Now that we're midway through September and fully into the swing of Autumn, it's time to take a look at what is happening in digital. This month, we've seen a variety of updates, from Google's latest core algorithm tweak to exciting advancements in AI search.
This month we'll be discussing:

• The August 2024 Google Core Algorithm Update
• Labelling now possible for AI images
• Paid Ads now stand out more on Google
• Google is translating into 8 more languages
• Open AI is launching SearchGPT
• The Google Maps pin scam
  

1. Google Core Algorithm Update (August 2024): What You Need to Know

Get ready for another round of SEO adjustments! Google rolled out a core update in mid-August, impacting search results across the globe. Here's a quick rundown:

• Launched: August 15, 2024 (around 11 am ET)
• Targets: All types of content
• Focus: Promoting high-quality, helpful content, not penalizing lower-quality pages
• Impact: While core updates generally reward helpful content, this one specifically aims to benefit small and independent publishers.
• Discoverability: The update affects Google Discover, feature snippets, and other search features.
• Recovery: If your site took a hit, focus on improving your content based on Google's core update advice.
• Future Updates: Google will refresh the algorithm periodically, but may not always announce these changes.

2. Spot the AI: Google Search Now Labels AI-Generated Images

Ever wondered if the image you saw online was real or computer-generated? Google Search now has the functionality for you to easily find out. They've introduced labels for AI-generated or manipulated images. This covers two main types of manipulation:

• Inpainting: Enhancing an image to restore or reconstruct missing parts.
• Outpainting: Extending an image beyond its original borders, adding entirely new elements.

3. Google Tests New Design for Paid Ads

Google is testing a new design in the US that makes paid ads stand out more in search results. This prime real estate could lead to:

• Increased traffic: Users might find it hard to miss the ads and click through.
• Potential user frustration: The prominent placement might come across as intrusive.

This could also impact organic search results, as changes in paid traffic can affect organic attribution.

4. Google Translate Now Supports 8 More Languages

Google Translate has added support for 8 new languages:

• Arabic
• Gujarati
• Korean
• Persian
• Thai
• Turkish
• Urdu
• Vietnamese

5. OpenAI Enters the Search Arena with SearchGPT

The world of AI search has a new announcement. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is launching a prototype called SearchGPT. Still under testing, SearchGPT aims to provide fast answers to your queries by pulling information from relevant sources. User feedback will be used to integrate SearchGPT with the existing ChatGPT platform.

6. Be aware of the Google Maps Pin Scam

Here's a heads-up for businesses with Google My Business profiles. A new scam involves competitors moving the location of businesses on Maps. This can be done more easily than you may think - using the ''suggest an edit'' feature to move your Google Maps pin to a wrong location. This can negatively impact your rankings. Google My Business doesn't notify owners of this change, so it's important for you to check manually.

Stay tuned for more digital updates next month!