Daily Search Forum Recap: January 26, 2022 -

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web.

Google has dropped FLoC and is trying to replace it with the Topics API – how embarrassing for Google. Google said the product reviews update is for products, but not places or things. Google said deep folder URLs is not an issue for Google or SEO, again. Google Assistant now lets you just say “Stop” to stop it from talking without first saying “Hey Google.” Most SEOs understand that if Google gave over 100% transparency about its search algorithm, it would lead to poorer results.

Search Engine Roundtable Stories:

Google Drops FLoC For Topics API With 300+ Topics

Surprise, surprise – Google has decided to drop FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts), its cookie alternative, with something called Topics API. The Topics API will use browsing topics into 300 or so categories. Yep, FLoC is a FLoP.

Google Product Reviews Update Not Designed For Reviews Of Places Or Things

Lily Ray asked John Mueller of Google if the product reviews update work also for reviews of places or things. For example, think about comparing universities, online courses, vacation locations, etc. John Mueller said no, “I suspect not, since these aren’t really products,” he said.

You Can Tell Google To “Stop” Without Saying “Hey Google” First

How many times are you on client calls or meetings and then your Google Assistant device goes off. Then you scramble to say “hey Google — stop.” Well, now all you need to do is say “Stop” and Google will stop, even if you do not first say “Hey Google.”

Most SEOs Think 100% Google Algorithm Transparency Would Lead To Worse Search Results

Google has often said that if they shared the full details of how its search algorithms and ranking factors would work, it would lead to abuse and poorer quality results. It seems like most SEOs agree with that sentiment.

Google: Deep Looking Subfolders In URLs Doesn’t Matter For SEO

Does it matter how deep your subfolder URL structure is for SEO purposes and Google rankings? No, not really. John Mueller of Google said even recently on Twitter “I don’t think any search engine would care either way.”

Cotton Candy At Google Shanghai

Here is a somewhat recent photo from the Google Shanghai office of a Googler who has cotton candy. I guess Google has cotton candy machines at the office? I am not a huge fan of cotton candy but it

Other Great Search Threads:

Search Engine Land Stories:

Feedback:

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