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๐Ÿ” Google interface test | Cross-device metrics

Good morning, search marketers, are you ready for some inspiration?

We know you're going to be April Fools'd out soon enough, so let's turn our attention to a veritable search hero. If you're not familiar with Karen Spรคrk Jones, now's your chance. Her Inverse Document Frequency algorithm, released in 1972, continues to underpin nearly all sophisticated search engine algorithms today. Yes, that includes those in use by Google, Bing and Duck Duck Go. Jones' innovation led to users being able to conduct searches with more natural language.

The next time you're searching Google, see if you can spot the latest home page test. Marketer Joe Youngblood alerted us to a new look for the Google search menu that includes icons for maps, news, shopping and more as well as a re-ordering of its vertical search services.

Google Ads advertisers should take note that cross-device metrics will be included in all attribution reports starting in May. The hitch is the inclusion isn't retroactive, so reports spanning periods before and after the change will include both calculations.

Lots more to read below, including a tip for Google Ads Grant advertisers.

Ginny Marvin
Editor-In-Chief

Quick links to stories mentioned above:
+ All Google Ads attribution reports will soon include cross-device conversion data
+ Why SEOs should get to know Karen Spรคrck Jones, originator of search engine algorithms
+ Google testing new search menu with icons for maps, news, shopping and more

 
 
 
Pro Tip
 

Stop underspending your free ad grant budget

If you're running a Grant account on Google Ads and want to make sure you use all of that free money, Daniel Gilbert of Brainlabs has a script to help.

"Naturally, you want to use your budget in its entirety every day. But you also want to make sure that budget goes to efficient keywords so that it's not wasted on mediocre keywords and runs out at midday. Manually, that's a bit of a balancing act between hitting budget and using highly performing keywords. This script emulates standard delivery but allows you to turn certain keywords on or off depending on whether you're on track to hit your budget."

Read More »

 

Let Customer Reviews Drive Your Conversions - Apr. 4

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Customer reviews are essential to SEO, reputation management and consumer trust in your brand. But did you know that reviews can significantly increase clickthrough and conversion rates? Join our experts as they discuss the hidden link between customer reviews and conversion rate optimization (CRO). They'll show you how to leverage customer reviews to boost online traffic, sales and revenue.

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Search Shorts
 

Move on already...

Remove old Search Console properties. Google's John Mueller said it is a good long term plan to just verify using the new domain property method and remove the individual property verifications.  Although, I am not sure if that is a great idea for SEOs who love to dig into the details of the data.

San Francisco Businesses. Do you own a business in San Francisco? Google My Business wants to hear from you. More details over here.

GMB Forums moving. Next up is the Google My Business support forums — they are moving to a new home soon.

Stop using #!. Google's John Mueller has said it again, stop using the old #! syntax for your URLs and AJAX sites — just stop it.

 
What we're reading
 

We've curated our picks from across the web so you can retire your feed reader

How To Bulk Remove URLs From Google, a Step-by-Step Guide – SEM Rush

HUD investigating Twitter, Google ad practices for discrimination: report – TheHill

Investis Digital Announces Acquisition of Vertical Measures to Enhance Digital and Performance Marketing Offerings – PR Newswire

Ranking #1 on Google Is Overrated (Ahrefs' Study of 100k Keywords) – ahrefs.com

Using SEO Data for Smarter Search Query Analysis – PPC Hero

 
 
 
Join Us
 

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Attend Search Engine Land's SMX Advanced, June 3-5, 2019 for expert-led sessions, networking (including the 2019 Search Engine Land Awards), and top amenities including WiFi, delicious meals, and snacks. This is your once-a-year event to learn only advanced SEO and SEM tactics. You'll come away with at least one tactic that you can immediately put to use… we guarantee it. View rates and register today!