Search Recap: Google introduces new features including video uploads, featured snippets and more

With the year flying by before we know it, it’s imperative for businesses and individuals to stay on top of Google’s recent and upcoming changes. Our monthly search recap report provides advice, insight and knowledge into the latest search marketing updates to ensure no one is left behind the curve.

If you’re wondering how the latest search updates will affect you and your business, read below.

1. New Google Search Console

Ask and you shall receive! Google Search Console has rolled out a game changer with their beta version, including access to 16 months’ worth of data which enables businesses to analyse year-to-year comparisons and trends. With a simplified process, the beta version will add functionality to search performance, index coverage, AMP status and job posting reports. Both versions of the Search Console will exist until the new (beta) console is completely rebuilt.

Find the comprehensive guide here.

2. Google Mobile Page Speed Update

Google has officially announced that mobile page speed will play a significant role in a website’s ranking. Set to launch in July 2018, business owners have the upcoming months to prepare and ensure their sites will not be negatively impacted. According to a Google spokesperson, there will be no notice via Search Console if your site is considered slow, and there is no tool that can be used to tell a site owner if they are impacted. Is your business ready?

For everything, you need to know about the approaching changes, click here.

3. Google My Business Video Uploads

With Google My Business (GMB) continuously growing and expanding their features for business owners, it’s no surprise that they’re now offering video uploads. With a maximum length of 30 seconds, your published video can be visible on both business listings in Maps or the local web search results. Now that we know you can upload videos to your GMB, we need to understand why. A video is a new, unique and exciting way to show customers you are different from your competitors, to showcase your work or to explain your products. With video traffic forecast to make up 90% of traffic by 2019, what’s stopping you from jumping on this growing trend?

Learn more about GMB Video Uploads here.

4. Google’s Featured Snippets

Google has given us a behind-the-scenes guide to how their featured snippets work and we couldn’t be more excited! Used not just for written content, but also for videos tutorials, featured snippets are ideal for mobile and voice searches. After being introduced in 2014, Google is working to improve their snippets through a range of updates including, Search Quality Rater Guidelines, near-match systems and offering multiple perspective snippets.

Improving search results one snippet at a time. Learn more here.

With user feedback being more important than ever, what are your thoughts on the recent Google updates?