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Google Rolls Out November 2024 Core Algorithm Update: What You Need to Know

On 12th November 2024, Google began rolling out its latest core algorithm update, aiming to improve the relevance and quality of search results. As with previous updates, this change brings significant implications for website owners, marketers, and content creators. In this post we break down what this update involves and how businesses, including those working with O'Brien Media, can adjust to...
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Google’s Revamped Shopping Experience: What It Means for Businesses

The way consumers shop online has undergone a massive shift over the past decade, driven by rapid advancements in technology and changing user preferences. In line with this, Google has announced a complete overhaul of its shopping experience, making it more immersive, intuitive, and helpful for both shoppers and businesses. At O’Brien Media, we keep a close eye on these changes because they...
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The Impact of Heading Tags on SEO: Clarification from Google

In the realm of search engine optimisation (SEO), heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) have often been highlighted as essential elements for both user experience and boosting rankings. However, a recent clarification from Google has offered some valuable insight into their actual influence on search rankings. Google’s View on Heading Tags and Rankings Google’s Search Advocate, John Mueller,...
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Google Vertex AI Crawler: What It Means for Your Website

Google has recently introduced a new AI-powered web crawler named "Google-Extended," which is part of its Vertex AI platform. This development has significant implications for website owners and digital marketers, particularly those focused on SEO and content strategy. What is Google Vertex AI? Google Vertex AI is a comprehensive machine learning platform that provides tools for developing,...
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Google Expands AI-Powered Search Overviews Globally: A Game-Changer for Search Experience

Google has recently extended its AI-driven search overviews to six additional countries: the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil. Initially launched in the United States, this feature uses advanced artificial intelligence to offer users concise summaries of search results, aiming to streamline the process of finding relevant information, particularly for complex queries....
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Google Universal Analytics Data Deletion in July 2024: Essential Steps for Small Businesses

Google has announced that all data from Universal Analytics (UA) will be deleted on 1st July 2024. This development is critical for small businesses that have relied on UA for insights and decision-making. As we approach this deadline, it is essential to act quickly to secure your data and transition to Google Analytics 4 (GA4). What This Means for Your Business Universal Analytics has long been...
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Understanding Google’s “New Reasons Prevent Pages in a Sitemap from Being Indexed” Email

If you've received an email from Google titled "New reasons prevent pages in a sitemap from being indexed," you may be wondering what it means and how to address the issue. This notification indicates that Google has encountered problems that prevent certain pages in your sitemap from being indexed. Let's explore the common reasons behind this and how you can resolve these issues to improve your...
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Unpacking Google’s March 2024 Algorithm Update

In March 2024, Google implemented a significant update to its Core Web Vitals, shifting from the First Input Delay (FID) metric to the new Interaction to Next Paint (INP). This move, aimed at refining how user interactions and website responsiveness are measured, marks a pivotal change in the landscape of search engine optimisation and website performance evaluation. Understanding the Shift The...
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Google Sites Shutdown: Why Your Business Needs a Website Now More Than Ever

Google has brought the era of Google Sites to a close, signalling a shift that leaves many businesses without an online home. As these sites turn off in March 2024, with redirects only operational until 10 June 2024, the message is clear: the need for a dedicated, robust website for your business has never been more urgent. This is where O'Brien Media steps in, offering an essential lifeline for...
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Google homepage on the screen under a magnifying glass.

Google’s Jan/Feb 2024 Indexing Glitch: The Impact and Moving Forward

In recent developments, Google has acknowledged a technical glitch causing significant indexing delays for newly published web content, casting a shadow over the visibility of fresh materials on the internet. This hiccup, starting on January 31st, has stirred concerns among content creators and publishers, especially those whose outreach and engagement heavily depend on the timeliness of their...
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