🔍 Google, links and clicks

Plus, ChatGPT image and voice prompts, Microsoft + Snapchat's My AI, Core Web Vitals guide and more. [View in browser]() | [Share]() Sep 26, 2023 [Search Engine Land]() Good morning, Search Marketer, let’s get ready to argue! Links continue to play an important role in Google Search – just not as much as in 2016 (when links were called one of the [top three Google ranking factors]()). Google’s Gary Illyes believes “[people overestimate the importance of links]()” and said it hasn’t been a top three factor “for some time.” I agree that links don’t have the same power as they once did (i.e., before Penguin) – though I know many still do (and loudly). Meanwhile, a former Google engineer claims Google tried to hide from us the fact that SEO can manipulate search results and that Google uses user data to rank search results. I’m not 100% sold this means clicks are a direct ranking factor. I don’t doubt Google is using all the Search data it collects, but more likely for training to ensure its algorithms are working as intended. Whatever you believe about links and clicks, know this: Google Search has evolved thanks to natural language processing, machine learning, BERT, MUM and more. Are you ready for what’s [Next]()? Danny Goodwin,Managing Editor, Search Engine Land & SMX [Conductor-Third-Door-Paid_Banner]() SEO [Links are not a top 3 Google Search ranking factor, says Gary Illyes]() [google-links-2017d-ss-1920] Google's Gary Illyes said people overestimate the importance of links, saying they haven't been a top 3 ranking factor for some time. SEO [Former Googler: Google ‘using clicks in rankings’]() [google-code-seo-algorithm8-ss-1920] Does this mean clicks are a direct ranking factor? No. In fact, BERT and MUM are making user data less important. PPC [ChatGPT rolls out voice and image prompts]() [shutterstock_2240464447] The new functionalities will be rolled out onto ChatGPT's subscription platform over the next two weeks. Search Engine Land webinar [Trends in Paid Search: Navigating the Digital Landscape in 2024]() [woman-watching-webinar-blue-banner_1920x1080] Dive into the future of paid search and explore the trends, strategies, and technologies that will shape the digital marketing landscape in 2024. PPC [Microsoft signs deal to serve sponsored links in Snapchat’s My AI]() [shutterstock_395057875] "Highly relevant" ads will be served to Snapchatters when they use My AI to search for related queries. Technical optimization [Measuring and optimizing for Google Core Web Vitals: A technical SEO guide]() [Measuring-and-optimizing-for-Google-Core-Web-Vitals-A-technical-SEO-guide] Dive into the current set of Core Web Vitals, plus tips and tools to boost your web performance and deliver a good page experience for users. [exclusive_300x250_v5]() SEO [Mapping the customer journey for SEO and marketing success]() [Navigating-the-SEO-highway-Mapping-the-customer-journey-for-marketing-success] Here's why mapping the customer journey is vital for SEO success. Explore each step of the journey and optimize your strategy accordingly. Loyalty marketing [Strengthen customer loyalty with SMS marketing]() [woman_texting_phone_1920x1080] Learn why now is the right time to implement SMS marketing and get essential tips to build deeper loyalty through text. PPC [5 outdated marketing KPIs to toss and what to reference instead]() [5-outdated-marketing-KPIs-to-toss-and-what-to-reference-instead] Are your KPIs holding you back? It's time to rethink traditional marketing metrics and level up your campaign measurement strategy. Free training for search marketers [Your SMX agenda preview is here...]() [Do-your-SEO-and-PPC-teams-need-upskilling-or-reskilling] Expert-led sessions, eye-opening keynotes, live Q&A with speakers, engaging Coffee Talk meetups, live AI demos, instant on-demand access, a certificate of attendance… it’s all yours for free at SMX Next. Join us online Nov. 14-15 for an unforgettable training experience. [See your agenda preview]() From MarTech - [Kath Pay: Spotlight on the expert]() - [Samsung Ads introduces new CTV ad types]() - [Separating fact from fiction: How real are the problems with GA4?]() - [Join us online this week for MarTech: 45+ free sessions]() - [Why you’re not getting credit for your marketing efforts — and how AI can help]() [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.]() © 2006-2023 Third Door Media. All Rights Reserved. Safelist us. [To ensure delivery to your inbox, add us to your address book.]()