Welcome one and all to the September digital marketing monthly round-up! Yes, it’s starting to get colder, but at least you can get a Pumpkin Spice Latte as you wrap up warm and look forward to Halloween and Christmas (Yes, I said the C word). September was a busy month as the Rugby World Cup kicked off in Japan, Greta Thunberg made waves at the UN Climate Change Conference and Margaret Atwood released The Testaments, the long awaited sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. It was a huge month in SEO, PPC and Content Marketing. So, if you missed anything, put your feet up and get a cuppa and we’ll take you through the latest developments.
1. September Core Algorithm Update
The biggest news to hit search came on 24th September when Google announced a broad core algorithm update would take place. It seems standard practice for Google to announce updates before they take place. Since it went live, the update has been seen as a ‘weaker’ update than June by Search Engine Land with little changes to some rankings, but there were big winners and losers as usual. The highest profile win was Daily Mail, who recovered from huge losses in June. Other winners included ebackpage.com and marionschool.net. Biggest losers included RoyalCarribbean.com.au.
2. Google’s Advice for Surviving Algorithm Updates
With the algorithm update taking place, you may need advice in recovering your site from any negative impact. We decided to break down Google’s wise words and put it into one blog in Google’s Advice For Surviving Algorithm Updates. With content, E-A-T and more to think about, it’s best to get the advice now!
3. Google’s 21st Birthday
September saw Google celebrating its 21st birthday! The brainchild of Larry Page and Sergey Brin, what started as a website to rank other websites has become an international multi-billion dollar company. Google is currently placed as one of the big four technology companies in the world alongside Amazon, Apple and Facebook.
4. Google Changes How it Treats Nofollow Links
Google has made a huge change in how it treats nofollow attributes, not considering it a directive but rather a hint. The search company’s algorithms will now decide whether a link should be a nofollow or not. So whether you use nofollow, sponsored or ugc, the search engine will decide what to do next. Find out more in How Does Google’s Nofollow Links Affect SEO.
5. Site Owners Can Now Customise Search Results Snippets
Have you always wanted the ability to customise how your content is previewed in the search results? Now you can with multiple methods introduced that can be added to your HTML pages or through the x-robots-tag-HTTP header. Before Google generated snippets based on search queries, so this added customisation is welcomed!
6. PPC Management Tips for Small Businesses
Not every business has a huge budget to invest in a PPC campaign, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. At Ricemedia, we have vast experience handling PPC budgets of all sizes and we know how to get the best out of them. Our own Kristine provided Essential PPC Management Tips For Small Businesses ranging from narrowing your focus to using geotargeting for best results.
7. Google Ads Updated with Cross-Account Analysis
Report Editor in Google Ads now makes it easier to analyse the performance of campaigns across multiple accounts. Previously, users had to download reports and use software to determine performance, but now it can be done in your web browser in real-time. Cross-account reporting can be found in Manager accounts and can currently be used for up to 10 accounts – this will increase in the future.
8. Google Ads App Now Displays Campaign Optimisation Scores
If you use Google Ads on the go, the app can now give you an optimisation score for your campaigns, with scores ranging from 0% to 100%. Previously, the optimisation score was only available on desktop. Now you can make changes immediately, wherever you are, to improve your optimisation score.
9. Buy Now Reminders on Instagram
Instagram are now testing launch day “Buy on Instagram” reminders for a select amount of brands. This latest feature helps brands build excitement towards the latest product launch and users can opt-in to receive reminders. Instagram continues to flex its muscles as an e-commerce solution for businesses and these latest updates certainly continue in that vein.
10. Ricemedia Welcomes Five New Staff Members
Ricemedia celebrated welcoming five new staff members to the team to meet the growing demand for our digital marketing services! Midlands Business News and Entirely Marketing covered our exciting update! Owner and found Paul Rice commented, “If you told me when I started this business over 18 years ago that I would take on five new members of staff in a week, I wouldn’t have believed you! It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to offer careers to such enthusiastic and smart young people. The future is very bright for them and us.”
