Google's 2024 Core Update - Today, Google launched their 2024 core update to Google Search. This update is designed to continue their work to improve the quality of our search results by showing more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search.

This latest update takes into account the feedback Google has heard from some creators and others over the past few months. As always, Google aims to connect people with a range of high quality sites, including small or independent sites that are creating useful, original content, when relevant to users' searches. This is an area they'll continue to address in future updates. This update also aims to better capture improvements that sites may have made, so Google can continue to show the best of the web.

Google has also updated their help page about core updates, which includes more in-depth guidance for those who may see changes after an update.

Be aware that Google restructured the core updates documentation to better help site owners assess a traffic drop and make improvements to their site. The new support doc has clearer sections and includes information (such as traffic drops and the self-assessment guidance) from other support docs.

Don't expect this core update to finish rolling out until sometime in the middle of September.

Local Service Ads: Photos Boost Visibility & Rankings

Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) are now incorporating photos. The new update is intended to enhance your business's online visibility, help you attract more qualified leads and ultimately boost your local market presence.

How Photos Impact LSAs

• Improved Ad Rank: Google has explicitly stated that high-quality photos can contribute to improved LSA rankings. This means that businesses with visually appealing and relevant photos may see their ads appear higher in search results.
• Increased Engagement: Photos can make your LSA more visually appealing, attracting more clicks and potentially leading to more leads.
• Better Understanding of Your Business: Photos offer potential customers a glimpse into your services and build trust.
• Quality Matters: Use high-resolution, clear, and professional-looking photos.
• Relevance: Ensure photos directly relate to the services you offer.
• Quantity: While one photo can make a difference, uploading multiple photos can increase your chances of having a photo selected for your ad.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent visual style across all your photos.

Google Reviews will be collected slightly differently in the next few months - Stay tuned!!!