.
- On April 16th, Google introduced new generative image tools for Demand Gen advertisers worldwide.
- With just a few clicks, advertisers are now able to harness Google’s powerful AI tools to quickly produce high-quality image assets in a matter of clicks.
- Advertisers are also able to produce similar images from an example, using a ‘Generate more like this’ feature. Google’s AI also ensures that no two images are identical, to ensure that originality is maintained.
- Although these tools use AI to produce the assets, Google has emphasised the fact that advertisers remain in control, and will have the final say whether assets are used in a campaign or not.
Read more here.
Useful Tools this Month
We are always looking to expand our array of useful digital marketing tools to improve our services even further. Take a look at some of the team’s favourite tools for April.
SerpApi
Are you particularly interested in how your website is performing in a specific area? Search keywords and queries in specific locations all over the world using Google Search API.
Check out SerpApi here.
Schema Markup Validator
Implementing Schema to a website can be a lengthy process and, once implemented, must be checked. This way, you can ensure your structured data will be accurately interpreted by a web crawler.
Test your schema implementation here.
Rich Results Test
Are you wanting your website to appear as more than just a blue link? Are you hoping for carousels, images and other non-textual elements? By running a rich results test, you are able to find out what items can be indexed on a page, and whether any errors are preventing a rich result.
Test your URLs for rich results here.
Wappalyzer
Useful for a number of different applications such as lead generation, market analysis and competitor research, Wappalyzer can identify the technology stack used on any website.
Identify technologies used on websites here.
UTM Campaign Generator
Urchin Tracking Module (UTM) code is a snippet that is used to help with tracking campaign performance. Add campaign parameters quickly and easily using the campaign URL builder below.
Generate UTM code here
Expert Digital Marketing Services from Wildcat Digital
Make sure that your online presence is not falling behind in the fast-paced digital landscape. We offer a range of quality SEO, PPC and Paid Media services, giving your business a boost online. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation, and see how our team can help you to reach your digital goals.
Andy Blanchard
Senior SEO Executive
