In this series, we will discuss about how Google is testing out search results without displaying the URL of the website, a variation on the ‘search by photos option’ and MANY other topics. Please read on to find out more…..
1 Search Results without URLs
Google has been testing search results without URLs and displaying only the website name.
This is a link to the screenshot that was attached by a Reddit user who observed that Google was displaying only the website names.
There has been discussion about the same subject in Twitter and Reddit, some saying that this might not impact SEO much, while some think that removing URLs from the search results will make people rely more on Google or a search engine to search for a business rather than a user directly typing in the website URL.
We would like to know what you think about this new development and how it might impact upon your business. Please leave your thoughts in the comment section.
2 Local Search has been improved with better “Search by Photos” option
Google has included a search by photos option for some business areas. We are not sure if this is a ‘test’ phase or if Google is planning to roll out this option to all types of businesses in the future. Currently this option is available in mobile results. Some categories that have this option included are Food and Dining, Medicine (Hospital/Clinic) and Jewelry.
When you search for any restaurant service (local search) on your mobile, you will see the “search by photos” option either below your local results or sometimes below the local + organic results.
Image is definitely an important aspect of how a search result can influence a user and proven because statistically CTR (click through rate) is known to be higher for results with images. Google has always given more importance to high quality images. So it is time for you to start adding picture perfect, high quality and professional images of your business, products and services in order to stay on top of the Google search results.
3 BYE BYE FLASH!
Google announced that Flash content is disabled in Chrome (from version 76) and it will also stop indexing Flash content for search in the near future.
Flash was initially released in 1996 and it was an all time favorite for developers who wanted to include multimedia content in their website. The software was developed by Macromedia and distributed by Adobe Systems since 2005. It also supported various data formats like XML, JSON and SWF. Google also mentioned that it will stop indexing standalone SWF content.
Adobe Systems will officially stop updating and distributing Flash in December 2020. Most web applications and content these days rely on HTML 5 formats and so, this update might not impact the majority of users. Still, users relying on Flash content might have to work with developers or professionals to start migrating their Flash content to HTML 5 or other browser supported data formats fairly quickly. Be warned and be prepared!….
4 YouTube Videos to help you understand SEO
A video series that will help new webmasters has just been launched. The name of the video series is “Search for Beginners”. Not just for new webmasters, it is for anyone who is interested in knowing the basics of developing an online presence.
The videos are simple, easy to follow and completely informative. The information provided in the videos are mostly answers to questions asked by several users around the world through various portals like forums and social media channels/events.
Knowledge sharing is also possible by posting comments below the videos. Handy if you want to dip your toe into the pond.
