Google Search Updates - January 2022

By Mixbrigade

This year has kicked off a bit slow in terms of Google search updates. I will list down a few which are worth mentioning.

Here is the list below:

#1 IndexIfEmbedded – New Robots Tag

On the 21st January, Google introduced a new robots tag, indexifembedded. This tag allows Google to index content only if its embedded to a third party website in an iframe or a similar HTML tag. This tag will only be applicable for already noIndex tagged pages.

Is this new Tag for me?

indexifembedded tag may not be useful for everyone. This tag addresses a common issue that especially affects media publishers: while they may want their content indexed when it’s embedded on third-party pages, they don’t necessarily want their media pages indexed on their own. Therefore, if you are a publisher or work for one, it would be worthwhile exploring this tag.

How to add indexifembedded tag on my website?

If you like to have your content indexed only when its embedded, make sure the content either already has a noindex tag or use a combination of both noindex and indexifembedded together. Example of implementation is below: For more details check out this link

#2 Google Changed Maps layout in local search

Google has confirmed that it is moving the local business search results to the top and the location map on the right of those local results on desktop search. As per Google, this change will allow users to see the search results at first instance and will not require to scroll down.

New Google local pack design rolling out with the local results higher on the page and the map on the right side of the page for desktop search https://t.co/EAWZcewZeQ pic.twitter.com/yLI0N1fquT
— Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) December 10, 2021

Some critics believe that this change may have less to do with the improving of user experience than with the creating of ads space for local search. So we can expect that Google will be adding more advert real estate on top of local search in near future to promote local businesses. Anyhow, personally I like the new look :).

#3 New YouTube Features for creators

Youtube via Creator Insider channel announced, that it is launching new features for creators, which will help them save some leg work while uploading content on the platform. Places Mentioned will be an easy and visual way for viewers to learn about locations mentioned in the video. This new link format will be added automatically within the video description box. Previously, the only way to add location link was done manually in the description box. We don’t have enough information as yet, since the Youtube has not released any design mockup of how this feature will look like. Stay tuned, we will keep you updated when visuals are available. Permission Support for Live Control Room: Permission support help creators assign roles to others, granting them various degrees of access with in Youtube Studio. Youtube has announced to extend this permission support to Live Control Room in Youtube Studio on desktop. Now Managers and Editors can now create, start and manage live streams.

Auto Chapters Update: Youtube has launch the ability to edit auto chapters from the video description. With a single check on the box you can overwrite the automatic chapters anytime.

#4 Google News has tuned its impression data collection system

Google has recently updated its logging system for Google News to make it more accurate. You may notice a reduction in the number of impressions for your site in the performance report for Google News. These improvements are to ensure you receive the most accurate report on impressions from Google News via Search Console and don’t reflect any changes in user behavior on the Google News app or news.google.com.

#4 GA4 can now be linked to Google Console

A quick update, Google has announced that GA4 can now be linked to Google Console properties. This feature was already available in Universal GA.

Check out the original tweet from Search Central below

Starting today, you can link @googleanalytics 4 and Search Console properties ⛓️! Check out the Associations page for more details https://t.co/gyBfWMG4vH
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) December 15, 2021

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End of blog