🔍 Ranking ain't easy

Plus, Brave Search AI answers, Meta Threads ads, tracking in 2024 and more. [View in browser]() | [Share]() Apr 19, 2024 [Search Engine Land]() If ranking were easy, everyone would be number one, to paraphrase Search Engine Land contributor Bruce Clay from his [latest article](). There has been a lot of anger about Google killing websites and industries in the wake of the March 2024 core update, which is still rolling out. But some of us have been here before many times (e.g., Florida, Panda and Penguin were all devastating algorithm updates). I still vividly remember what ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt said in 2007: “We don’t actually want you to be successful. … The fundamental way to increase your rank is to increase your relevance.” Google doesn’t care whether you succeed or rank – or even exist in 2024. In SEO, you have to earn rankings/visibility, every day of every month of every year, consistently. Google doesn’t owe you traffic, rankings or a living. SEO isn’t easy – it can’t be. Search is an unfair, zero-sum game. There can only be one number one. And for every winner, there is a loser. So don’t waste time complaining about Google (or anybody or anything else). Use your time to be more productive. Figure out a strategy to move forward. As one fictional ex-president once put it: “You are entitled to nothing. … You build your future. It isn’t handed to you.” So keep building – or start rebuilding! Danny Goodwin,Managing Editor, Search Engine Land & SMX [Moz_MC24-EB2-SEL_300x250]() SEO [How to survive the search results when you’re using AI tools for content]() [How-to-survive-the-search-results-when-youre-using-AI-tools-for-content]() Avoid the pitfalls and enjoy the benefits of AI content creation. Adopt a collaborative approach that blends technology and human expertise. SEO [Brave Search unveils AI answer engine]() [lion-ai]() Brave's new Answer with AI features uses large language models to generate answers to queries directly in the search results. PPC [Meta could launch Threads ads this year]() [shutterstock_2327525131]() Brands and marketers might be able to buy ads on the text-based platform Threads sooner than expected. SEO [7 tips to improve your website speed in 2024]() [DebugBear-26-Mar-2024-Feature-Image]() Learn what you can do to improve the page load time and Google Core Web Vitals of your website. Search Engine Land webinar [Beyond the search bar: Building an impactful SEO team structure]() [Live-webinar-RSVP-today-1]() Discover how a well-structured team can overcome and outperform unpredictable algorithm updates PPC [Tracking in 2024: Where we are and how to prep]() [Tracking-in-2024-Where-we-are-and-how-to-prep]() Learn the technical and marketing implications of the end of third-party cookies, and a four-part plan to get ready for the shift. [Wix_NL-Client-retention-checklist_300x250]() PPC [B2B audience targeting: Meta Ads as an alternative to LinkedIn]() [B2B-audience-targeting-Meta-Ads-as-an-alternative-to-LinkedIn]() Reach your ideal B2B customers on Meta Ads for a fraction of the cost of LinkedIn with these ad creative and audience targeting strategies. MarTech intelligence reports [How AI is transforming email marketing]() [MarTech-guide-to-email-marketing-platforms_Get-your-copy-now]() Learn best practices for creating more relevant, personalized emails with the newest AI-powered platforms using this marketer’s resource. PPC [7 ways to use generative AI in PPC]() [7-ways-to-use-generative-AI-in-PPC]() Practical tips for incorporating generative AI into PPC copywriting, keyword research, account structure building and audience analysis. Advanced SEO, PPC, and AI training [Preview the SMX Advanced agenda]() [The-new-blueprint-for-customer-experience-Always-on-always-listening-]() Exclusive keynotes, tactic-rich sessions tackling critical search marketing issues, engaging meetups, live Q&A with industry legends… it’s all yours at SMX Advanced, online June 11-12. [See what’s in store]() From MarTech - [Why the shift from ‘conversions’ to ‘key events’ in GA4 is a game-changer]() - [Adtech’s approaches to greener marketing]() - [AI-powered martech releases and news: April 18]() - [Decoding generative AI: Top LLMs and the app ecosystems they support]() - [What is marketing work management?]() [bit.ly/SELdailynewsletter]() Connect with us! [LinkedIn]() [Twitter]() [Facebook]() [Email]() [Search Engine Land]() Reach the Search Engine Land community. Learn about advertising/sponsorship [here](). This email was sent to {EMAIL}. [Unsubscribe.]() [We respect your privacy.]() This email was sent by: Search Engine Land - a Third Door Media, Inc. publication with headquarters at 88 Schoolhouse Road, PO Box 3103, Edgartown, MA 02539 [Manage my subscriptions.]() © 2006-2024 Third Door Media. All rights reserved. Safelist us. [To ensure delivery to your inbox, add us to your address book.]()