Keeping up with Google’s latest updates is key to doing well in search results. This past week, there were some big changes, including issues with Google Business Profile reviews, updates to search speed, and new AI tools. Let’s break down the biggest updates and what they mean for websites and businesses.
1. Google Business Profile Reviews Went Missing – Now Fixed
Many businesses noticed that their customer reviews on Google Business Profile (GBP) had disappeared. Since reviews help with rankings and trust, this was a big problem for local businesses. Google later confirmed the issue and restored the missing reviews. If you use GBP, check to make sure your reviews are back.
SEO Tip: Ask customers to leave reviews regularly since they help your business rank higher in local searches.
2. Google Sitelinks Showed Wrong URLs Due to a Bug
Some websites had incorrect links appearing under their search results because of a Google algorithm bug. This made it harder for users to find the right pages. Google has now fixed the issue, but it’s always a good idea to check how your site appears in search results.
SEO Strategy: Keep your website’s navigation well-organized to help Google choose the right sitelinks.
3. Google Updates Report on Page Loading Speed
Google’s Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX) now provides better insights into why pages load slowly, especially focusing on Largest Contentful Paint (LCP). Since page speed affects rankings, this update helps website owners understand and fix slow-loading pages.
SEO Action Point: Improve page speed by compressing images, reducing unnecessary code, and using a fast hosting service.
4. Google Now Prefetches Search Results for Faster Loading
Google is now preloading certain search results so pages open faster. This means websites with fast load times and good rankings could see even better user engagement.
SEO Optimization Tip: Make sure your site loads quickly on mobile devices and has clear, easy-to-read content to benefit from this feature.
5. Google’s Q4 Earnings Report & AI Investments
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, reported a 12% increase in revenue, mainly from online ads. However, its AI and cloud investments didn’t grow as expected, causing an 8% drop in stock value. AI-powered search continues to evolve, and businesses should prepare for more AI-driven changes.
SEO Takeaway: AI is shaping search results. Use AI-powered tools for content creation but ensure your content is high-quality and trustworthy.
6. Hackers Used Google Tag Manager to Steal Credit Card Info
Cybercriminals found a way to insert harmful scripts into websites through Google Tag Manager, allowing them to steal credit card numbers. This highlights the importance of strong website security.
SEO & Security Tip: Regularly check and update your website’s security settings to prevent hacking risks.
7. New AI Chatbot DeepSeek-R1 Shakes Up the Industry
A new AI chatbot called DeepSeek-R1 is making headlines for being powerful yet affordable. It competes with tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and is open-source, meaning developers can use and improve it freely.
SEO Perspective: AI-generated content is becoming more popular, but human oversight is still essential to ensure quality and credibility.
8. Google Updates Product Markup for Member Pricing
Google now allows businesses to highlight special pricing for members in search results. This helps e-commerce sites attract more customers with exclusive discounts.
E-Commerce SEO Tip: Update your website’s structured data so Google can display member-only pricing correctly.
9. Google Says Anchor URLs Are Safe in Search Console
Google confirmed that URLs containing anchor links (like “#section”) are fine in Search Console reports and do not harm rankings.
SEO Advice: Use anchor links wisely to improve navigation and user experience on your website.
Final Thoughts: Key SEO Takeaways for This Week
✔ Keep track of Google’s algorithm updates to maintain your search rankings.
✔ Improve your site’s loading speed for better performance.
✔ Use AI tools carefully while keeping content high-quality and human-reviewed.
✔ Secure your website to prevent cyber threats.
✔ Update product markup for better e-commerce visibility.