🗑️ Search Shake Up

FEATURE

Google announced a significant organic search ranking update for March. The goal is to “surface the most helpful information on the web and reduce unoriginal content in search results”.

Google projected a 40% reduction in what they deem to be low-quality search results. This could include websites created primarily to match specific search queries, often monetized through affiliate links.

Google said to expect more ranking fluctuations than usual as the update rolls out during the month.

Sources: Google, Google Developers, Search Engine Journal

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Microsoft has made its own version of Google’s Performance Max available globally. Performance Max campaigns are an automated advertising solution that will serve ads across Mircosoft’s ad network. (Microsoft)

TikTok could be forced to sell, or risk removal from US app stores. A bipartisan bill wants to separate TikTok from its parent company, Bytedance, over ongoing security concerns. (BBC)

TikTok now enables all creators to offer subscription packages to their followers. This is part of its latest effort to provide more monetization options to keep top talent posting to the app. (Social Media Today)

Google Ads will automatically pause ad groups with low activity that haven't had impressions in the past 13 months. This will improve budget efficiency and advertisers can still turn them back on if needed. (Search Engine Land)

The European Union Digital Markets Act is here. The new EU law requires greater interoperability across the major tech platforms. Making it harder for gatekeepers to favor their own services or block other businesses from reaching consumers on their platforms. (The Verge)