In the last two weeks, we have been busy looking through a series of amazing updates from Google, including the launch of Dataset Search which is one of a chain of initiatives taken by the search engine giant to bring datasets more prominently into their products. As you move through the digest, you will notice a number of other, not-so-routine updates coming soon that could have great significance for advertisers, as well as the regular users of Google. Let’s jump right in, but for more in-depth discussion don't miss our Search Marketing Scoop podcast, where Jennifer Slegg and Christi Olson will be discussing all the latest headlines. GOOGLE SEARCH NEWS Google Algorithm Update On September 11th There is an increasing amount of chatter among the online community about a possible algorithm update from Google last week. Most of the tools used to monitor Google updates, site rankings, and SEO trends are also reported to have shown significant fluctuation in rankings. … [Read more...] about Google News Digest: New Algo Update, Responsive Display Ads, Dataset Search Launch and More
Google apps update alerts
Google Now for Android Gets 70 New App Integrations
Google is striving to surface even more useful content for Android users, as today the company announced new Google Now cards from 70 additional app partners. Google Now is a predictive search tool integrated into the Android operating system that tracks important information about its users, and surfaces it when they need it most. For example — getting a flight booking confirmation in Gmail will trigger Google Now to remember when your upcoming flight is, and alert you beforehand whether it’s delayed, canceled, or on time. Now that same kind of functionality is going to work with even more apps — such as Zipcar, Spotify, Feedly, and more Android apps that you probably use every day. Here is an overview of some of the most useful new integrations: Zipcar: Alerts you when your return time is coming up, provides directions to drop off point. Spotify/YouTube/Etc: Get recommended playlists from your favorite media apps based on your preferences. Feedly (& other … [Read more...] about Google Now for Android Gets 70 New App Integrations
Google Now: Taking the Search Out of Search
In a world where we’re distracted by some 30,000+ brand messages per day, effortlessness in the user experience is becoming a highly desirable quality. Crafty Google, in realization of this, has been working overtime on the most effortless experience possible. Released as a standalone app for Android and as an integrated update to the Google App for iOS, Google Now assesses the behavior of a user logged into his or her Google account, and, over time, develops an understanding of what that user wants and needs. As engagement with the app progresses, customized content begins to filter into the UI in the form of categorical “cards” – weather alerts, breaking news, calendar reminders and so forth – all compiled based on past behavior, current context, and ongoing interaction. The more you search and use other Google tools like Gmail and Google Calendar, the more Google learns until your need to actually expend any effort whatsoever – talking, tapping, … [Read more...] about Google Now: Taking the Search Out of Search
Google Now Cards Featuring Merchant Data
Google Now is Google’s predictive search solution that tries to anticipate a user’s needs before the user searches. It presents information in the form of “answer cards” on your mobile phone, your smartwatch or (if you have downloaded the plugin) on your desktop computer. The previous article in this series discussed Google’s Private Index and how it is beginning to impact searchers, especially with Google Now and Now on Tap. This article will build on that. This is the second article in a three-part series, and it will help explain how Google’s Private Index will allow notifications to searchers when the price of a product they are interested in decreases. The article will also dig into Google’s ability to understand images, to help them identify competitive products other than the product presented in Google Now. In a previous version of this column, we referred to these as “sponsored” Now cards, but we’ve since received … [Read more...] about Google Now Cards Featuring Merchant Data
Searchmetrics now shows where your app appears in App Packs
SEO and content marketing analytics service Searchmetrics has announced several new features, including the ability to see where your mobile apps — or those of competitors — appear in the Google App Packs or where your paid app ads show up on a mobile search results page. The San Mateo, California-based company said this kind of analysis in its Mobile App Rankings is the first of its kind. The new features were made available in Europe in March and are now being rolled out to the US. For example, Director of Product Helen Shaughnessy told me, if you search for “free music downloads” on a smartphone, you’re “highly likely to find Spotify and SoundCloud apps in the accompanying App Pack.” A Google App Pack is a group of up to six suggested apps that might be returned in a Google mobile search, appearing as colorful tiles with app names, icons, prices and ratings. They link to the app download pages in the Google or Apple app stores. Searchmetrics … [Read more...] about Searchmetrics now shows where your app appears in App Packs