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                <title>Search Engine Roundtable</title>
                <link>https://www.seroundtable.com</link>
                <description><![CDATA[A well-rounded view on search engines and search engine marketing from five segments of the Web population represented by senior members of the major SEO/SEM forums on the Internet.]]></description>
                <dc:language>en-us</dc:language>
                <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                <dc:date>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:21:00 -0400</dc:date>
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                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/grokipedia-continues-drop-google-ai-search-41139.html">
                    <title>Grokipedia Continues To Drop in Search Visibility And AI Search Visibility</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/grokipedia-continues-drop-google-ai-search-41139.html</link>
                    <author>Glenn Gabe</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/grokipedia-drop-more-1775213427.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Grokipedia continues to drop in Google"/></p><p>In February I shared how Grokipedia <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/grokipedia-seeing-decline-in-google-visibility-40904.html">started dropping heavily</a> in Google after initially surging. It became yet another example of what I call "Mt. AI". That's when sites scaling heavily with AI-generated content initially surge in Google, but then drop heavily as Google's systems adjust.</p><p>Well, it looks like Grokipedia might be dropping more with the <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-march-2026-core-update-41121.html">March 2026 broad core update</a>. In addition, when reviewing AI Search visibility for the site, you can see the same trend that you see with Google search visibility. It surges and then drops heavily across AI Overviews, AI Mode, and then ChatGPT. </p><p>Like I shared yesterday on X, drop in Google and you can drop heavily in AI Search. This was a great example of that happening and the decline seems to be continuing with the latest broad core update. Note, Barry covered my initial shares about this in February and then Malte Landwehr from Peec.ai performed his own analysis. He <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/landwehr_update-chatgpt-google-dropped-grokipedia-ugcPost-7426564339014287360-45wg/">confirmed that Grokipedia</a> was dropping across AI platforms. </p><p>Anyway, here is my tweet from yesterday, along with the screenshots I shared.</p><p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Grokipedia drops in search (and more with the March 2026 core update) and then Grokipedia drops in AIOs, AI Mode, and yes, ChatGPT. Again, drop in Google and you can drop in AI Search (across surfaces and platforms). <br><br>First screenshot is search visibility, second is citations in'... <a href="https://t.co/GaQNSbJxSi">pic.twitter.com/GaQNSbJxSi</a></p>'" Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) <a href="https://twitter.com/glenngabe/status/2039782964767207791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2026</a></blockquote> </p><p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/grok-drop-search-1775212444.png" style="max-width:100%" alt="Grokipedia dropping in Google"/></p><p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/grok-drop-a-1775212517.png" style="max-width:100%" alt="Grokipedia dropping in AIOs"/></p><p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/grok-drop-b-1775212498.png" style="max-width:100%" alt="Grokipedia dropping in ChatGPT"/></p><p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/grok-drop-c-1775212473.png" style="max-width:100%" alt="Grokipedia dropping in AI Mode"/></p><p><h2>Favicon Gone Missing</h2>
In addition, Grokipedia seems to have lost its favicon in the SERPs. That's wouldn't be from an algorithm update, but I wanted to point that out. They should read my post about <a href="https://www.gsqi.com/marketing-blog/favicon-problems-google-search/">how to troubleshoot favicon issues</a> in order to find the issue. As of now, it's just the lonely generic globe icon being displayed in the search results. </p><p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/grokipedia-favicon-1775212832.png" style="max-width:100%" alt="Grokipedia favicon missing"/></p><p><h2>Beware "Mt. AI":</h2>
From a "Mt. AI" perspective, it's a tough lesson that site owners are learning when they choose to scale heavily with purely AI-generated content. Google's systems can often adjust and the site can plummet in rankings. And again, when you drop in Google, you can often drop in AI Search as well. Beware. </p><p>GG</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Google Updates</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Glenn Gabe</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:21:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/recap-04-01-2026-41138.html">
                    <title>Daily Search Forum Recap: April 1, 2026</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/recap-04-01-2026-41138.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the <a href="http://www.seroundtable.com">Search Engine Roundtable</a> and other search forums on the web.</strong></p>
<p>
Going offline for Passover tonight through Saturday night, don't expect new stories tomorrow or Friday.
</p>
<h2>Search Engine Roundtable Stories:</h2>
<ul>
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/programming-note-offline-for-passover-5786-41135.html">Programming Note: Offline For Passover Thursday &amp; Friday</a></strong>
            <br />
            

This is a programming note that I am completely offline for the Passover holiday Thursday and Friday. I am likely not going to schedule any stories, I apologize (still in recovery mode)...
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ask-maps-available-us-and-india-41137.html">Google Ask Maps Fully Available In US and India</a></strong>
            <br />
            Earlier this month, Google rolled out the &quot;Ask Maps&quot; feature.  Now, Google said it is &quot;available to everyone in the U.S. and India.&quot;
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-explains-googlebot-41136.html">Google Explains Googlebot Crawling, Fetching &amp; Byte Limits</a></strong>
            <br />
            Google posted a new blog post named Inside Googlebot: demystifying crawling, fetching, and the bytes we process alongside episode 105 of the Search Off the Record segment named Google crawlers behind the scenes.
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/microsoft-advertising-merchant-center-store-domain-name-update-41132.html">Microsoft Advertising Merchant Center Enables Store &amp; Domain Name Updates</a></strong>
            <br />
            You can now update your store&#039;s name and / or domain name directly in Merchant Center within Microsoft Advertising.  
        </li>


</ul>
<h2>Other Great Search Threads:</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://x.com/JoyanneHawkins/status/2039029033560572413">ICYMI last week - Google is testing review count filters in the Google Maps App - This means your review count in relation to your competition could become much more important. h/t to @realTimKahlert for this find</a>, Joy Hawkins on X</li>
<li><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/johnmu.com/post/3mig3h4ew7k2s">How did we go from using URL shorteners for making it easier &amp; faster to link to stuff, to using them to display an interstitial that makes everything harder &amp; slower?</a>, John Mueller on Bluesky</li>
<li><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/johnmu.com/post/3mig2sr2ha22e">I think it might help the sites if we could be more direct though - whoever set up your site should read up on caching, and your hoster should upgrade the servers from 128kb RAM, or perhaps, switch servers / hosters if you want more content indexed + acce</a>, John Mueller on Bluesky</li>
<li><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/johnmu.com/post/3mig34zg5d22e">It's important to be clear about uncertainty in metrics, regardless of whether it's for SEO or anything else.   And, it's critical to make room &amp; set expectations for those you work with, that expressing uncertainty is a good thing.</a>, John Mueller on Bluesky</li>
</ul>
<h2>Search Engine Land Stories:</h2>
<ul>

<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/20-practical-ways-to-use-ai-in-seo-473078" title="20 practical ways to use AI in SEO">20 practical ways to use AI in SEO</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-zero-misses-real-problem-473050" title="'Google Zero' misses the real problem: Your next visitor isn't human">'Google Zero' misses the real problem: Your next visitor isn't human</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/reduce-cost-per-hire-linkedin-recruitment-campaigns-473092" title="How to reduce cost-per-hire with LinkedIn recruitment campaigns">How to reduce cost-per-hire with LinkedIn recruitment campaigns</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/smx-now-learn-how-brands-must-adapt-for-ai-driven-search-471869" title="SMX Now: Learn how brands must adapt for AI-driven search">SMX Now: Learn how brands must adapt for AI-driven search</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/youtube-adds-ai-creator-matching-and-new-ad-formats-to-its-partnerships-platform-473149" title="YouTube adds AI creator matching and ad formats to its partnerships platform">YouTube adds AI creator matching and ad formats to its partnerships platform</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/ai-search-engines-cite-reddit-youtube-and-linkedin-most-study-473138" title="AI search engines cite Reddit, YouTube, and LinkedIn most: Study">AI search engines cite Reddit, YouTube, and LinkedIn most: Study</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-gemini-tone-emotions-report-473118" title="Google Gemini may adapt AI answers to match user tone: Report">Google Gemini may adapt AI answers to match user tone: Report</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-expands-merchant-center-loyalty-features-to-14-countries-and-ai-surfaces-473122" title="Google expands Merchant Center loyalty features to 14 countries and AI surfaces">Google expands Merchant Center loyalty features to 14 countries and AI surfaces</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-explains-how-crawling-works-in-2026-473110" title="Google explains how crawling works in 2026">Google explains how crawling works in 2026</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/seo-job-listings-senior-level-roles-study-473088" title="59% of SEO jobs are now senior-level roles: Study">59% of SEO jobs are now senior-level roles: Study</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/technical-seo-generative-search-optimizing-ai-agents-473039" title="Technical SEO for generative search: Optimizing for AI agents">Technical SEO for generative search: Optimizing for AI agents</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/the-push-layer-returns-why-publish-and-wait-is-half-a-strategy-472941" title="The push layer returns: Why 'publish and wait' is half a strategy">The push layer returns: Why 'publish and wait' is half a strategy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/chatgpt-enables-location-sharing-for-more-precise-local-responses-473060" title="ChatGPT enables location sharing for more precise local responses">ChatGPT enables location sharing for more precise local responses</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Other Great Search Stories:</h2>
<p><strong>AI & LLMs</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/ai/veo-3-1-lite/">How developers can use Veo 3.1 Lite for AI video generation</a>, Google Blog</li>
<li><a href="https://moz.com/blog/garbage-ai-content">We Need To Have a Conversation About Garbage AI Content</a>, Moz</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Analytics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.jumpfly.com/blog/a-guide-to-the-analytics-section-in-google-merchant-center/">A Guide to the Analytics Section in Google Merchant Center</a>, JumpFly Digital Marketing Blog</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Industry & Business</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/workspace/google-account-username-change/">Here&rsquo;s how to change your Google Account username (and change your Gmail address)</a>, Google Blog</li>
<li><a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/lawyers-seeks-147-million-fee-in-google-privacy-button-case">Lawyers Seeks $147 Million Fee in Google Privacy Button Case</a>, Bloomberg</li>
<li><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/03/31/openai-funding-round-ipo.html">OpenAI closes funding round at an $852 billion valuation</a>, CNBC</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Links &amp; Content Marketing</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.oncrawl.com/content-marketing/content-optimization-hierarchy-ai-driven-search-redefines-content-strategy/">The content optimization hierarchy: How AI-driven search redefines content strategy</a>, Oncrawl</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Local & Maps</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/03/31/openais-chatgpt-now-available-hands-free-via-carplay-with-ios-264">ChatGPT now available via CarPlay with iOS 26.4</a>, AppleInsider</li>
<li><a href="https://searchlabdigital.com/blog/google-review-guidelines-2026-update/">Google Review Guidelines 2026 Update</a>, SearchLab Digital</li>
<li><a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/03/31/google-shows-how-you-should-use-ask-maps-as-the-feature-rolls-out-widely/">Google widely rolls out 'Ask Maps' feature [Gallery]</a>, 9to5Google</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thetimes.com/money/family-finances/article/scammers-extorting-small-businesses-fake-google-reviews-hfhfbwckr">The scammers extorting small businesses with fake Google reviews</a>, The Times</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>SEO</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bruceclay.com/blog/6-steps-to-boost-your-e-e-a-t-factor-this-year/">6 Steps to Boost Your E-E-A-T Factor This Year</a>, Bruce Clay</li>
<li><a href="https://yoast.com/yoast-seo-for-shopify-march-31-2026/">Introducing llms.txt to Shopify: Give AI a map to your best products</a>, Yoast</li>
<li><a href="https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2026/03/crawler-ip-ranges">New Location for the Google Crawlers' IP Range Files</a>, Google Search Central Blog</li>
<li><a href="https://www.wix.com/seo/learn/resource/seo-for-service-businesses">SEO for Service Businesses: An Essential Guide for Local Success</a>, Wix</li>
<li><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/uk-publisher-futures-shares-plummet-changes-google-search-traffic-hit-margins-2026-03-31/?taid=69cb899b043f9b0001a37d67">UK publisher Future's shares plummet as changes in Google search traffic hit margins</a>, Reuters</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sistrix.com/blog/what-ai-userbot-traffic-actually-reveals-about-your-website/">What AI Userbot Traffic Actually Reveals About Your Website</a>, SISTRIX</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>PPC</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://ppcnewsfeed.com/ppc-news/2026-03/google-expands-creator-partnerships-ai-matching/">Google Expands Creator Partnerships With AI Matching</a>, PPC News Feed</li>
<li><a href="https://ppcnewsfeed.com/ppc-news/2026-03/ai-alters-search-behaviors-without-eliminating-search-advertising/">AI Alters Search Behaviors Without Eliminating Search Advertising</a>, PPC News Feed</li>
<li><a href="https://hopskipmedia.com/how-to-fix-prevent-automation-drift-part-3/">How to Fix &amp; Prevent Automation Drift (Part 3)</a>, Hopskip Media</li>
<li><a href="https://smarter-ecommerce.com/blog/en/platform/what-insights-does-the-smec-platform-offer-on-top-of-google-ones/">What insights does the smec platform offer, that Google hides?</a>, Smarter Ecommerce</li>
<li><a href="https://ppchero.com/why-lsa-and-google-ads-cannibalize-each-other-and-how-to-fix-it/">Why LSA and Google Ads Cannibalize Each Other (And How to Fix It)</a>, PPC Hero</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Search Features</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-31/apple-tests-siri-feature-that-handles-multiple-commands-at-once">Apple Tests Siri Feature That Handles Multiple Commands at Once</a>, Bloomberg</li>
<li><a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/03/31/gemini-app-new-glow/">Gemini app rolls out new glow on Android, moves Temporary chat</a>, 9to5Google</li>
<li><a href="https://9to5google.com/2026/03/31/google-homes-latest-updates-include-gemini-in-spanish-improved-smart-home-controls/">Google Home updates include Gemini in Spanish, better controls</a>, 9to5Google</li>
</ul>
<h2>Feedback:</h2>
<p>
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/rustybrick/">@rustybrick</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/seroundtable">@seroundtable</a>, on <a href="https://www.threads.net/@rustybrick">Threads</a>, <a href="https://c.im/@rustybrick">Mastodon</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rustybrick.com">Bluesky</a> and you can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seoroundtable">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://news.google.com/publications/CAAiEGcxG7fAnv8WVJaUn-8kyrcqFAgKIhBnMRu3wJ7_FlSWlJ_vJMq3?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen">Google News</a>, add as a  <a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=seroundtable.com">preferred source on Google</a> and make sure to subscribe to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rustybrick?sub_confirmation=1">YouTube</a> channel, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id284443003">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tFYPk3RmdTfMKG6u074TS">Spotify</A>, or just contact us the <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/contact.php">old fashion way</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Search Forum Recap</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/programming-note-offline-for-passover-5786-41135.html">
                    <title>Programming Note: Offline For Passover Thursday &#38; Friday</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/programming-note-offline-for-passover-5786-41135.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/ser-passover-seder-green-1744214910.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Ser Passover Seder Green"/></p><p>This is a programming note that I am completely offline for the Passover holiday Thursday and Friday. I am likely not going to schedule any stories, I apologize (still in recovery mode).</p><p>I will be completely offline, so any social media posts, tweets, anything coming from this site or my social channels are all scheduled beforehand.</p><p>I won't be able to reply to comments, remove spam or break any stories on those days. I will catch up when I get back online.</p><p>Feel free to check out the <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/archives">archives</a> or catch up with the <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/category/videos">weekly videos</a>  or just browse the <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/category/photos">search pics</a>. Oh, and if you have nothing to do, feel free to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rustybrick?sub_confirmation=1">subscribe</a> to my YouTube channel.</p><p>For more on this holiday, check out <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover">Wikipedia</a>.</p><p>I am also offline for the last days of Passover, which are Wednesday and Thursday of next week.</p><p>For all those celebrating the holiday - have a good one and I'll be back on Sunday.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Blog Administration</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:51:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ask-maps-available-us-and-india-41137.html">
                    <title>Google Ask Maps Fully Available In US and India</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ask-maps-available-us-and-india-41137.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/google-maps-restaurant-1753012885.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Google Maps Restaurant"/></p><p>Earlier this month, Google rolled out the "Ask Maps" feature.  Now, Google said it is "available to everyone in the U.S. and India."</p><p>Ask Maps is a new feature in Google Maps that leverages Gemini to help users research local businesses, plan trips, get recommendations, and more.</p><p>Google Maps posted on <a href="https://x.com/googlemaps/status/2038767610750468584">X</a> saying, "Ask Maps is now available to everyone in the U.S. and India. Here are six prompts to get you started."</p><p>I'll embed those now:</p><p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looking for a bar quiet enough to read in? To find this specific atmosphere, Ask Maps sifts through millions of community reviews, cross-references Popular Times, and checks local event schedules to help you find peace and quiet. <a href="https://t.co/NmflNyifFz">pic.twitter.com/NmflNyifFz</a></p>&mdash; Google Maps (@googlemaps) <a href="https://twitter.com/googlemaps/status/2038767741709287613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2026</a></blockquote> </p><p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Any time you're going for a walk, ask Maps to generate a custom route based on scenery, historical landmarks, or local events. It can even calculate your departure time backwards so you arrive perfectly synced with the sunset. <a href="https://t.co/v6SIfHg23h">pic.twitter.com/v6SIfHg23h</a></p>&mdash; Google Maps (@googlemaps) <a href="https://twitter.com/googlemaps/status/2038767880033173813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2026</a></blockquote> </p><p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When finding a spot to eat, Ask Maps can combine multiple constraints to help you book a reservation instantly. <a href="https://t.co/bByNxHw7cR">pic.twitter.com/bByNxHw7cR</a></p>&mdash; Google Maps (@googlemaps) <a href="https://twitter.com/googlemaps/status/2038768014913650716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2026</a></blockquote> </p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://x.com/googlemaps/status/2038767610750468584">X</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Google Maps</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:31:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-explains-googlebot-41136.html">
                    <title>Google Explains Googlebot Crawling, Fetching &#38; Byte Limits</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/google-explains-googlebot-41136.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/lizzi-google-crawley-1726479799.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Lizzi Google Crawley"/></p><p>Google posted a new blog post named <a href="https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2026/03/crawler-blog-post">Inside Googlebot: demystifying crawling, fetching, and the bytes we process</a> alongside episode 105 of the Search Off the Record segment named <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpweMBnpS4Q">Google crawlers behind the scenes</a>.</p><p>In the article, Gary Illyes from Google explains:</p><p>(1) Googlebot isn't a single program</p><p>(2) Covers the 2MB limit.</p><p>(3) The Rendering the bytes</p><p>(4) Best practices for your bytes</p><p>Here is the podcast as well:</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JpweMBnpS4Q?si=n30WVDxWSGP75oBe" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><p>It is worth reviewing these, if you do SEO.</p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/seo-technicalseo-googlesearch-share-7444720801284739072-Fs5-/">LinkedIn</a>.</p><p><small><i>Image credit <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-crocheted-koala-holding-a-paintbrush-next-to-a-white-easel-x4PxDKdwNqA">Lizzi Sassman</a></i></small></p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Google Search Engine Optimization</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:21:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/microsoft-advertising-merchant-center-store-domain-name-update-41132.html">
                    <title>Microsoft Advertising Merchant Center Enables Store &#38; Domain Name Updates</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/microsoft-advertising-merchant-center-store-domain-name-update-41132.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/bing-warehouse-1774886672.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Bing Warehouse"/></p><p>You can now update your store's name and / or domain name directly in Merchant Center within Microsoft Advertising.  </p><p>Navah Hopkins, the Microsoft Advertising Liaison, announced this both on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/navahhopkins_exciting-update-for-ecommerce-microsoft-advertising-activity-7444410657262718976-4VtT/">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://x.com/MSFTAdsBuddy/status/2038646190959386778">X</a>.  Navah wrote, "Exciting update for ecommerce Microsoft Advertising customers: you can now update your Merchant Center store name and/or domain right from Merchant Center!"</p><p><ul><li>Store name change requires editorial review before it goes live.  Ads continue running with the current approved name while under review.</li>
<li>Store domain / URL change requires domain ownership verification before it goes live. Ads continue serving on the old domain until the new one is verified. Product URLs must match the new domain after approval.</li>
<li>Store names or domains can be reused if the store name passes editorial checks and the domain is verified and owned by the merchant.</li></ul></p><p>Here is a screenshot of the interface:</p><p><a href="https://images.seroundtable.com/microsoft-advertising-merchant-center-store-domain-name-update-1774886771.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/microsoft-advertising-merchant-center-store-domain-name-update-1774886771.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Microsoft Advertising Merchant Center Store Domain Name Update"/></a></p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/navahhopkins_exciting-update-for-ecommerce-microsoft-advertising-activity-7444410657262718976-4VtT/">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://x.com/MSFTAdsBuddy/status/2038646190959386778">X</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Bing Ads</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:11:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/recap-03-31-2026-41134.html">
                    <title>Daily Search Forum Recap: March 31, 2026</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/recap-03-31-2026-41134.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the <a href="http://www.seroundtable.com">Search Engine Roundtable</a> and other search forums on the web.</strong></p>
<p>
Google explained why core updates take longer to roll out.  Bing is testing invisible sponsored labels. ChatGPT enables precise location setting. Google Ads PMax asset group theming.  Google Business Profiles may call, text or WhatsApp to confirm information.
</p>
<h2>Search Engine Roundtable Stories:</h2>
<ul>
              <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-on-why-core-updates-take-weeks-41133.html">Google On Why Core Updates Take Weeks To Fully Roll Out</a></strong>
            <br />
            Google's John Mueller explained, one again, why it takes weeks to roll out a core update.  It is often because there are different components to core updates through the rollout stages, and each needs to be pushed individually. 
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/bing-transparent-sponsored-label-41131.html">Bing Tests Sponsored Label That Is Almost Transparent</a></strong>
            <br />
            Microsoft is at it again with its sponsored labels tests. This time, Microsoft is testing almost transparent sponsored labels within the Bing search results.  The labels are super grayed out and super hard to see.
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/chatgpt-location-sharing-41128.html">ChatGPT Enables Location Sharing For More Localized Near Me Results</a></strong>
            <br />
            Last week, OpenAI announced a new feature for ChatGPT named location sharing. This allows you to share your precise location with ChatGPT, so ChatGPT can give you more localized and near me results.
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ads-pmax-asset-group-theming-41127.html">Google Ads PMax Asset Group Theming</a></strong>
            <br />
            Google Ads is rolling out asset group theming for Performance Max campaigns.  This lets you copy an asset group and apply this theme to your text and images using Google AI.
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-call-text-or-whatsapp-41126.html">Google May Call, Text or WhatsApp To Confirm Business Details</a></strong>
            <br />
            Google is sending out emails with updates on how Google Business Profiles may verify your business details. Google said it may "reach out using automated messages via call, text, or WhatsApp to the verified phone number on your Business Profile."
        </li>


</ul>
<h2>Other Great Search Threads:</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://x.com/brunoramoslara/status/2037092634309636320?s=46&t=9VuTI-rbvN3Kx7iAmNiszw">AdSense Updates for 2026   This week I had the monthly internal meeting with the #AdSense forum managers, and they presented the updates coming this year for the program.    For now, I can only share what's already active for most publishers</a>, Bruno Ramos Lara on X</li>
<li><a href="https://x.com/adsliaison/status/2037587953543676377">Did you know you can start partnering with YouTube creators for your performance campaigns right in Google Ads? This week, I've been in NYC for the YouTube Newfronts and sat down IRL(!) with Melissa Nikolic whose teams are building t</a>, AdsLiaison on X</li>
<li><a href="https://x.com/oncescuradu/status/2037477404541608347">Google now places a call to action button for posts shown in Google Discover from X, 'View on X"</a>, Radu Oncescu on X</li>
</ul>
<h2>Search Engine Land Stories:</h2>
<ul>

<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-business-profile-audit-local-rankings-472990" title="5-step Google Business Profile audit to improve local rankings">5-step Google Business Profile audit to improve local rankings</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/ai-ready-product-pages-scorecard-472901" title="A 6-point scorecard for AI-ready product pages">A 6-point scorecard for AI-ready product pages</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-removes-search-engine-land-article-473007" title="Google removes Search Engine Land article after false DMCA claim">Google removes Search Engine Land article after false DMCA claim</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/microsoft-lets-merchants-update-store-names-and-domains-in-merchant-center-473013" title="Microsoft lets merchants update store names and domains in Merchant Center">Microsoft lets merchants update store names and domains in Merchant Center</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/reddit-pro-new-features-public-beta-472991" title="Reddit Pro opens to all publishers, adds new features in public beta">Reddit Pro opens to all publishers, adds new features in public beta</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-editor-bug-links-structured-snippet-languages-across-accounts-472983" title="Google Ads Editor bug links structured snippet languages across accounts">Google Ads Editor bug links structured snippet languages across accounts</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-turboquant-algorithm-vector-search-472977" title="New Google TurboQuant algorithm improves vector search speed">New Google TurboQuant algorithm improves vector search speed</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/paid-media-optimization-long-sales-cycles-472893" title="Where paid media optimization should stop in long sales cycles">Where paid media optimization should stop in long sales cycles</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/build-custom-gpt-472870" title="How to build a custom GPT for business (that your team actually uses)">How to build a custom GPT for business (that your team actually uses)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/how-to-build-faqs-that-power-ai-driven-local-search-472773" title="How to build FAQs that power AI-driven local search">How to build FAQs that power AI-driven local search</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/global-spanish-ai-search-visibility-472833" title="What the 'Global Spanish' problem means for AI search visibility">What the 'Global Spanish' problem means for AI search visibility</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Other Great Search Stories:</h2>
<p><strong>AI & LLMs</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://yoast.com/ai-citations-explained/">AI Citations Explained: How they work and how cited by AI models</a>, Yoast</li>
<li><a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2026/03/30/copilot-cowork-now-available-in-frontier/">Copilot<< Cowork: Now<< available in Frontier</a>, Microsoft 365 Blog</li>
<li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/targets-google-gemini-ai-shop-terms-update-2026-3">Target Updates Terms for Google Gemini AI Shopping Integration</a>, Business Insider</li>
<li><a href="https://windowsontheory.org/2026/03/30/the-state-of-ai-safety-in-four-fake-graphs/">The state of AI safety in four fake graphs</a>, Windows On Theory</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Industry & Business</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.semrush.com/blog/seo-job-market-study/">What 3,900 SEO Job Listings Reveal in 2026: Experiments, AI, and Six-Figure Salaries</a>, Semrush</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Links & Content Marketing</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.wordstream.com/blog/employee-generated-content">Employee-Generated Content: Tips, Examples, & Benefits</a>, WordStream</li>
<li><a href="https://www.koozai.com/blog/digital-pr/using-ai-for-pr-heres-where-it-goes-wrong/">Using AI for PR? Here's Where It Goes Wrong</a>, Koozai</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Local & Maps</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/maps/google-maps-simplifies-battery-predictions-and-trip-planning-for-350-android-auto-ev-models/">Google Maps simplifies battery predictions and trip planning for 350+ Android Auto EV models.</a>, Google Blog</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>SEO</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://search-off-the-record.libsyn.com/are-websites-getting-fat-page-weight-html-size-googlebot-limits-explained">Are websites getting 'fat'? Page weight, HTML size & Googlebot limits explained</a>, Search Off the Record</li>
<li><a href="https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/parasite-seo-clickout-media-google/">Expose of parasite SEO firm Clickout Media removed from Google</a>, Press Gazette</li>
<li><a href="https://www.seerinteractive.com/insights/what-if-the-best-geo-strategy-is-the-one-you-stopped-investing-in">What If the Best GEO Strategy Is the One You Stopped Investing In?</a>, Seer Interactive</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>PPC</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://ppcnewsfeed.com/ppc-news/2026-03/google-ads-editor-bug-copied-structured-snippets/">Google Ads Editor Bug Links Copied Structured Snippets</a>, PPC News Feed</li>
<li><a href="https://www.jumpfly.com/blog/ai-in-online-advertising-5-key-trends-from-march-2026/">AI in Online Advertising: 5 Key Trends from March 2026</a>, JumpFly Digital Marketing Blog</li>
<li><a href="https://about.ads.microsoft.com/en/blog/post/march-2026/all-in-on-ai-discovery-to-influence-in-geo-part-1">GEO & AI Search: From Discovery to Influence (Part 1)</a>, Microsoft Advertising</li>
<li><a href="https://ppcnewsfeed.com/ppc-news/2026-03/google-ads-free-credit-offers-stop-applying-automatically/">Google Ads Free Credit Offers Stop Applying Automatically</a>, PPC News Feed</li>
<li><a href="https://blog.majestic.com/training/seo-and-paid-serach-working-together/">How SEO and Paid Search can work more effectively together</a>, Majestic SEO Podcast</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Search Features</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-30/openai-s-chatgpt-app-store-took-aim-at-apple-but-results-lag-so-far">OpenAI's ChatGPT App Store Took Aim at Apple, But Results Lag So Far</a>, Bloomberg</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Other Search</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://developers.googleblog.com/announcing-adk-for-java-100-building-the-future-of-ai-agents-in-java/">Announcing ADK for Java 1.0.0: Building the Future of AI Agents in Java</a>, Google Developers Blog</li>
<li><a href="https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/30/apple-intelligence-rolling-out-now-in-china-per-user-reports/">Apple Intelligence rolling out now in China, per user reports</a>, 9to5Mac</li>
</ul>
<h2>Feedback:</h2>
<p>
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/rustybrick/">@rustybrick</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/seroundtable">@seroundtable</a>, on <a href="https://www.threads.net/@rustybrick">Threads</a>, <a href="https://c.im/@rustybrick">Mastodon</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rustybrick.com">Bluesky</a> and you can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seoroundtable">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://news.google.com/publications/CAAiEGcxG7fAnv8WVJaUn-8kyrcqFAgKIhBnMRu3wJ7_FlSWlJ_vJMq3?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen">Google News</a>, add as a  <a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=seroundtable.com">preferred source on Google</a> and make sure to subscribe to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rustybrick?sub_confirmation=1">YouTube</a> channel, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id284443003">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tFYPk3RmdTfMKG6u074TS">Spotify</A>, or just contact us the <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/contact.php">old fashion way</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Search Forum Recap</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-on-why-core-updates-take-weeks-41133.html">
                    <title>Google On Why Core Updates Take Weeks To Fully Roll Out</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/google-on-why-core-updates-take-weeks-41133.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/google-core-update-1774906841.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Google Core Update"/></p><p>Google's John Mueller explained, one again, why it takes weeks to roll out a core update.  It is often because there are different components to core updates through the rollout stages, and each needs to be pushed individually. </p><p>This isn't new, Google told us this before with previous core updates.</p><p>But John reiterated it on <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/johnmu.com/post/3micislpfjs2g">Bluesky</A> saying, "sometimes they have to work step-by-step, rather than all at one time." "It's also why they can take a while to be fully live," he added.</p><p>The question came from 'ªJason Kilgore who wrote:</p><p><blockquote>Given the timing, I want to ask a core update related question. Usually, we see waves of volatility throughout the 2-3 weeks of a rollout.  Broadly, are different parts of core updated at different times? Or is it all reset at the beginning then iterated depending on the results?</blockquote></p><p>John replied:</p><p><blockquote>We generally don't announce "stages" of core updates.. Since these are significant, broad changes to our search algorithms and systems, sometimes they have to work step-by-step, rather than all at one time. (It's also why they can take a while to be fully live.)</p><p>I guess in short there's not a single "core update machine" that's clicked on (every update has the same flow), but rather we make the changes based on what the teams have been working on, and those systems & components can change from time to time.</blockquote></p><p>Here is a screenshot:</p><p><a href="https://images.seroundtable.com/johnmu-google-core-update-stages-1774906969.png" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/johnmu-google-core-update-stages-1774906969.png" style="max-width:100%" alt="Johnmu Google Core Update Stages"/></a></p><p>As you know, the <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-march-2026-core-update-41121.html">March 2026 core update</A> started to roll out Friday and we are watching it carefully.</p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/johnmu.com/post/3micislpfjs2g">Bluesky</A>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Google Updates</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:51:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/bing-transparent-sponsored-label-41131.html">
                    <title>Bing Tests Sponsored Label That Is Almost Transparent</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/bing-transparent-sponsored-label-41131.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/microsoft-gray-smoke-1774873477.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Microsoft Gray Smoke"/></p><p>Microsoft is at it again with its sponsored labels tests. This time, Microsoft is testing almost transparent sponsored labels within the Bing search results.  The labels are super grayed out and super hard to see.</p><p>This was spotted by Sachin Patel who posted this example on <a href="https://x.com/SachuPatel53124/status/2038574959111676270">X</a>:</p><p><a href="https://images.seroundtable.com/bing-transparent-sponsored-label-1774873520.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/bing-transparent-sponsored-label-1774873520.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Bing Transparent Sponsored Label"/></a></p><p>Microsoft <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/microsoft-responds-invisible-search-ad-labels-39997.html">responded to these invisible ad labels before</a> when we previously coverered <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/microsoft-bing-search-ads-hidden-35789.html">almost invisibile ad labels</a> and the <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/searchinternal.html?q=bing+hiding+ads&cx=002396771074467716933%3A9winkv77liu&cof=FORID%3A9&siteurl=www.seroundtable.com%2F">incredibly hard to see</A> ad labels</a>. </p><p>I guess Microsoft continues these tests.</p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://x.com/SachuPatel53124/status/2038574959111676270">X</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Bing Ads</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:41:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/chatgpt-location-sharing-41128.html">
                    <title>ChatGPT Enables Location Sharing For More Localized Near Me Results</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/chatgpt-location-sharing-41128.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/chatgpt-location-1774792855.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Chatgpt Location"/></p><p>Last week, OpenAI announced a new feature for ChatGPT named <a href="https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes#location-sharing">location sharing</a>. This allows you to share your precise location with ChatGPT, so ChatGPT can give you more localized and near me results.</p><p>OpenAI wrote:</p><p><blockquote>Users can now choose to share their device location so ChatGPT can provide more relevant information, such as local recommendations, news, and weather. Sharing your device location is completely optional and off until you choose to enable it. You can update device location sharing in Settings > Data Controls at any time.</blockquote></p><p>As Glenn Gabe put it on <a href="https://x.com/glenngabe/status/2037876364586426746">X</a>,  "Let's call this the "Near Me ChatGPT Update."</p><p>By enabling location sharing, it will allow ChatGPT more precisely reply to queries like 'what are the best coffee shops near me?', "ChatGPT can use your precise location to provide more relevant nearby results. On mobile devices, you can choose to toggle off precise location separately while keeping approximate device location sharing on for additional control."</p><p>This is rolling out to all ChatGPT consumers plans on iOS and web today with Android is coming soon.</p><p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I shared about the &quot;Near Me ChatGPT Update&quot; the other day and just let ChatGPT use my device location. This is supposed to enhance results for local queries. I just asked for the &quot;best steakhouses near me&quot; and several of the restaurants are ~45 minutes away. Both restaurants'... <a href="https://t.co/gRkMeuzMQt">pic.twitter.com/gRkMeuzMQt</a></p>&mdash; Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) <a href="https://twitter.com/glenngabe/status/2038595234410471841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2026</a></blockquote> </p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://x.com/glenngabe/status/2037876364586426746">X</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Other Search Engines</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:31:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ads-pmax-asset-group-theming-41127.html">
                    <title>Google Ads PMax Asset Group Theming</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ads-pmax-asset-group-theming-41127.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/google-ads-report-1737113248.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Google Ads Report"/></p><p>Google Ads is rolling out asset group theming for Performance Max campaigns.  This lets you copy an asset group and apply this theme to your text and images using Google AI.</p><p>Asset group theming in Performance Max allows you to quickly create seasonal, holiday, or stylistic variations of your existing ad creatives.</p><p>When you apply a theme to a copy of a high-performing asset group, you can generate new, relevant images and text assets with just a few clicks. This helps you efficiently scale campaigns for key moments without altering your original asset group. Learn more About generative images in Google Ads.</p><p>This update was spotted by Bia Camargo who posted about it on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bia-camargo_new-in-google-ads-seasonal-creative-minus-share-7442824668023169024-cM3V/">LinkedIn</a> and wrote, "You can take a high-performing asset group, clone it, and instantly apply a theme like Easter, Valentine's Day, Back to School or a sale. Google then generates themed image variations, suggests headlines and descriptions aligned to the moment and keeps your original asset group untouched so you can test safely.</p><p>Here is her screenshot:</p><p><a href="https://images.seroundtable.com/pmax-asset-group-theming-1774792360.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/pmax-asset-group-theming-1774792360.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Pmax Asset Group Theming"/></a></p><p>Here is a <a href="https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/16889979">help document</a> from Google on this.</p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bia-camargo_new-in-google-ads-seasonal-creative-minus-share-7442824668023169024-cM3V/">LinkedIn</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Google Ads</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:21:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-call-text-or-whatsapp-41126.html">
                    <title>Google May Call, Text or WhatsApp To Confirm Business Details</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-call-text-or-whatsapp-41126.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/google-phone-1774791682.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Google Phone"/></p><p>Google is sending out emails with updates on how Google Business Profiles may verify your business details. Google said it may "reach out using automated messages via call, text, or WhatsApp to the verified phone number on your Business Profile."</p><p>The email was posted by Payal Badhran on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/payal-badhran_googlebusinessprofile-localseo-seo-share-7443055908038828032-eo2b/">LinkedIn</a> who wrote, "I recently received an update from Google regarding changes to how business details are verified on Google Business Profiles (GBP)."</p><p>Here is a copy of that email:</p><p><a href="https://images.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-call-text-or-whatsapp-1774791603.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/google-business-profiles-call-text-or-whatsapp-1774791603.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Google Business Profiles Call Text Or Whatsapp"/></a></p><p>The email says:</p><p><blockquote>Confirm your business details via calls or messages from Google</p><p>To confirm your business details and keep your profile updated, Google may occasionally reach out using automated messages via call, text, or WhatsApp to the verified phone number on your Business Profile.</p><p>Any information you provide in response to these messages, including photos and posts, will be added to your profile on your behalf when applicable. You can edit or remove these updates at any time directly from your Business Profile.</p><p>To keep your profile in good standing and visible to customers, ensure any info you share aligns with our content policies. This helps prevent account suspensions to your account that may require an appeal process to reverse.</p><p>If you want to change your settings, you can stop automated messages from Google at any time.</blockquote></p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/payal-badhran_googlebusinessprofile-localseo-seo-share-7443055908038828032-eo2b/">LinkedIn</A>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Google Maps</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:11:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/recap-03-30-2026-41130.html">
                    <title>Daily Search Forum Recap: March 30, 2026</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/recap-03-30-2026-41130.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the <a href="http://www.seroundtable.com">Search Engine Roundtable</a> and other search forums on the web.</strong></p>
<p>
Google Search Console performance reports may be off again.  A teen SEO wants to save his family business, but Google thinks it might be too late.  Google is testing white background colors for AI Overview citations. Bing is testing AI-based shopping tab recommendations. Bing is also testing larger product ad formats.
</p>
<h2>Search Engine Roundtable Stories:</h2>
<ul>
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-performance-report-impressions-spiking-41129.html">Google Search Console Performance Report Impressions Spiking???</a></strong>
            <br />
            Google Search Console&#039;s performance report may have some sort of bug or tracking issue.  When you set some filters, you may see a huge spike in impressions start to show up in the report.
        </li>

        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-seo-spain-vacation-rental-41125.html">Google Chimes In On Teen SEO Wants To Save Family Spain Vacation Rental</a></strong>
            <br />
            Google's John Mueller chimed in on Reddit when a teenager of a family vacation rental business said he was trying to save his family business through SEO after being burned by previous SEOs.  In short, it seems the family has a vacation rental in Spain, and business is significantly down due to the loss of Google traffic.
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/white-background-tested-for-ai-overview-citations-41123.html">Is Google Ditching Blue Background For AI Citations? </a></strong>
            <br />
            New test places AI Overview citations on a white background without throwing any shade behind it. 
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/bing-shopping-ai-based-recommendations-41113.html">Bing Shopping Tests AI-Based Recommendations</a></strong>
            <br />
            Bing is testing a new AI-based recommendations section in the Shopping Tab. Bing adds this block to the top of the results, and shows AI-citations at the top right.
        </li>

    
        <li>
            <strong><a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/bing-tests-larger-product-ads-format-on-serp-41124.html">Bing Gives Product Ads Some Cushion </a></strong>
            <br />
            Bing spotted testing more listings in the sponsored product section at the top of its results. 
        </li>

</ul>
<h2>Other Great Search Threads:</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://x.com/brunoramoslara/status/2037092634309636320?s=46&t=9VuTI-rbvN3Kx7iAmNiszw">AdSense Updates for 2026   This week I had the monthly internal meeting with the #AdSense forum managers, and they presented the updates coming this year for the program.    For now, I can only share what's already active for most publishers</a>, Bruno Ramos Lara on X</li>
<li><a href="https://x.com/adsliaison/status/2037587953543676377">Did you know you can start partnering with YouTube creators for your performance campaigns right in Google Ads? This week, I've been in NYC for the YouTube Newfronts and sat down IRL(!) with Melissa Nikolic whose teams are building t</a>, AdsLiaison on X</li>
<li><a href="https://x.com/oncescuradu/status/2037477404541608347">Google now places a call to action button for posts shown in Google Discover from X, 'View on X"</a>, Radu Oncescu on X</li>
</ul>
<h2>Search Engine Land Stories:</h2>
<ul>

<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/heidi-sturrock-shares-how-a-costly-mistake-became-a-competitive-advantage-472865" title="Heidi Sturrock shares how a costly mistake became a competitive advantage">Heidi Sturrock shares how a costly mistake became a competitive advantage</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-brings-its-veo-video-generation-model-to-google-ads-globally-472836" title="Google brings its Veo video generation model to Google Ads globally">Google brings its Veo video generation model to Google Ads globally</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/youtube-test-video-titles-ai-summaries-472801" title="YouTube test replaces video titles with AI summaries">YouTube test replaces video titles with AI summaries</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/latest-jobs-in-search-marketing-378959" title="The latest jobs in search marketing">The latest jobs in search marketing</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/reddit-wikipedia-what-drives-ai-recommendations-472580" title="Stop chasing Reddit and Wikipedia: What actually drives AI recommendations">Stop chasing Reddit and Wikipedia: What actually drives AI recommendations</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/chatgpt-hits-100-million-in-ad-revenue-and-is-opening-self-serve-access-in-april-472797" title="ChatGPT hits $100 million in ad revenue and is opening self-serve access in April">ChatGPT hits $100 million in ad revenue and is opening self-serve access in April</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/chatgpt-ads-are-showing-up-alot-472791" title="ChatGPT ads are showing up '" a lot">ChatGPT ads are showing up '" a lot</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/seo-maturity-roas-medical-device-marketing-472630" title="How SEO maturity unlocked a 133x ROAS in medical device marketing">How SEO maturity unlocked a 133x ROAS in medical device marketing</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/ai-forward-campaigns-b2b-growth-472675" title="AI-forward campaigns are a B2B growth gold mine '" if you're patient">AI-forward campaigns are a B2B growth gold mine '" if you're patient</a></li>
<li><a href="https://searchengineland.com/google-released-v23-2-of-the-google-ads-api-472771" title="Google released v23.2 of the Google Ads API">Google released v23.2 of the Google Ads API</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Other Great Search Stories:</h2>
<p><strong>AI & LLMs</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/openai-codex-plugins-workflow-automation-upgrade/">OpenAI upgrades Codex to automate your workflows - and compete better with Claude Code</a>, ZDNET</li>
<li><a href="https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2026/03/ai-advice-sycophantic-models-research">AI overly affirms users asking for personal advice</a>, Stanford Report</li>
<li><a href="https://duaneforresterdecodes.substack.com/p/llmstxt-was-step-one-heres-the-architecture">llms.txt Was Step One. Here's the Architecture That Comes Next</a>, Duane Forrester Decodes</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Analytics</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://krmdigital.uk/blog/email-tel-clicks/">Tracking Telephone and Email Clicks in GA4</a>, KRM Digital Marketing</li>
<li><a href="https://measureu.com/ga4-audit-ai-claude/">The GA4 Audit That Used to Take 4 Hours Now Takes 4 Minutes With AI & Claude</a>, MeasureU</li>
<li><a href="https://krmdigital.uk/blog/gtm-constant/">Google Tag Manager Constant Variable</a>, KRM Digital Marketing</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Industry & Business</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/27/apple-google-ai-marketing">Apple hires Google exec to lead AI marketing</a>, Axios</li>
<li><a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/googles-real-time-ad-bidding-settlement-gets-final-court-nod">Google's Real Time Ad Bidding Settlement Gets Final Court Nod</a>, Bloomberg</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Links & Content Marketing</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.semrush.com/blog/how-to-find-content-ideas-with-semrush/">How to Find Content Ideas with Semrush</a>, Semrush</li>
<li><a href="https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/measurement-optimization/ai-agents-listen">Measuring Content Marketing: Let the AI Agents Listen</a>, Content Marketing Institute</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>SEO</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.searchpilot.com/resources/case-studies/this-test-revealed-an-unexpected-seo-signal-hiding-in-plain-sight">This Test Revealed an Unexpected SEO Signal Hiding in Plain Sight</a>, Search Pilot</li>
<li><a href="https://www.mariehaynes.com/why-googles-new-google-agent-is-the-biggest-mindset-shift-in-seo-history/">Why Google's New "Google-Agent" is the Biggest Mindset Shift in SEO History</a>, Marie Haynes</li>
<li><a href="https://signal.zyppy.com/p/google-click-signals">How Google Click Signals Drive SEO Rankings and AI Answers</a>, Zyppy Marketing</li>
<li><a href="https://www.womenintechseo.com/knowledge/seo-habits-for-consistent-results/">How to Build SEO Habits that Deliver Consistent Results</a>, Women in Tech SEO</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sistrix.com/blog/march-2026-core-update-radar-visibility-analysis-and-background/">March 2026 Core Update: Radar, Visibility Analysis and Background</a>, SISTRIX</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>PPC</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://ppcnewsfeed.com/ppc-news/2026-03/ads-advisor-ai-agent-promoted-email/">Ads Advisor AI Agent Promoted Via Email</a>, PPC News Feed</li>
<li><a href="https://ads-developers.googleblog.com/2026/03/increase-in-batch-job-service-request.html">Increase in Batch Job Service Request Size</a>, Google Ads Developer Blog</li>
<li><a href="https://ads-developers.googleblog.com/2026/03/new-google-ad-manager-api-read-only.html">New Google Ad Manager API read-only scope</a>, Google Ads Developer Blog</li>
<li><a href="https://ppcnewsfeed.com/ppc-news/2026-03/five-ways-boost-campaigns-google-ads-advisors/">Five Ways To Boost Campaigns With Google Ads Advisors</a>, PPC News Feed</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Other Search</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.mariehaynes.com/turboquant-has-the-potential-to-fundamentally-change-how-search-and-ai-works/">TurboQuant has the potential to fundamentally change how Search (and AI) works</a>, Marie Haynes</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-27/meta-to-launch-new-ai-glasses-aimed-at-prescription-wearers">Meta to Launch New AI Glasses Aimed at Prescription Wearers</a>, Bloomberg</li>
<li><a href="https://explodingtopics.com/blog/google-searches-per-day">How Many Google Searches Are There Per Day? Feb 2026</a>, Exploding Topics</li>
</ul>
<h2>Feedback:</h2>
<p>
Have feedback on this daily recap; let me know on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/rustybrick/">@rustybrick</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/seroundtable">@seroundtable</a>, on <a href="https://www.threads.net/@rustybrick">Threads</a>, <a href="https://c.im/@rustybrick">Mastodon</a> and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/rustybrick.com">Bluesky</a> and you can follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/seoroundtable">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://news.google.com/publications/CAAiEGcxG7fAnv8WVJaUn-8kyrcqFAgKIhBnMRu3wJ7_FlSWlJ_vJMq3?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen">Google News</a>, add as a  <a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=seroundtable.com">preferred source on Google</a> and make sure to subscribe to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/rustybrick?sub_confirmation=1">YouTube</a> channel, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id284443003">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4tFYPk3RmdTfMKG6u074TS">Spotify</A>, or just contact us the <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/contact.php">old fashion way</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Search Forum Recap</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-performance-report-impressions-spiking-41129.html">
                    <title>Google Search Console Performance Report Impressions Spiking???</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-performance-report-impressions-spiking-41129.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/analytics-google-1774870204.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Analytics Google"/></p><p>Google Search Console's performance report may have some sort of bug or tracking issue.  When you set some filters, you may see a huge spike in impressions start to show up in the report.</p><p>This may be similar to that <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-average-impression-increase-40552.html">num 100 spike</a> we saw last year.</p><p>Brodie Clark was the first to post about this and wrote on <a href="https://x.com/brodieseo/status/2038484384202781137">X</a> - he said, "there is something bizarre going on with Google Search Console data right now."  He said this happens when he filters by the merchant listing filter, "using the 'merchant listings' search appearance filter, which has historically been independent of the influence of rank trackers (because of an impression being recorded only after a grid result is selected), is now a mess," he wrote.</p><p>Here is his screenshot:</p><p><a href="https://images.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-performance-report-impressions-spiking-1774870487.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/google-search-console-performance-report-impressions-spiking-1774870487.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Google Search Console Performance Report Impressions Spiking"/></a></p><p>Brodie added that this is across several large-scale eCommerce sites, "CTR data is no longer accurate for desktop, with there now being many queries appearing that are clearly related to tools, with significant increases in impressions from this past week in particular."</p><p>I am not sure how widespread this is, if it is limited to just the merchant listing filter or not...</p><p>Here is his post:</p><p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heads-up: there is something bizarre going on with Google Search Console data right now.<br><br>Similar to the changes that came to light after the disabling of &num=100, impressions are again skyrocketing for specific surfaces on desktop.<br><br>For example, using the 'merchant listings''... <a href="https://t.co/1uYaHiW7rh">pic.twitter.com/1uYaHiW7rh</a></p>'" Brodie Clark (@brodieseo) <a href="https://twitter.com/brodieseo/status/2038484384202781137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2026</a></blockquote> </p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://x.com/brodieseo/status/2038484384202781137">X</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Google Search Engine Optimization</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:51:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                            <item rdf:about="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-seo-spain-vacation-rental-41125.html">
                    <title>Google Chimes In On Teen SEO Wants To Save Family Spain Vacation Rental</title>
                    <link>https://www.seroundtable.com/google-seo-spain-vacation-rental-41125.html</link>
                    <author>Barry Schwartz</author>

                    <description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://images.seroundtable.com/spain-vacation-home-1774790192.jpg" style="max-width:100%" alt="Spain Vacation Home"/></p><p>Google's John Mueller chimed in on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/bigseo/comments/1s5xxhd/teen_building_seo_to_save_family_business/">Reddit</a> when a teenager of a family vacation rental business said he was trying to save his family business through SEO after being burned by previous SEOs.  In short, it seems the family has a vacation rental in Spain, and business is significantly down due to the loss of Google traffic.</p><p>The teenager asked a number of very specific SEO questions and added, "I am really lost and dont know how to proceed, and I CANT AFFORD to FAIL HERE."</p><p>The problem is, those specific SEO questions most likely won't make any difference. John Mueller from Google chimed in and wrote:</p><p>SEO is not magic:</p><p><blockquote>Fundamentally, I think you need to keep in mind that any website with magical SEO won't necessarily rank highly in search results quickly, or necessarily drive clients to a business. If there were such a thing as making a website with perfect SEO that drives all the clients to one business, everyone here would be retired and living in ... idk, Spain :).</blockquote></p><p>Competition is rough:</p><p><blockquote>The online market for vacation rentals it hard, there's very strong competition from large aggregators, not just in terms of ranking, but also in terms of brand recognition. This is not to say that you can't get 40-50% more traffic from search (it really depends on the situation of the site), but this is (usually!) not a matter of just putting some meta-tags on a SEO optimized page that comes out of ChatGpt, targeting "house", "surroundings", "family vacation", etc. (Aside, keep in mind that many GenAI-made sites end up with JS frameworks that are traditionally more complex for SEO.)</blockquote></p><p>And his advice:</p><p><blockquote>My recommendation would be to find some more experienced folks who have time & interest in helping you check out the overall situation (what's the real headroom vs what has just changed in today's world? what's a realistic timeline - in the best/worst cases?), and help you to figure out a reasonable plan of attack. I don't think this is something that random reddit comments can solve (unless ... your site is actively blocking search engines, which it doesn't sound like it is). Ultimately, there's no guarantee that doing SEO well can solve this, so IMO it makes sense to go at this in a thoughtful & realistic way -- and perhaps, spend enough time working out alternative approaches.</blockquote></p><p>You can scan through the thread and see John chime in more based on some advice around migrating stuff, which he thinks might be a bad idea.</p><p>These posts are always heartbreaking to read...</p><p>Forum discussion at <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/bigseo/comments/1s5xxhd/teen_building_seo_to_save_family_business/">Reddit</a>.</p>]]></description>

                    <dc:subject>Google Search Engine Optimization</dc:subject>
                    <dc:creator>Barry Schwartz</dc:creator>
                    <dc:date>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:41:00 -0400</dc:date>
                </item>

                    </rdf:RDF>
        