Google indexing points, pre-Christmas rating volatility and native replace, full-width interfaces, Log4j and extra

We had some funny bugs this week as both Google Search had some massive indexing issues and Google Ads went offline for a couple of hours. Google has confirmed that between November 30th and December 8th, an update of the local search ranking was carried out in November 2021. It’s Christmas next week and the volatility of Google search rankings has gone through the roof. In fact, we expect the product reviews update to continue until just before Christmas Eve. Google’s local search results are still fluctuating and, in some cases, looking pretty spammy too. Google introduced a new full-width autocomplete UI with additional search predictions. Google is also testing a search interface they call “edge-to-edge” design. Google also tests additional full-width results like image packs, featured snippets, and more. Google’s John Mueller provided SEO tips on how to fix your Log4j security issues, not the ranking issue. Google Ads said it was safe when it comes to the Log4j vulnerabilities. Google said it could complete Mobile First Indexing in the first half of 2022. The Google Search Console was down for several hours yesterday for many SEOs. Google Search Console was incorrectly sending coverage issue notifications about redirect errors. The Google Search Console review snippets report has been updated to show fewer items. Google Analytics 4 can now sync with the Google Search Console, which normal GA could do for a while. Google added video review to the workflow for adding Google company profiles. Google Posts now only works to a limited extent for hotels. Google said it was almost impossible to tell which SEO efforts led to ranking success. Google said links aren’t mandatory for rankings and your website is unlikely to be penalized for affiliate links that aren’t unfollowed. Microsoft Bing will test the translation of your query. And then the Google AdSense support team will be offline for 18 days over the holidays. And if you want to help sponsor these vlogs go to patreon.com/barryschwartz. That was the search news this week at Round table for search engines.

SPONSOR: This week’s video review is sponsored by According to Interactive, a Chicago-based SEO company led by Brent D. Payne.

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